Access to higher education for Palestinians in Israel

Purpose – The paper seeks to analyze the characteristics of higher education (HE) among Palestinian Arabs in Israel (PAI). It aims to indicate the main trends that have taken place in higher education since the establishment of the State of Israel, especially in the last decade, and to examine the main factors that have hindered access to higher education for this minority group. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a meta‐analysis of official statistics and other official documents, and on an analysis of relevant recent research studies. Findings – The analysis shows that although there has been an increase in the numbers and percentages of PAI studying in Israeli HE institutes, especially for women, structural blocks still hinder their access to Israeli HE institutes, a situation exacerbated by their deficient preparation in secondary school. Their disproportionate under‐representation in the HE system reflects policies relating to power distribution and control in Israeli society. Social implications – Policy favoring re‐distribution of power alongside affirmative action legislation could influence the structure of the HE system and improve PAI minority representation in Israeli HE institutes. Originality/value – The paper indicates the need for affirmative action to increase the Palestinian minority population's access to higher education in Israel.