50-Years-Magazine-digital

24 50 Years of Opportunity at the OUI Perhaps the most unique population of students at the OUI are IDF soldiers studying towards academic degrees while completing mandatory IDF military service. STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) represent 86% of the degree programs studied by these soldiers. Soldiers from elite IDF units, including intelligence, cyber warfare, and commando units, study towards their undergraduate degrees, contributing significantly to Israel’s security. By providing higher education opportunities in tandem with military service, the OUI helps soldiers match the educational timelines of their international peers, giving them a head start in their professional lives while also serving their country. The OUI is the only university that allows soldiers to pursue their studies without compromising their military duties. This dual focus enhances their military service and provides significant value both to the IDF and the soldiers themselves. With over 2,000 active-duty IDF soldiers currently studying at the OUI, the university has been a leader in military education for over thirty years. The recent launch of the IDF College of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, offering an MBA to IDF soldiers, highlights the OUI’s commitment to their education. Soldiers can study fully online or through a hybrid model, with campus extensions on several army bases and over fifty study centers across Israel. Supporting active-duty soldiers in their higher education empowers them to realize their potential for excellence and leadership, securing Israel’s future. IDF Students