Program Overview
The B.Sc. in Renewable Natural Resources is an interdisciplinary, English-taught degree designed to prepare students to take on today’s most pressing environmental challenges—from climate change and sustainability to resource management.
Students build a strong scientific foundation while gaining practical, hands-on tools to address the sustainable use and conservation of soil, water, and ecosystems.
At the heart of the program is the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research (BIDR),—a globally recognized research center bringing together leading scientists across fields such as hydrology, renewable energy, environmental science, sustainable agriculture, and water technologies.
A Living Laboratory for Global Impact
Located in the Negev Desert, BIDR offers a unique opportunity to study in a real-world environment where the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and desertification are actively being addressed. This “living laboratory” allows students to move beyond theory and engage directly with solutions that are shaping the future of our planet.
BGU’s long-standing commitment to environmental research and innovation makes this program a natural next step in training the next generation of scientists, leaders, and problem-solvers.
A Global Perspective
Designed for international students, the program fosters a diverse and collaborative environment, creating a global network of future environmental leaders. Graduates leave not only with academic knowledge, but with the mindset, experience, and connections to drive meaningful change worldwide.
Potential Students:
This program is for students who are curious, driven, and ready to take on real environmental challenges—not just study them.
If you’re passionate about sustainability, climate, water, or the future of our planet, and want a hands-on, science-based experience in a real-world setting, you’ll thrive here.
Why Study RNR at BGU?
- Study sustainability in a real-world desert environment
- Access to leading research in:
- Renewable energy
- Water technologies
- Climate and environmental science
- Learn in one of Israel’s top innovation ecosystems
- Strong preparation for:
- Graduate studies
- Careers in environmental science, policy, and sustainability
Career Opportunities: Where It Can Take You
Graduates go on to careers in government, environmental consulting, private industry, NGOs, and sustainability-focused startups—or continue to advanced degrees (MSc/PhD) in the natural sciences.
Location of Studies
Studies take place at:
- Beer-Sheva Campus (main campus)
- Sde Boker Campus (Desert Research Institutes)
This dual-campus structure allows students to combine academic study with hands-on experience in one of the world’s most unique natural laboratories—the Negev Desert.
Language of Instruction
- The program is taught entirely in English and requires a minimum level of “Advanced B” in English
What You’ll Study
This program combines a strong scientific foundation with hands-on learning focused on real-world sustainability challenges—across water, soil, energy, and ecosystems.
Program Structure
- Year 1: Build your scientific foundation while exploring key topics in renewable natural resources and their role in solving global environmental challenges.
- Year 2: Dive into core subjects in environmental science and resource management.
- Year 3: Specialize in one of three tracks:
- Environmental Agrobiology
Plant sciences, biodiversity, conservation, and ecosystem interactions
- Environmental Science
Climate, sustainability, environmental physics and chemistry, and natural resources
- Environmental Technologies
Water treatment, renewable energy, food security, desert-tech, and sustainability innovation
General Requirements
- High school diploma (Israeli or equivalent international qualification) and or Matriculation certificate (or equivalent)
- Background in mathematics required
- Intermediate: 85%+ (B+)
- Advanced: 75%+ (B-)
Applicants with International High School Diplomas
For applicants whose international high school credentials cannot be converted into an Israeli matriculation (Bagrut) average, and for whom a quantitative admissions score (Sechem) cannot be calculated, the following admission requirements apply:
- Psychometric Entrance Test: Minimum score of 600, including a Quantitative Reasoning score of at least 125, and completion of Mathematics as part of the high school curriculum.
OR
- SAT: Minimum total score of 1150, including a Math score of at least 650, and completion of Mathematics as part of the high school curriculum.
Application Notes
- Transcripts must be officially translated into English (if needed)
- Standardized test scores (Psychometric / SAT / ACT) are required for admission.
Admissions Exceptions Policy
Applicants who meet the English language requirement and whose quantitative admissions score is up to 20 points below the required threshold may be reviewed individually by the Departmental Admissions Committee based on their overall academic profile.
Admission under the exceptions policy is subject to space availability within the department and may be considered at various points throughout the admissions cycle.
Applicants with Previous Academic Studies
- Applicants who meet the admission requirements will be admitted without the need to submit university transcripts.
- Applicants who do not meet the admission threshold may be reviewed by the Departmental Admissions Committee after submitting an up-to-date academic transcript, provided they have met the English language requirement and hold a recognized high school diploma (or equivalent).
- Applicants who are currently enrolled in academic studies ("active students") will be reviewed by the Department after their first-semester grades have been updated.
- Applicants who have failed courses in previous academic studies are encouraged to submit a letter explaining the circumstances.
**The awarding of a Bachelor’s degree in Renewable Natural Resources is subject to approval by the Council for Higher Education. Ben-Gurion University is not currently authorized to grant a Bachelor’s degree in Renewable Natural Resources, and such authorization is contingent upon approval by the Council for Higher Education.
If the program does not receive accreditation, students will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Ben-Gurion University. Applicants are required to sign a declaration within the Department of Renewable Natural Resources confirming that they are aware of this information.
