Academics in Israel

Israel, as the Start-Up Nation, is not only a hub for inventing some of the most cutting-edge technologies known to man but also a place where universities and educational institutions are sought after by students looking to advance their knowledge in tech-related fields. This includes computer science, programming, and digital marketing.

As food shortages and global energy prices are global concerns, Israel’s cutting-edge aggro-tech innovations are now in high demand. Israel has emerged as an innovative agricultural hub, fostering new plant species and groundbreaking agricultural technologies. Notably, drip irrigation exemplifies Israel’s triumph in this field. Israel’s academic institutions actively teach and research agriculture and sustainability topics vital to global environmental concerns.

It is not unusual to see Hollywood actresses walk the red carpet wearing gowns designed by Israelis.
For such a small country with world-renowned art institutes like Shenkar College of Engineering and Design and the Hebrew University’s Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, it’s no wonder that Israel has made such a significant footprint in the world of artistic fashion. With a backdrop of historical significance and diverse artistic influences, students can tap into a unique fountain of inspiration. Exploring these disciplines in Israel, students immerse themselves in an environment where tradition and innovation seamlessly blend, providing a transformative journey of discovery, self-expression, and creative growth.

As the epicenter of the Jewish world, Israel serves as a natural destination for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of Jewish religion, history, culture, and philosophy. Israel is home to the most iconic Biblical sites and the holiest sites for Jews. The bottom line is that there isn’t a more authentic place to learn Jewish studies.

Situated in a region of global significance, Israel captures worldwide attention. For individuals pursuing careers related to Israel or the Middle East, Israel offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain profound insights into the region’s political, social, and economic dimensions. Academic institutions in Israel offer a broad spectrum of programs, spanning ancient to contemporary studies of Israel and Middle Eastern states and language courses in Hebrew and Arabic.

The Student Authority’s counselors initiate an initial meeting with each student to establish a personal connection and identify any areas where the student requires assistance or help.
The counselors serve as mediators between the students and various departments within the institution, facilitating their integration into the school. They connect Olim students with the relevant offices responsible for assistance while helping them navigate within the institution. Additionally, the counselors refer students to tutoring and academic support services when needed. To foster social integration, the counselors organize various events throughout the school year.

The counselors also provide assistance with various public entities such as the IDF, Social Security, government ministries, non-profit organizations, and scholarship funds. They serve as a vital source of information for students and offer assistance with their rights and accommodations.

For students facing challenges, social workers are available in every regional office, accepting aid applications directly from students and through their counselors. Some students receive assistance from the Student Authority’s social workers, while others are referred to other frameworks or subsidized psychological services offered by academic institutions. The social workers provide a range of services, including:

• Emotional, economic, academic, and medical support throughout the year or during a crisis
• Referrals for treatment in centers within the academic system or community
• Referrals for diagnosing learning disabilities
• Financial aid to eligible students
• Referrals of students to financial aid funds

The Student Authority collaborates with Dean offices of academic institutions to guarantee that new Olim receive their entitled benefits and rights in accordance with the policies of the respective institution.
Check your Oleh rights based on the institution by exploring the links below:

• Dean of Students at TAU
• Dean of Students at Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Dean of Students at Bar Ilan University
• Dean of Students at Ben Gurion Universtiy
• Dean of Students at Reichman University
• Dean Of Students at Haifa University
• Dean of Students at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

During the academic year, the Israel Student Authority collaborates with guides to arrange various social activities and trips across the country. These events are designed to foster a social network among Olim students, allowing them to connect with peers and immerse themselves in unique Israeli experiences. The authority also organizes a wide array of social and cultural activities. These include excursions to discover Israel’s rich heritage, events centered around Israeli holidays, cultural festivals, movie and theater nights, and communal Shabbat meals. All these initiatives aim to enhance the sense of community among students and deepen their connection to Israeli culture and society.

When applying for degree evaluation, the following documents must be submitted:

• Israeli or foreign high school diploma
• Certificate from a foreign academic institution attesting to the completion of the academic degree
• Detailed transcript from the foreign academic institution, including the following information:
  • Enrollment date, starting date of studies, and completion date
  • List of courses studied
  • Number of frontal or other hours studied in each course and any other details required by the foreign institution
  • Number of academic credits awarded for each course
  • Details of any previous courses and studies recognized by the foreign institution and for which academic credits were awarded (Transferred Credits)
• The exact address of where the studies took place
• Certificates or official documents attesting to previous studies, if recognized for the degree

Discover more about the Evaluation of Foreign Degrees

Please note that the Ministry of Education offers an online system to evaluate academic degrees earned abroad. To use this system, you must first register before monitoring the status of your application.

The Division for Evaluation of Foreign Degrees holds the authority to conduct, manage, and evaluate school exams. The unit also oversees a wide array of exams, such as matriculation exams, professional certification exams, technological high-school exams, and elementary-level exams.

If you’re considering having your foreign academic degree transferred to Israel, you’re taking an exciting step toward expanding your career opportunities. Not only will you gain recognition for your academic achievements, but because of Israel’s reputation as a world leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, you will also be well-positioned to take your career to the next level.

The process of evaluating foreign diplomas and secondary education certificates involves utilizing both Israeli and international criteria to determine eligibility. This service is intended to assist Olim and institutions from foreign countries in the process of enrolling in educational training and employment programs within Israel.

The Unit for the Evaluation of Secondary Education assesses foreign academic qualifications, comparing them to Israeli high school diplomas (Bagrut). It uses both Israeli and international criteria to compare foreign diplomas with Israeli ones. To submit documents, send a single PDF file (up to 10MB) to ‘[email protected]‘. Make sure to submit the following documents:

• A clear scan of a government-issued ID or passport
• A scanned copy of your certificate or ‘Tamtzit Rishum‘ (a standard information form by the Interior Ministry) indicating the issuance date or a country entry and exit form issued by the Interior Ministry
• A copy of the original academic transcript (in its original language)
• A copy of the high school diploma (in its original language)
• A signed Hebrew translation, notarized (with the ‘red ribbon’) of the high school diploma and the academic transcript

You worked hard for your academic degree in the country where it was obtained. You will find out its local academic value upon applying to Israeli universities and colleges. The following checklist will help you find the perfect fit for your educational aspirations.

• Who requires it?
  Individuals aiming to pursue further education in Israel, to present a dissertation or necessitate some recognition, which is also essential for employment linked to degree qualifications
• Who is responsible?
  The Ministry of Education administers this process through its Division for Evaluation of Foreign Academic Degrees
• Documentary Requirements
  You must prepare diplomas from secondary or academic institutions along with a grade transcript
• Duration
  The process usually takes up to 45 days to complete.

For recognition of a Ph.D., you need to provide the Division for Evaluation of Foreign Academic Degrees with the relevant information regarding the foreign Ph.D. you hold. This data will be submitted through the completion of this declaration form (note this document is currently available only in Hebrew).

As the saying goes: “Proper prior planning prevents poor performance.” A preparatory course for the psychometric exam can provide several benefits for test-takers. Firstly, it can help them become familiar with the format and content of the exam, which may reduce anxiety and increase confidence while taking the test. Additionally, a prep course can teach test-taking strategies and offer practice questions to help students enhance their performance. It can also offer individualized instruction and feedback, which may address specific areas of weakness for each student. Ultimately, investing time and effort into a psychometric prep course may lead to a higher score and greater opportunities for admission to desired academic programs.

To take the Psychometric exam (paper-and-pencil version), examinees must complete nine sections grouped into the domains of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, or English.

The Psychometric exam can be taken in either Hebrew or English. It’s recommended to take the test in the language in which you are most fluent. There is a combined version that includes both English and Hebrew, and some words are translated into several other languages.

The booklet for the Combined/English version is arranged from left to right, similar to English books. For the writing assignment in the test, you must use the language of the test. However, if you are taking the Combined/English version, you can choose to write the assignment in either Hebrew, English, Russian, German, Italian, Hungarian, Amharic, Portuguese, Dutch, or Spanish.

Be advised that the test in languages other than Hebrew and Arabic may not be available on every test date. It is recommended to check the availability of the test in your preferred language on the chosen test date. Additionally, tests in languages other than Hebrew and Arabic are only offered at specific test locations. If you register for a test in another language, you may not be assigned to your desired test location.
Please note that the test scores are not affected by the language in which the test is taken.

Israeli academia understands the challenges facing those studying with learning disabilities. Therefore, students with learning disabilities receive special accommodations when taking the exam. In this case, documentation should include a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional, a description of the functional limitations related to the disability, and recommendations for specific accommodations. Disabilities include:

• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Physical Restrictions
• Mental Health Difficulties
• Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

If you never took matriculation exams in Israel but still want to attend an Israeli college or university, don’t sweat over it. A Mechina is a program designed for new Olim who wish to attend university in Israel. Its purpose is to help students achieve the necessary levels of Hebrew, as well as an equivalency to the Israeli Bagrut necessary to qualify for regular university studies. However, some universities may not require a Mechina for students who do not have a Bagrut but meet other academic requirements. So, it’s essential to speak with a student advisor at the university to which you are applying before enrolling into a Mechina.
Mechina programs are offered by most academic institutions, such as:

• Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Bar-Ilan University
• Technion
• Hadassah Academic College

Certain universities, such as the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, waive the psychometric test requirement for Mechina graduates.

A Smooth Path to Mechina
To enter a preparatory program, follow these steps:

1. Check document submission deadlines (usually in June)
2. Complete an online application on the program’s website
3. Pay the registration fee
4. Gather, translate, and notarize required documents
5. Submit documents to the university
6. Await an official acceptance letter to the preparatory program
7. Pay the course tuition fee

Necessary Documents:

• Hebrew test results (a link will be provided after completing an online application)
• Mathematics test results (a link will be provided after completing an online application)
• Completed and signed medical questionnaire by your physician
• Confirmation of English proficiency for non native speakers: Amiram exam score— 60 and above, or equivalent IELTS and TOEFL scores
• High school diploma together with a grade transcript

Olim Students who meet these specific criteria may be exempt from the Mechina program:

• UK students who have a GCSE and at least 3 A-level exams in specific subjects
• Canadian students who have an OSSD or a high school diploma and a CEGEP diploma in specific courses
• US students who have taken at least 4 AP exams in certain subjects

For admission to a Mechina program, a minimum A2 level of Hebrew is required. If you have no prior knowledge of the language, you’ll need to take a summer language course at an Ulpan.

Please note this is a general list. Visit your selected program’s website for precise requirements. Additionally, some universities require knowledge of English at the A2B1 level, even for programs in Hebrew.

Similar to the Mechina, Taka is an all-inclusive program designed to prepare Olim who are exempt from Mechina for academic life in Israel. TAKA is more specialized than Mechina as it focuses specifically on technology-related knowledge and skills. This bi-annual program, lasting 5-10 months, comprises of Olim from across the globe. It is open to students aged 18-32 with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, individuals with a high school diploma from abroad, equivalent to Israeli matriculation, can also apply. All applicants must meet the requirements set by the Student Authority.

Hebrew proficiency is a prerequisite for admission to universities and colleges in Israel for those who wish to study in Hebrew. The YAEL Test assesses your Hebrew language proficiency and is intended for students without an Israeli Matriculation Certificate (Bagrut) or for those who have not taken a psychometric test in Hebrew. Achieving success on the YAEL Test can enable admission into various academic institutions in Israel and bring students closer to an exemption from taking further Hebrew language courses during their studies.

The YAEL preparation course is the most effective way to improve Hebrew language skills in a fun and engaging environment that caters to Olim. To be eligible for the course, students must be Olim who qualify for assistance from the Israel Student Authority. The course is designed to expand vocabulary, teach time-management skills and academic writing techniques, while fully preparing students for the YAEL test.

The Israel Student Authority also offers the option of taking the course during the TAKA program at academic institutions in addition to other assistance and scholarships it provides.

Dental professionals who are required by the Ministry of Health to pass a government exam to obtain a license will  receive a voucher. The voucher is given to one of the two preparatory courses for the licensing exams – theoretical or practical – according to the candidate’s choice. The preparation courses for dental professionals’ licensing takes place at one of the institutions recognized by the Ministry of Health as listed below:

• The School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University
• The Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hadassah Ein Kerem in Jerusalem
• The Institute for Continuing Education, Haifa
• The College of Health Sciences and Behavior, Ramat Gan

Prospective candidates who wish to receive assistance should contact the admission advisor in their regional area to check their eligibility for the voucher. They can also submit an online request. Licensing falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Labor offers government licensing exams preparatory courses covering professional and relevant material for pharmacists twice a year. The Ministry of Health administers these tests and is responsible for licensing. Eligible participants receive financial assistance for living and travel expenses in accordance with the Ministry’s guidelines. The courses last for six months and include an internal exam. Participants who receive a grade of 70 or above get a bonus grade added to their total score.

The Ministry of Labor, in cooperation with the Nursing Administration in the Ministry of Health, offers preparatory courses for accredited nurses. The opening of the courses is subject to a minimum number of participants. During the course, participants are entitled to assistance with living expenses and transportation in accordance with the regulations set by the Ministry.

Nursing Program stages:

• Prior to immigrating to Israel, individuals can submit an application for the recognition of professional status in nursing. The request involves providing the required documents to the Nursing Administration, as outlined on their website, available in 6 different languages.
• Eligible graduates of nursing study programs abroad need to attend the Knowledge Complementation Program for the Functioning of a Registered Nurse in Israel. This program focuses on nursing matters specific to Israel. Successfully completing the program is a threshold for obtaining eligibility for the governmental registered nurse licensing exam. This requirement may be completed in several ways, including an online course or taking an exam.

The Ministry of Labor conducts a preparatory course annually for the veterinarians’ licensing exam. The exam date is set by the Ministry of Agriculture, the entity responsible for licensing. Participants who are eligible for funding also receive assistance with living expenses and transportation according to the Ministry’s regulations.

Opening the course is subject to the number of registered participants. It is hosted at the School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine in the Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot, and covers medical terminology and professional studies in the field of veterinary medicine. The course lasts 6 months, and participants take an internal exam upon its completion. Participants who receive a grade of 70 or above receive a bonus of 10 points, added to their total score on the Ministry of Agriculture’s exam.

Aspiring lawyers and legal practitioners in Israel, including those with foreign licenses, must complete 9 state law exams successfully. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration provides biannual preparatory courses for these exams, comprising secondary courses in diverse legal professions. The initial course fee is exempt, but participants are responsible for the costs associated with the second course in the study cycle.

The courses are conducted during evening hours and eligible participants are assisted with travel expenses in accordance with Ministry regulations. The course is held in the Tel Aviv area and is contingent on the number of participants.
Legal licensing is the responsibility of the Israeli Bar Association.

New Olim who want to continue working as accountants must pass exams given by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel. These exams cover commercial law, corporate law, income tax, and VAT. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration offers preparatory courses for these exams. The first course is exempt from payment, but the second course does require a fee.

The courses are held in Tel Aviv, and their opening is subject to the number of participants. The courses take place in the evening and participants receive assistance with transportation according to the Ministry’s regulations.
Certification is under the responsibility of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Transferring your teaching credentials in Israel can be done in the following 4 easy steps:

1. Contact your district counselors – Available as your main resource for any requests or questions you may have. The initial meeting with the district counselor will include a personal interview to gather information while entering it into the Ministry of Education’s database. Additionally, you will receive comprehensive explanations and guidance regarding the absorption process for Olim teachers.
2. Recognition of foreign degrees – Academic degrees will be acknowledged upon submission of the original documents or certified copies, accompanied by Hebrew translations. These translations must be notarized by an Israeli notary. If required, free assistance with translation can be obtained through the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigration.
3. Successful internship year – This is one of the prerequisites before receiving a teaching license.
4. Professional advancement – The issuance of a teaching license is contingent upon meeting the following criteria:

• • Owning a recognized academic degree
  • Owning an acknowledged teaching certificate
  • Successfully completing the various requirements of a yearly internship

Israel’s Student Authority offers a network of counselors offering social guidance and support. This includes social workers who provide emotional support in various situations as well as social and cultural activities.