Since its inception in 1955, Bar-Ilan University, the fastest-growing institution of higher education in Israel, has grown into a leading academic institution. The academic standard at Bar-Ilan University is among the highest in Israel. Its outstanding professors and researchers, personally committed to provide their students with excellent education, cultivate independent thinking and personal growth. The university provides BA, MA and PhD degrees on our award-winning campus just outside Tel Aviv and in our Medical school campus in the north of Israel, are joined by thousands more who are enrolled in certificate and enrichment programs, including the largest in-service teacher training program in Israel. BIU continuously expands its academic programs, rising to the challenges of global and local shifts, while maintaining the objective of academic excellence. Bar-Ilan University is world renowned for its research and development initiatives and its groundbreaking scientific accomplishments. The University's research centers span across a wide range of disciplines, such as nanotechnology, physics, bio-engineering, mathematics, brain research, computers, robotics, music, archeology, law, Jewish studies, Clinical medicine - Medical school, medicinal chemistry and optometry. Bar-Ilan University offers programs specifically designed for English speaking students: A one-year program for international undergraduate students, provides a unique experience combining the study of Jewish Heritage, academic studies and the exploration of the Land of Israel; the Ulpan Program, for improving Hebrew language skills; the International MBA Program; the Creative Writing Program, and more. Bar-Ilan offers several programs specifically designed for English speaking students. The one-year program for undergraduate students, provides a unique experience combining the study of Jewish Heritage, academic studies and the exploration of the Land of Israel. Students can also join the Ulpan Program, and improve their Hebrew skills. We also offer several English-language graduate programs, such as the International MBA Program, the Creative Writing Program, and more. But at Bar-Ilan we are not satisfied with merely being another great research university. We see our mission as something far more challenging and historic. We build character and leadership for Israel and the Jewish nation, based on the belief in the centrality of Israel to the Jewish world as its national homeland. We provide opportunities for our students and faculty to draw from traditional Jewish values to shape their deeds and destiny. The University is comprised of students from all over Israel; secular and religious; Jews and non-Jews; Sabras and new immigrants. Included within the BIU family, as well, are a multi-faceted academic faculty and administrative staff. Their confluence represents a mosaic of the State of Israel, providing a unique atmosphere for open exchange of ideas and embracement of the "other." Diversity is a key on the BIU campus, and tolerance and civility our operating code. At Bar-Ilan our students learn to assume social responsibility. They are provided with an opportunity to become knowledgeable Jews, both formally, though our unique program which requires every student to take academic level Jewish studies courses, thereby grounding them in the basics of Judaism, and informally, through the vast multitude of Jewish experiences available on campus. To paraphrase the inspirational quote of a renowned 19th century figure: At Bar-Ilan University we provide our students with “wings and roots” – the wings to ‘fly’ academically, scientifically – to push back new boundaries of knowledge, learn new things, explore new intellectual universes; and the roots to 'bind' them to this earth, to ensure they fulfill their moral and ethical obligations, and become better people and better Jews.