The Israeli embassy took part for the first time in the Student World Study Abroad Fair at the Emirates Stadium this week.

Two thousand people visited the fair and more than 200 wanted to know more about Israeli courses, particularly in medicine, engineering and international relations. All of Israel’s leading universities were represented, with specific representatives from Hebrew University and Ben-Gurion University.

The Israeli ambassador to the UK, Daniel Taub, said: “I’m delighted to encourage UK students to explore opportunities for studying in Israel.”

He continued: “Israeli universities are a wonderful combination of academic excellence, innovative approaches and creative energy, and they are constantly producing inventions and ideas which are literally changing millions of lives every day.”

A spokesperson from the embassy said the fair demonstrated that there was potential to raise awareness of Israeli education among British students and bring them to study in Israel, noting that those interested came from a wide range of backgrounds.

The spokesperson said: “Among those who expressed interest in study in Israel were many Muslim students from Iraq, Malaysia and Indonesia, and even some students of Iranian origin who said they would love to study in Jerusalem.”

Questions asked at the fair ranged from fees and the availability of scholarships to questions on Israeli culture and studying Arabic. University courses attracting interest ranged from business administration to nursery care and students also expressed interest in summer courses and kibbutzim.

This is the third year of the Study Abroad Fair; this year, more than 50 universities and 16 countries were represented but Israel was the only country present from the Middle East.