 |
||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||
|
|
Education System of Israel
INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS Types of higher education institutions: Universitat (University) Technion (Institute of Technology) Research Institute Open University Academy Academic College Academic Teachers' Training College School leaving and higher education credentials: Teudat Bagrut Psychometric Entrance Test Bachelor's Degree Teaching Certificate Diploma Master's Degree Doctorate STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM Pre-higher education: Duration of compulsory education: Age of entry: 5 Age of exit: 18 Structure of school system: Primary Type of school providing this education: Primary Length of program in years: 6 Age level from: 6 to: 12 Lower Secondary Type of school providing this education: Lower Secondary School Length of program in years: 3 Age level from: 12 to: 15 Upper Secondary Type of school providing this education: Upper Secondary School Length of program in years: 3 Age level from: 15 to: 18 Certificate/diploma awarded: Bagrut School education: Primary education lasts for six years. Secondary education covers six years divided into lower secondary (three years) and upper secondary (three years). Schools are classified according to one of three tracks: general (academic, theoretical), technological/vocational and agricultural. Students attend classes for 32-36 hours a week and may study up to 15 subjects at a time. One instructional unit is defined as approximately 90 fifty-minute instruction hours over a three-year period. On completion of Grade 12, students may sit for Bagrut exams. Requirements for the current Bagrut Certificate are 20 units in a range of 20-25 units and a minimum of 15 in compulsory subjects: Bible (2); Civics (1); English Language (3); Hebrew Grammar (1); Hebrew Composition (1); Hebrew Literature (2); and Maths (3). Additional subject (1). At least one subject exam must be taken for 5 units. A grade of at least 6 must be achieved in all major subjects. For access to universities, students must also pass the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET). Higher education: Higher education is provided by universities, non-university institutions offering instruction at Bachelor level in specific fields (e.g. Technology, Arts and Teacher Training, para-medical schools) and academic courses in regional colleges for which universities are academically responsible. Higher education comes under the direct jurisdiction of the Council for Higher Education which is responsible for the accreditation and authorization of higher education institutions to award degrees. Non-university level post-secondary institutions are usually only authorized to award a first-level (Bachelor's) degree. The programme usually lasts for 3 years, with some exceptions, and offers courses at lower, intermediate and upper levels. Each department structures its programme in a logical sequential pattern of introductory and theoretical coursework, followed by specialized, in-depth advanced study. Two programmes are available: single major and dual major. A Master's Degree programme generally extends over 2 years and, in the Humanities and Social Sciences, is offered as Track/Plan A, which involves coursework and a written thesis and gives access to further study at the doctoral level, and Track/Plan B which requires more coursework than Track A but no thesis and does not permit continuation to the doctoral level. The doctoral programme focuses on a scientific paper or dissertation which is expected to make an original and substantial contribution to the advancement of knowledge. The Council for Higher Education has voted in favour of allowing all academic institutions - not just universities - to offer Master's Degree programmes. Main laws/decrees governing higher education: Decree: The Council for Higher Education Law Concerns: All institutions Academic year: Classes from: Oct to: Jun Long vacation from: 15 Jun to: 15 Oct Languages of instruction: Hebrew, English Stages of studies: Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type): Non-university level: Post-secondary education in Israel is provided by different types of vocational institutions, some of which are under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare or the Ministry of Health. These institutions are teacher training colleges, technical colleges and para-medical colleges, which offer a variety of courses and programmes at different levels and with varying length of study. University level studies: University level first stage: Bachelor's degree, 3 - 5 years: The first stage usually requires three years' study, with some exceptions, such as Architecture, Dentistry, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Veterinary Medicine. Each department structures its programme in a logical pattern of introductory and theoretical coursework, followed by specialized, advanced study. Much of the work in the second and third years can be considered as advanced upper level work in which pro-seminars and seminars are required. Single and dual major programmes are offered in many departments. Students usually register for approximately 10 annual hours in each department (approximately 40 semester hours). Degrees based on the dual major or single major programmes are viewed equally. Bachelor's degrees in Arts, Law, Science, Fine Art, Music and Education are awarded by the universities and colleges. Students studying for a Bachelor's degree at those universities that offer a Teacher's Certificate Programme may begin during their third year. On completing their additional year of Teaching Certificate studies, they will be awarded both a Bachelor's degree and a Teacher's Certificate, entitling them to teach from pre-primary school onwards. University level second stage: Master's degree, 2 years (as a rule): The length and structure of Master's degree programmes vary according to the field of study, the department or the institution. Students admitted with course deficiencies are required to complete supplementary coursework which extends throughout the programme. This may include: lectures, seminars, laboratory work, theoretical or practical research, a thesis and a comprehensive final examination. Admission requirements are: A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a grade average of 75-80. Some departments may require more or less than the stated minimum grade average. Some may require entrance examinations or interviews. Two programmes are generally offered: A-coursework and a thesis, which give access to further study at the doctoral level; or B-additional coursework and no thesis. B does not permit to continue at the doctoral level, but there are some mechanisms which allow students to change from one programme to another. A Master's degree in Arts, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, Law, Public Health and Library Science is awarded by the universities and some academic colleges. A Diploma in Criminology and Librarianship is also awarded. University level third stage: Doctor of Philosophy - Ph.D., minimum 2 years: This stage represents the highest level of academic work ans is only offered by universities. The doctoral programme extends over a minimum period of two years after the Master's degree. The doctoral thesis is expected to make a substantial and original contribution to the advancement of science. A Master's degree with a grade average of 80 and above and a grade of at least 90 on the Master's thesis are usually required. A direct doctoral programme for exceptional students with a Bachelor's degree and a grade of 90 or above in their major subject and of 80 in other course work is also offered. The first year of the Master's degree is accelerated and, if high achievement is maintained, the student may bypass the second year of the Master's degree and proceed directly to doctoral studies. Teacher education: Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers Teachers' Training Colleges offer three types of Certificates: a two-year programme qualifies for a Qualified Teacher Certificate (QTC); a three-year programme qualifies for a Senior Qualified Teacher's Certificate (SQTC) as does a four-year Bachelor's degree in Education. The QTC is required for kindergartens; the SQTC for primary-school teachers. Academic Teachers' Training Colleges award a Bachelor's degree in Education after four years. Training of secondary school teachers Lower secondary-school teachers of academic subjects must hold a Bachelor's degree in the subject of specialization, as well as a Teacher's Certificate awarded by a university or a Bachelor's degree in Education awarded by an academic teachers' training college. A Master's degree and a Teacher's Certificate are required to teach in upper grades of secondary schools.These diplomas are only awarded by universities. Non-traditional studies: Distance higher education Distance education is provided by the Open University of Israel which offers courses leading to a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree which may be taken at the student's own pace. The Open University is a full university-level accredited institution. Other forms of non-formal higher education All universities in Israel have "non-formal" programmes in addition to their regular academic programmes. NATIONAL BODIES Administration & co-ordination: Responsible authorities: Ministry of Education Head: Limor Livnat, Minister Administrative officer: Naftali Weitman, Secretary, Council for Higher Education International relations: Daniel Bar-Elli, Secretary-General, National Commission for UNESCO Israel PO Box
292 Tel: +972(2) 560 3746 Fax: +972(2) 560 3745 WWW: http://www.info.gov.il Council for Higher Education Head: Limor Livnat, Minister of Education Administrative officer: Shoshana Berlinski, Director-General International relations: Naftali Weitman, Secretary PO Box
4037 Tel: +972(2) 567 9967 Fax: +972(2) 567 9955 EMail: info@che.org.il WWW: http://www.che.org.il Role of governing body: Allows the creation of new institutions, authorizes them to award degrees, submits proposals for development and Government participation in their budgets. Quality Assessment Unit Head: Alisa Elon, Coordinator Council
for Higher Education Tel: +972(2) 567 9962 Fax: +972(2) 567 9955 EMail: Alisa@che.org.il ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION Admission to university-level studies Name of secondary school credential required: Teudat Bagrut Minimum score/requirement: Bagrut - 20-25 units For entry to: All institutions of higher learning except the Open University Alternatives to credentials: Candidates over 30 years of age may be accepted to some departments on the basis of PET results. Pre-academic programmes. Entrance exams required: Psychometric Entrance Test (PET) for all degree studies, with minimum mark determined by each institution, faculty or department . Numerus clausus/restrictions: Medicine: national quota is divided among the institutions; Dental medicine; Veterinary medicine; Engineering (some fields); Management; Psychology. Foreign students admission Definition of foreign student: A student having completed secondary-school studies or one or more years of university studies outside Israel; anyone requesting admission on the basis of educational documents issued outside Israel Admission requirements: Foreign students should have qualifications equivalent to the Israeli Bagrut. The pre-academic year for foreign students who do not hold the equivalent High School Certificate is determined by individual institutions. Initiation and orientation programmes are organized by Departments of Overseas Students in institutions. Entry regulations: A student visa or a temporary resident visa is required. Language requirements: Good knowledge of Hebrew is essential. Most reading lists require a strong passive knowledge of English. Intensive language courses in Hebrew are available. A special one-year language preparatory course is also available. Initiation and orientation programmes are organized by Departments of Overseas Students in institutions of higher learning. Application procedures: Apply to individual institution for entry to: All institutions of higher learning and to all academic and pre-academic programmes. Apply to: Office of Overseas Students Admissions Application closing dates: For university level studies: 28 Feb Recognition of studies & qualifications: Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): Each institution awards degrees on the basis of the authority extended by the Council of Higher Education Studies pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign credentials): Division for Evaluation of Foreign Academic Degrees, Ministry of Education Head: Yaffa Gev, Director 2 Devora
Haneviah Street Tel: +972(2) 560 2853/63 Fax: +972(2) 560 3876 EMail: shoshanashr@education.gov.il WWW: http://www.info.gov.il Deals with credential recognition for entry to: Profession Services provided & students dealt with: Official body dealing with professional qualifications. Other information sources on recognition of foreign studies: University Admissions Offices of Institutions of Higher Learning Special provisions for recognition: For access to university level studies: All applicants must submit complete official academic documents together with their application form to the specific university For access to advanced studies and research: All applicants must submit complete official academic documents together with their application form to the specific university For the exercise of a profession: Applicants must present relevant documents to the appropriate services: for all medical professions, the Ministry of Health; for engineers, architects and social workers, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare. Lawyers must address themselves to the Israel Bar Association and accountants to the Council of Accountants. Multilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies Name of agreement: Convention On the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher Education in Europe Year of signature: 1979 Bilateral agreements concerning recognition of foreign credentials Name of agreement: Accord Culturel Year of signature: 1989 Country/state involved: Belgium (French Community) Name of agreement: Agreement On Cultural & Scientific Cooperation Year of signature: 1991 Country/state involved: Romania Name of agreement: Cooperation in Culture, Science and Education Year of signature: 1991 Country/state involved: Poland Name of agreement: Cultural Agreement Year of signature: 1989 Country/state involved: Belgium (Flemish Community) Name of agreement: Cultural, Educational and Scientific Exchange Programme Year of signature: 1991 Country/state involved: Hungary Name of agreement: Program On Cultural, Educational and Scientific Cooperation Year of signature: 1990 Country/state involved: Netherlands References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies Title: Courses in Israel/Cours en Israel/Cursos en Israel Publisher: Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jerusalem Title: Higher Education in Israel. A Guide for Overseas Students Author: National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE) - Editor STUDENT LIFE Main student services at national level Council on Foreign Students Ramat Gan Tel: +972(3) 531 8274 Israeli Students Tourist Association (ISTA) 9, Ben-Yehuda Str. National student associations and unions National Union of Israeli Students 37 Nahal Ayalon Tel: +972(3) 537 3591 Fax: +972(3) 688 2737 EMail: Nuis@post.tau.ac.il Student expenses and financial aid Student costs: Home students tuition fees: Minimum: 0 (New Shekel) Maximum: 10463 (New Shekel) Foreign students tuition fees: Minimum: 3750 (New Shekel) Maximum: 13079 (New Shekel) Publications on student services and financial aid: Title: Higher Education in Israel Author: NITE - Editor Title: Study Abroad 2004-2005, 32nd Edition Author: UNESCO Publisher: UNESCO Publishing Year of publication: 2003 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES Principal national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and exchanges in higher education: Council for Higher Education Head: Naftali Weitman, Secretary PO Box
4037 Tel: +972(2) 567 9967 Fax: +972(2) 567 9955 EMail: info@che.org.il WWW: http://www.che.org.il GRADING SYSTEM Usual grading system in secondary school Full Description: 10-0 or 100-0; student in Bagrut may be examined at different levels: 1, 2, 3 is lower level; 4-5 advanced level. Highest on scale: 10 or 100 Pass/fail level: 5 or 50 Lowest on scale: 0 Main grading system used by higher education institutions Full Description: 100 - 0 Highest on scale: 100 Pass/fail level: 60, 55 or 50 Lowest on scale: 0 Other main grading systems Distinction, Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM Data for academic year: 2004-2005 Source: Council for Higher Education, Jerusalem (Israel), 2005 Note on Higher Education Institutions: The following institutions have received a permit to open and maintain an institution They are not accredited as institutions of higher education and they are not authorized to award academic degrees to graduates: Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies (http://www.schechter.edu), Ashkelon Academic College (http://www.ash-college.ac.il), Jordan Valley College (http://www.yarden.ac.il), Machon Lander and The College of Sakhnin for Teacher Education.
|