Enrolling and fitting in vocational studies can be challenging for Trans individuals, whether it is due to lack of resources, prejudice or other reasons. In order to make vocational and academic study resources more accessible, we have put together this list of trans-friendly institutions and information about scholarships.
There are trans-friendly institutions that do not appear on this list. All institutions, even ones that do not promote themselves as trans-friendly, are obligated to avoid discrimination and treat trans students and potential students equally. All are allowed to apply for studies in what institution they want.
Vocational Studies
Marsha College
Marsha College is an LGBT college for vocational studies and the first Pride college in the world. Marsha is a social project from the creators of Merima – the IGY alumni movement – and their goal is to be a center for the personal and vocational growth of young adults in the Pride community. The college is named after two inspiring women, (Marcia Freedman andMarsha P. Johnson ), who made great strides for the community during their time.
Marsha operates a network of alumni, along with employers in various fields, to try and help each graduate integrate into the workforce with respect.
Marsha operates intending to give every LGBT young adult a chance to study and earn a living in a pleasant and respectful environment.
Studying at the college requires tuition like any other college, and the qualifications are recognized by any workplace or institution you choose to go to.
At Marsha, you can study a wide range of subjects:
- Line cook/Chef training
- Payroll accountant
- Hairstyling
- Nail design technician
- Gym trainer studies
- Career advisor studies
- PA (sound technician)
Rehabilitation Basket
Every resident of Israel above the age of 18 who has been recognized with at least 40% medical disability on mental health grounds and is in continuous psychiatric care is eligible for Sal Shikum. For people who identify on the trans spectrum, Bituach Leumi offers a 40% disability recognition in a shortened track for those who are in their first two years after beginning gender affirming medical procedures (such as hormone therapy or gender affirming surgeries). This recognition entitles eligibility for Rehabilitation Basket, but does not automatically entitles full national insurance pay/pension, as it is income based.
Those who are eligible for Rehabilitation Basket get the following benefits:
in the educational field: Educational mentoring, Guidance during vocational studies, Education completion, financial aid, etc.
in the occupational field: Supported occupation, Occupational club, Protected occupation (Mifal Mugan).
in the housing field: Protected housing, Kehila Tomechet, Hostels.
Additional aid in dental care and case managing.
תחומי סיוע נוספים: טיפולי שיניים, מתאם.ת טיפול.
Trans Women Mentorship Program
The Tel Aviv University School of Social Work operates a mentoring program especially for trans women.
The program aims to develop relevant skills needed for employment in Mentor and guidance positions in different community organizations. The program offers tools on using your life experience and unique point of view as a source for helping others experiencing similar things.
The program is made out of 3 parts, happening simultaneously:
– Theoretical Studies that include Psychology, Sociology, Gender Studies etc.
– Group workshops to develop and improve effectiveness, feedback skills and self awareness.
– A practicum after completing the program
The tuition fee for the program is 250 ILS (as of 2026)
Graduates of the program receive a certificate from the TAU Social Work Continuing Education Unit.
Scholarships and Training for Former Sex Workers
Nowadays it is known that the trans community has a higher percentage of sex workers compared to the general population. Some groups give scholarships, training, and/or vocational rehabilitation for those who wish to stop:
- The Michlala organization operates a wide range of programs for the training and employment of women who are leaving the prostitution circle and wish to integrate into society. The organization has branches in Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Contact details (contacting is done by a social worker or case manager):- Email – Office@heracademy.co.il
- Facebook page of the organization
- The Hofchot et Hayotzrot organization provides professional training in the fashion industry for women in the prostitution circle, in the Tel Aviv and Haifa regions.
Contact details:- Phone – 054-4949832
- Facebook page of the organization
- The Shovrim for Vocational Training program by the Ministry of Welfare provides vocational training for young adults at risk, ages 18-30.
- HopeCenter is a vocational rehabilitation program for prostitution survivors.
The vocational integration program includes a short course and then long-term vocational guidance.
The course is operated in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Welfare.
Contact details:- Phone – 054-6081819
- Email – info@hopecenter.org.il
Scholarships
Scholarships are financial grants given to enrolled students, usually in recognized academic institutions for higher education. There are different types of scholarships – living stipends, social scholarships, activity scholarships, and more. All scholarships are granted based on meeting various criteria, which change from scholarship to scholarship.
Nowadays, most students turn to scholarships as an additional source of income during their studies, or as a means to live and receive support. Scholarships can assist students in distress or in need of financial aid and without family support, help them live decently throughout their studies, and let them focus on the schoolwork itself.
As for December 2025 there are no specific scholarships for trans students. The following information is regarding scholarships that existed in former years and offers general guidelines on scholarships.
Scholarships for Students on the Trans Spectrum (Inactive)
Several years ago, a scholarship program for people on the trans spectrum was founded, run by Maavarim for the Trans Spectrum organization.
Every year a number of students on the trans spectrum are chosen by an independent committee. The registration process for the scholarship is published on the Maavarim website, as well as the organization’s social media pages. The students who are accepted to the scholarship make a commitment to volunteer 100 hours through the organization to help the community throughout the year.
The scholarship grants 10,000 NIS for one year of studies (that is, you must register every year separately).
General Scholarships and Where to Find Them
There are many scholarships that it is possible to receive that aren’t related to the community. You can turn to the academic institution at which you study or plan to study to receive information about relevant scholarships. Sometimes there are designated lists on the institution’s website.
Most scholarships are possible to find on the national students’ coalition database, where registration criteria and deadlines are updated from time to time. You can even filter the database by relevance to help find scholarships that may be more relevant to you.
Additionally, other general databases have information about scholarships: MilgaPo, Israel Studies, and Kol Zchut (other than Kol-Zchut, these are for-profit companies). On these websites, you can fill out personal details and receive a list of scholarships that may be suitable for you, including how to register and when the deadline is for each scholarship.
Most scholarships are designated for academic studies at a university or college. Each scholarship has information about eligibility criteria, and usually which institutions and courses they accept.