florida israel linkage institute

Florida Statute 288.8175 establishes linkage institutes between state postsecondary institutions and certain foreign countries/regions. Each institute may provide non-resident fee exemptions for up to 25 full-time equivalent students from the respective countries/regions. Students must return home within 3 years after their tenure of graduate or undergraduate study for a length of time equal to their exemption period.

Florida-Israel Linkage Scholarship (FILS)

Florida Atlantic University and Broward College participate in the Florida-Israel Institute. Starting August 2024, the management of the scholarship program moved from Broward College to Florida Atlantic under the Center for Global Engagement. Information about other Florida linkage programs is available here.

Application Deadlines:
Fall: May 15
Spring: November 15

Eligibility

All new and renewal applicants must comply with the following requirements before submitting their application:

  • Be a citizen of Israel and maintain F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant student visa status while in the U.S
  • Be accepted into a state college or university within Florida
  • Enroll in an eligible academic program. FILS is not applicable to non-credit, fully online, or market-rate programs.
  • Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher at the time of application and throughout the program of study.
  • Maintain full-time enrollment (12 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits) unless it is your final semester of study in the program during the semester when the award is granted
  • Submit proof of enrollment (course schedule) prior to the first day of classes. Submit documentation of GPA (copy of semester grades or official/unofficial transcript) within 10 days of the end of each semester for which the award is granted
Application Process and Required Documents
  • Florida Linkage Institute Application Form ( Click HERE )
  • Academic transcripts from the most recent institution attended
  • Proof of enrollment in the current term in the Florida State institution
  • Copy of Israeli passport
  • Copy of your current/most recent I-20
Additional Information and Reminders
  • The application process is competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that you will receive the award
  • The award is given once per year; if you apply for the fall semester, you will continue to receive the award for fall and spring. If you apply for the spring semester, you will receive the award for spring and summer
  • The total exemption is up to 30 credits per academic year for undergraduate students and 18 credits per year for graduate students
  • The exemption applies to out of state fees only. Students are still responsible for in-state tuition and fees


For additional information, please email fils@podou.net.