Financial Assistance

Information on Financial Assistance for Israel Experiences

UJIA’S ACCESS ISRAEL FUND

The Access Israel Fund is UJIA’s dedicated initiative to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent young British Jews from participating in transformative Israel experiences.

UJIA recognises that Israel’s centrality to Jewish identity and community leadership is increasingly under challenge, and believes it is more important than ever to sustain and grow flagship programmes like Israel Tour and Gap Years in Israel.

These programmes provide young people with first-hand experiences that strengthen their connection to Israel, reinforce Jewish values, and inspire future leaders. However, rising costs and the economic pressures facing families threaten access to these vital experiences.

UJIA is committed to ensuring that no Jewish 16-year-old or 18-year-old misses out on these essential rites of passage due to financial barriers, safeguarding the next generation’s Jewish identity and leadership potential.

ISRAEL TOUR

UJIA offers the opportunity to apply for financial support through bursaries and interest-free loans, to families who are unable to meet the costs of Israel Tour or require more time to pay. Our aim is that no young person will miss out on the opportunity to attend a rite of passage UJIA Israel Experience supported Israel Tour as a result of financial need. 

There are three application tracks that parents & guardians can choose to apply for:

Hardship Funding

Applicants will be entitled to apply for this funding if the parents/guardians that the participant is living with are receiving means-tested benefits such as Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Free School Meals

Exceptional Circumstances

If not eligible for Hardship Funding, applicants may apply for financial assistance under this category. Gross total household income must not exceed £85,000.

Interest Free Loan from UJIA

Applicants are entitled to apply for up to 60% of the cost of tour. Decisions will be based on affordability, and they may not be offered a loan for the full amount requested.

We deal with applications on a first come, first served basis, therefore if you do not apply before the deadline, we cannot guarantee that there will be funds available. However, for those who experience a change in financial circumstances before the programme start date, we will do our best to accommodate later applications where possible. You can also contact your Youth Movement/Organisation directly for more information.

Enquiries about financial assistance for an Israel Tour should be directed, in the first instance, to the youth movement you are going on Israel Tour with. Applications are done in conjunction with and through your youth movement, and as part of your overall participant application process.

Click Here for Israel Tour - More Info and Required Documentation Guide

GAP YEAR PROGRAMMES IN ISRAEL

Participants from the UK are eligible to access UJIA’s “Access Israel Fund” support for financial assistance. There are two types of assistance available:

  1. “Needs-based bursaries” that are aimed at financial inclusion.
  2. “Merit-based scholarships” that are aimed at investing in future leaders’ relationship with Israel.

Bursaries (Needs-Based)

Eligibility for Needs-Based Bursaries:

Please note UJIA bursaries are means-tested and restricted to families where gross household income is lower than £100,000. 

Example documentation required:

  • Application form filled out by both guardians and applicants.
  • Proof of income (e.g. SA302, P60, P45, 3 consecutive payslips, self-assessment tax form, signed letter from accountants, benefits summary letter) These requirements are detailed on the form.

Please note that there must be also be a financial contribution from MASA and the youth movement or programme provider to be eligible for UJIA awards.

  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so apply as soon as possible.
  • If you are considering a gap year programme but have not yet secured a place, you should still apply.

Bursaries are contingent on programme acceptance. While all applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, processing priority will be given based on programme start dates, meaning those starting earlier may be reviewed first.

Reach out in confidence to the youth movement or programme provider you are applying to for further details or any queries, and to receive the application form. You can also access the application form on the link below.

Click Here for Gap Year Bursaries - To Apply

Scholarships (Merit-Based)

The UJIA Gap Year Scholars initiative is a transformative opportunity for young Jewish leaders in the UK. This programme is designed to provide substantial financial assistance for long-term immersive experiences in Israel, allowing young leaders to grow personally and professionally through a meaningful educational experience in Israel. The scholarships cover up to 50% of the programme costs, making these formative experiences more accessible for future leaders of our communities.

Eligibility for Scholarships:

  • Must be a participant in a MASA-approved gap-year programme (minimum of 4 months).
  • Must meet MASA’s eligibility criteria.
  • Must be attending a post-secondary school gap-year programme.
  • British resident.
  • Active member of the UK Jewish community.
  • Must intend to return to the UK after the gap year(s).

Selection Criteria:

  • Leadership Skills: Past leadership roles, teamwork, influence, conflict resolution, and public speaking abilities.
  • Activism: Involvement in advocacy, community engagement, and volunteering.
  • Personal Qualities: Empathy, integrity, resilience, initiative, and an inquisitive nature.
  • Vision and Future Plans: Clear goals and ambitions for future Jewish community contributions, innovative ideas for addressing issues, and awareness of global Jewish matters.

You can find out more information and apply on the link below.

Click Here for Gap Year Scholarships - More Info and to Apply