Opening of the 2024-25 Academic Year

The 2024-25 academic year at the Technion opened amidst recent rocket and missile fire over the Haifa area and the escalation of conflict in the north. The start of the year was postponed by one week to November 10, 2024, with the semester consisting of 12 weeks of instruction. Orientation days for new students were held at the faculties and followed Home Front Command guidelines for the Haifa area.

This year, approximately 3,100 new students joined the Technion: 2,100 in undergraduate programs, with 48% of them being women, and around 1,000 in graduate programs. Despite the war, these numbers are similar to last year’s enrollment and show an improvement from the 2023-24 academic year. The faculties with the highest numbers of new undergraduate students are those focused on high-tech disciplines – the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Henry and Marilyn Taub Faculty of Computer Science, and the Faculty of Data and Decision Sciences.

Approximately 15,000 students are studying at the Technion this academic year. Among the general undergraduate student population, 45% are women and 55% are men. There are approximately 4,700 students in graduate programs, with more than 40% being women. These numbers include 203 students studying at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech in New York.

More than 1,000 students, many in their third round of combat service, are on reserve duty as the semester begins. The dropout rate did not increase last year, and reserve students maintained high-grade averages despite many absences, thanks to the extensive support provided by the Technion that included a wide range of academic solutions, tutoring, personalized mentoring, emotional support, and financial assistance.

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan stated, “The war has reached the Haifa campuses. The Technion family has suffered painful losses, with students and alumni who have fallen or been murdered. Amidst the pain, we will continue to act as we always have; we will not retreat from our mission. Our 101st year started on campuses, in classrooms, and in research labs, with awareness of the threats and adherence to Home Front Command guidelines but with the clear knowledge that this is the right thing to do. This has been our response in the face of challenging crises for over a century, this is our response to the October 7 massacre, and this is our response to the war that has followed. We will continue to develop the Technion, establish research centers, and conduct groundbreaking research. We will keep training the next generation of scientists, engineers, doctors, educators, and architects who will ensure the future of the State of Israel. This year is challenging for all students, administrative staff, and faculty, especially for the reservists among them, and we will do everything we can to ease their burden.”

Dean of Undergraduate Studies Prof. Hossam Haick, added, “This is a complex and challenging time, overshadowed by ongoing war. These are undoubtedly difficult times, but our commitment to the students only grows stronger. Technion registration has not declined, it has increased compared to previous years. The Technion is here to provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to face challenges, and to support them on every step of their academic journey. We promise that your investment here will be rewarded with a rich and meaningful educational experience.”

Dean of Students Prof. Ayelet Fishman, said, “Many of our students are currently in reserve service, and I send them support and encouragement. As we did last year, we will do everything possible to help them reintegrate into their studies upon their return from reserve duty. The Dean of Students, the Student Counseling and Support Center, the Financial Assistance Unit, and the campus psychological services are here to help with any issues. I invite students to utilize these resources.”