As the Technion prepares to welcome new and returning students for the 2024-2025 academic year, the atmosphere is both hopeful and somber. Despite ongoing rocket fire in the Haifa vicinity and escalations in the war with Hezbollah in the north, the Technion community stands united in its dedication to learning, perseverance, and the future of Israel. Each student and faculty member returns with a shared sense of purpose, reaffirming the Technion’s commitment to excellence, resilience, and hope. Orientation for new students is set to take place under the guidance of Home Front Command to ensure safety.

This year, the Technion is welcoming approximately 3,100 new students, including approximately 2,100 undergraduates — 48% of whom are women — and about 1,000 graduate students. The largest faculties in terms of enrollment are the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Henry and Marilyn Taub Faculty of Computer Science, and the Faculty of Data and Decision Sciences, reflecting a surge in interest in high-tech fields. These enrollment figures, consistent with last year and surpassing those of 2022–2023, speak volumes about the commitment of students who continue to choose the Technion, even in challenging times.

In total, around 15,000 students will study at the Technion this year, with about 4,700 pursuing advanced degrees. Women make up 45% of the undergraduate cohort and 40.5% of graduate students, demonstrating the University’s growing diversity and inclusion efforts. This student body also includes 203 students studying at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute in New York City.

Yet, as the academic year begins, more than 1,000 Technion students are currently serving in the military reserves — many on their third rotation. Despite the extraordinary demands on these students, the dropout rate has not increased, and reservists have continued to maintain high academic standards, thanks in part to the extensive support provided by the Technion, including academic assistance, tutoring, and financial aid.

Technion President Professor Uri Sivan underscored the institution’s resilience, stating, “The war has also come to our home, to our campuses in Haifa. The Technion family has suffered painful losses, with students and alumni killed or murdered. Despite the pain, we will continue as we always have; we will not shy away from our mission or retreat. We will begin our 101st year on campus, in classrooms, and research labs, aware of the threats and adhering to Home Front Command instructions, knowing this is the right thing to do. This has been our response over the last century, through crises no less challenging. This is our response to the October 7th massacre and the war that followed. We will continue to develop Technion, establish research centers, and conduct pioneering research. We will continue training the next generation of scientists, engineers, doctors, educators, and architects to ensure Israel’s future. This is a challenging year for all students, faculty, and particularly for reservists, and we will do our utmost to ease their burden.”

Professor Hossam Haick, dean of undergraduate studies, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the unwavering commitment of both students and faculty. “This is a complex and challenging time, marked by the ongoing war. These are undoubtedly difficult times, but in such days, our commitment to our students only grows stronger. Enrollment at the Technion has not declined and has even risen compared to past years. The Technion is here to provide students with the tools and knowledge needed to face challenges and to support them at every step of their academic journey. We assure you that your investment here will be rewarded with a rich and meaningful educational experience.”

Dean of Students Professor Ayelet Fishman extended her support to students serving in the reserves, acknowledging the sacrifices they continue to make. “Many of our students are currently serving in the reserves, and I send them strength and support. As we did last year, we will do everything to help them reintegrate into their studies upon returning from reserve duty, with extensive support. The Dean of Students, the Student Counseling and Support Center, the Financial Aid Unit, and the campus psychological services are all available to students for any issue, and I invite you to make use of them.”