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
Jerusalem 91911
Israel
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
Jerusalem 91040
Israel
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
PO Box 4037
Jerusalem 91040
Israel
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
Jerusalem 91911
Israel
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
Israel
Tel: +972(3) 531 8274
Israeli Students Tourist Association (ISTA)
9, Ben-Yehuda Str.
Tel-Aviv
Israel
National student associations and unions
National Union of Israeli Students
37 Nahal Ayalon
Tel Aviv 67771
Israel
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
Jerusalem 91040
Israel
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.