Ph.D. Program (PhD)
What will you study, and why should you study at Bar-Ilan?
Information About the PhD Program in Physics
What lies behind particle accelerators, the discovery of distant exoplanets, or the development of smart materials? A PhD in Physics at Bar-Ilan University offers an exceptional opportunity to participate in groundbreaking research across a wide range of fields and tackle some of the most significant scientific challenges of our time.
The PhD program is designed to cultivate independent researchers with creativity, strong analytical skills, and critical thinking. Doctoral candidates join advanced research groups working in areas such as electro-optics, particle physics, atomic biophysics, condensed matter physics, medical physics, astrophysics, and many others. The program provides a unique platform to work alongside leading researchers and contribute to innovative studies that advance science and technology on a global scale.
In addition, the program encourages international collaborations, participation in scientific conferences, and opportunities to publish research in prestigious academic journals. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art research laboratories, cutting-edge technological infrastructure, and outstanding academic support.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the PhD program in Physics enjoy a wide range of prestigious career opportunities.
Academia: PhD graduates pursue careers as researchers and faculty members at leading universities around the world, including Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Oxford, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and many others.
Industry: Physicists with a PhD hold key positions at leading companies such as Intel, Apple, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Microsoft, HP, and others. Career paths include research and development (R&D), technology management, and innovation leadership.
The growing demand for professionals with broad scientific expertise and the ability to solve complex problems makes a PhD in Physics an excellent foundation for leadership roles in science, technology, and innovation.
Program Structure
The PhD program in Physics offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing students to focus on the research areas that interest them most.
Independent Research and Doctoral Dissertation: The core of the program is dedicated to advanced, independent research conducted under the supervision of leading faculty members. Each doctoral project addresses a unique scientific question with the potential to advance the field of physics and contribute to the broader scientific community.
Required Course (2 Credits) and Advanced Elective Courses (14 Credits): Students complete one required course and select advanced electives from a broad range of subjects, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and other scientific disciplines. The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical depth and practical knowledge, with course selections tailored to support each student's individual research.
Colloquium and Teaching: The program includes required training in scientific presentation, university teaching, and academic writing. As part of this component, students present their research to professional audiences, gain teaching experience through academic instruction, and participate in activities aimed at communicating science to the broader public.
Program Courses
Activities and Practical Experience
As part of the PhD program in Physics at Bar-Ilan University, you can choose to specialize in a variety of research fields, including:
Electro-Optics and Photonic Materials: Developing advanced technologies with applications in communications, medicine, and energy.
Condensed Matter Physics: Investigating the properties of materials and their applications in cutting-edge technologies.
Medical Physics: Developing advanced methods and technologies to improve human health and medical care.
Astrophysics: Exploring the structure of the universe, stars, and exoplanets using advanced observational and theoretical approaches.
Admission Requirements
The PhD program in Physics offers three admission tracks:
Regular Track: Intended for applicants who hold a Master's degree with a thesis and a minimum GPA of 85.
Direct Track: Intended for outstanding Bachelor's degree graduates (minimum GPA of 90). This track includes the completion of Master's-level coursework and a research thesis before progressing to the doctoral stage.
Combined Track: Intended for outstanding Master's students who integrate their Master's thesis research with their doctoral research. Upon successful completion, students are awarded both a Master's degree with a thesis and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
Admission Process
Application and Admission Process for the PhD Program in Physics
Submit Initial Application Documents
Applicants begin by submitting an initial inquiry via email to the department, including a curriculum vitae (CV) and an official academic transcript. The department reviews the applicant's academic background to determine eligibility for the program.
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Eligibility Review and Academic Advising
After reviewing the submitted documents, the department will schedule an advising meeting to discuss the applicant's research interests, assess their academic background, and recommend potential faculty supervisors.
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Identify a Faculty Supervisor and Meet with Faculty Members
Applicants are encouraged to review the department's faculty profiles, arrange meetings with potential supervisors, visit research laboratories, and identify the faculty member whose research best matches their interests.
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Supervisor Approval and Submission to the Department Office
Once both the applicant and the prospective supervisor agree to work together, the supervisor commitment form is completed and submitted to the department office to continue the admission process.
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Complete the University Application
After completing the previous steps, applicants submit their official application through the Bar-Ilan University admissions website, including all required supporting documents.
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Receive the Official Admission Letter
Following departmental approval, successful applicants receive an official admission letter from the School of Graduate Studies.
Contact Information
For questions or additional information about the PhD program in Physics, the department staff will be happy to assist you.
By Phone:
+972-3-531-8433 / +972-3-531-8434
Sunday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
By Email:
Department Office: physics.dept@biu.ac.il
Dr. Elisheva Sasson, Graduate Studies Advisor: sasonel@biu.ac.il
Open Zoom Office Hours:
Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Last Updated Date : 05/08/2026
