How to Apply

The war in Gaza ended in October 2025 with the implementation of the first phase of a US-backed ceasefire. This development brought an end to rocket fire by proxy groups, resulting in an immediate reduction in disruptions to daily activities, including travel by students to important sites in Jerusalem and within the Holy Land. 

Tourism has experienced a gradual recovery following the ceasefire, with hotel operations and flight services resuming and an increase in booking activity. Jerusalem, in particular, has recorded a notable rise in the number of visitors. The city is quiet and peaceful. 

Security measures at the Jerusalem Center are consistent with those that have been in place for many years. While regional tensions are substantially reduced, given the regional context and potential for conflict, regular security risk assessments are an important element of the Center's day-to-day management. 

To apply for a Jerusalem Center Program, 1) review the Eligibility Requirements and Admissions Process outlined below, 2) choose the APPLY FOR ADMISSION link at the bottom of this page, and 3) follow the instructions to complete the required 6 STEPS to finish the application.

Eligibility Requirements

• Participation is limited to continuing full-time students, currently enrolled in a first undergraduate program at BYU, BYU-Idaho, or BYU-Hawaii (attending at least two 12-credit semesters in residence for each academic year).
• The Admissions Committee must be able to review the successful completion of at least two semesters of full-time (12 credits) study prior to application, which means students may not apply during their second semester as grades would not be available to the Admissions Committee. 
  • Enrollment in online courses, AP and other “earned” credit does not count towards this requirement.
  • Transfer credit from full-time attendance at another university can count towards the two-semester requirement, but transfer students must complete at least one semester of full-time study at a BYU institution prior to application.
• Applicants must have at least a 2.5 current and cumulative GPA and be in good standing (no academic or Honor Code warning, probation, etc.).
• Applicants must sign the Center’s Participation Agreement. The Participation Agreement includes the Non-proselytizing restriction, CES Honor Code, and the Jerusalem Center Dress & Grooming Standards as well as any other special rules governing conduct and appearance while enrolled in a Jerusalem Center Program; meet the application and payment deadlines; and be able to actively participate in a rigorous field trip program.
• Students who are married or pursuing graduate degrees are not eligible to attend.

Admissions Process

Part I: Applications are accepted during a two-week application window for each program. All qualified applications received during those two weeks are considered on an equal basis. If more students apply than the Jerusalem Center can accommodate, applicants will be randomly drawn for initial placement on the program or for an adequate waiting list. If both the program and waiting lists are filled, those remaining will receive a deposit refund. There are separate lists for men and women due to housing accommodations, and the need for a random draw will depend on the number of applications received for each gender. Applications received after the two-week time period will be considered on a space-available basis in the order received. However, applications may close at any time after the two week window if we receive more applicants than we can place in the program.

Part II: Each applicant given initial placement in Part I of the admissions process will be interviewed for final acceptance. Students will be admitted for study at the Jerusalem Center based on their preparation for, and ability to benefit from study at the Jerusalem Center, as well as for their ability to contribute to the success of the experience for others in the unique Jerusalem Center setting. Students placed on the waiting list will also be interviewed as space becomes available.