Pre-Academic Preparatory Programs for Olim

 

Pre-academic Preparatory Programs, known in Hebrew as “Mechinot” are aimed at students whose high-school achievements do not meet the admission requirements for academic studies, or at candidates who do not hold a high-school transcript. Academic institutions in Israel offer programs known as “Mechinot Olim” designed especially for new immigrants to Israel, who do not have a high school transcript equivalent to the Israeli Bagrut.

 

The aim of pre-academic programs is to familiarize candidates with the Israeli academic environment, while preparing them for undergraduate degrees or other tracks (such as diploma tracks, practical engineering - “handesaim”, etc). These programs help create a “softer landing” in academic life in Israel and enable Olim Chadashim students to learn academic Hebrew at an advanced level.

 

Mechinat Olim is a pre-academic preparatory program for new immigrants to Israel (Olim Chadashim). Most academic institutions in Israel require new immigrants to successfully complete this pre-academic program as part of the admission requirements for undergraduate degrees. Alongside academic courses, the program for Olim also includes extensive Hebrew classes, which assist students in proceeding to undergraduate programs taught in Hebrew.

 

Mechinot Olim are open to young new immigrants under age 27, who do not meet the admission requirements for undergraduate degrees in Israel, or the admission requirements for practical engineer and diploma training programs. Candidates must provide proof of completing a five-month Hebrew Ulpan at level B and present their high school diploma.

 

 

TAKA is a unique pre-academic program for Olim, which is operated by The Student Authority, The Ministry of Aliyah, The Jewish Agency, The Ministry of Education, and various academic institutions in Israel.

 

The TAKA program is open to candidates who are exempt from the Mechinot Olim. It is aimed at those who meet one of the following criteria:

 

- High school graduates with a matriculation certificate equivalent to the Israeli Bagrut.

- Those who have completed at least one year of academic studies abroad.

- Olim who arrive in Israel with an undergraduate degree and wish to study for graduate (master’s) degrees.

- Students who wish to study in academic institutions that do not require a preparatory program for Olim.

- Students interested in studying for diploma studies or practical engineer tracks (Handesaim).

 

In addition, Olim must present a level of B (Beit +) in Hebrew and pass a language proficiency exam to be accepted to the TAKA program.

 

During this program, students take part in intensive Hebrew classes, English classes, and Hebrew specialization classes in subjects such as Israeli society, academic writing, and international relations. In addition, they receive personal guidance in choosing a study track.

 

During the pre-academic preparatory program for Olim, students take part in Hebrew classes at an advanced level, along with English courses, and courses preparing for the Yael exam (which is a Hebrew proficiency exam).

 

Mandatory courses may include: Hebrew, mathematics, English, government, judaic studies, and more (the list of courses may vary).

 

Electives may include: psychology, sociology, computer skills, Israel studies, economics, biology, chemistry, physics, and more.

 

 

Students at the Mechinat Olim who meet the Israeli Student Authority criteria may be eligible for financial assistance, which can amount to full tuition coverage. The Student Authority funds up to the standard state tuition fees, which amount to 15,748 NIS as of 2025 (this sum is updated annually).

 

The eligibility criteria for free tuition include:

 

- Olim under the age of 27.

- High school diploma or non-Israeli matriculation certificate.

- Completed Hebrew Ulpan at level B (Beit) and presenting Hebrew knowledge at an advanced-beginner Ulpan level.

- Olim must begin the preparatory program within 36 months (3 years) of making Aliyah.

 

It should be noted that visiting students in Israel may also be eligible for certain scholarships offered by organizations such as MASA Israel.

 

The student Authority offers financial assistance for both the Olim pre-academic program and an undergraduate degree for Olim (to those meeting the eligibility criteria), when the pre-academic program is required by the academic institution.

 

 

Students at the preparatory program may be eligible for certain scholarships, aside from Student Authority funding. These scholarships are usually offered on a socio-economic basis. They do not cover registration fees, campus services, etc.

 

In some cases, students at the TAKA program may be eligible for scholarships such as living expenses scholarships and income guarantee. These scholarships are granted after the completion of one’s absorption basket (Sal Klita).

 

 

In many academic institutions in Israel (both universities and academic colleges) the preparatory program for Olim is considered mandatory. It is part of the requirements for applying for undergraduate degrees for those with a high school diploma which is not the Israeli Bagrut. This program is required for Olim interested in studying in undergraduate programs conducted in Hebrew.

 

The Pre-academic program for Olim spans one academic year (9-10 months). In most cases, the program opens twice a year, usually in October or January. Studies are usually conducted five times a week.

 

The TAKA program spans around 5 months.

 

 

To apply for the preparatory program, candidates must meet the following criteria:

 

- High school diploma or matriculation certificate, such as IB international, BAC (French), Ontario Secondary School Diploma, British GCSE, or Advanced Placement Tests. These certificates must be officially translated to Hebrew or English.

- Placement exams in Hebrew, English, and mathematics.

- Psychometric exam grade (the required grade may vary).

- Full command of English and Hebrew.

- Those who did not complete their high-school education in English are required to pass an English proficiency exam such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Amirnet.

 

 

New immigrant students who meet the following criteria, and have a high-school diploma equivalent of the Israeli Bagrut, are usually exempt from the Mechinat Olim:

 

- US students who have passed at least four AP exams in certain subjects, with a grade of 4 and above (in some cases a grade of 5 and above is required).

- Canadian students who have earned an OSSD, or a high school diploma and CEGEP diploma.

- British students who have earned their GCSE and at least 3 A-level exams in certain subjects.

 

It should also be noted that certain academic institutes do not always require the pre-academic program from candidates who do not hold a Bagrut equivalent but do meet other academic requirements such as an SAT score or psychometric score which meets admission requirements.

 

 

Students usually begin studying at the pre-academic program after completing a summer Ulpan at level B. During the preparatory program, students are required to study several Hebrew language courses. These are advanced and intensive courses which allow students to gain high command of Hebrew as required in undergraduate degrees in Israel.

 

The maximum age for applying to the TAKA program depends on the program candidates wish to continue studying:

 

- Candidates to undergraduate degrees - up to age 27.

- Candidates to graduate degrees - up to age 30.

- Candidates who do not qualify for eligibility terms but wish to study in the TAKA program without funding - up to age 32.

 

Naale is an international program which allows Jewish teens to make Aliyah and study in Israel. After receiving their Bagrut and completing their IDF service, they enjoy an extensive support system including mentoring, scholarships, etc. Part of this support system includes participating in the TAKA program, which prepares them for continuing their higher education in Israel.

 

 

Studies at both the Olim preparatory program and the TAKA program take place in Hebrew. Students must have a good command of Hebrew before applying (through pre-TAKA ulpan or summer ulpan).

 

 

During the TAKA program, students take part in various social activities, alongside their academic classes. These include trips to various locations in Israel, group discussions, holiday celebrations, and more.

 

 

candidates can register for pre-academic programs via The Israeli Student Authority, or via the academic institutions. In addition, as part of the pre-Aliyah services offered by The Ministry of Aliyah, those who have not yet made Aliyah can receive counselling and assistance regarding applying to the preparatory tracks, TAKA programs, or ulpan programs.

 

 

When choosing a pre-academic program, Olim should take into consideration one’s level of Hebrew, age, and academic achievements. For instance, some programs are only open to those with a full matriculation certificate or Bagrut, while others allow students to bridge these academic gaps. The absorption counsellors at The Ministry of Aliyah can assist new immigrants in choosing the right track for them.

 

 

During their studies in the pre-academic programs, certain students may be eligible for on-campus housing at the university dorms, at a subsidized fee. Students in the TAKA program are offered certain (limited) living options at absorption centers, at a subsidized cost. In some cities, they may also apply for in-campus dorms at academic institutions.

 

 

Yael is a Hebrew proficiency exam, which is mandatory for candidates who completed their high school studies in languages other than Hebrew. Pre-academic programs for Olim often include courses which prepare students for the Yael exam. A high grade in this exam is not only necessary for applying for undergraduate degrees but can also allow students to be exempt from certain Hebrew classes during their degree.

 

There are several advantages to studying in the pre-academic programs:

 

- Students can receive extensive preparation for academic life, in a supportive environment.

- Students gain command of academic Hebrew at an advanced level, in a relatively short period of time.

- The program includes various activities to help students get acquainted with Israeli culture.

- During their studies, students can form meaningful connections with fellow Olim from around the world.

 

 

Students who wish to apply to undergraduate degrees based on their achievements in the preparatory program must meet the academic requirements, which vary from program to program. In certain programs, students must pass additional exams or pass an interview. In addition, in STEM subjects, students must provide proof of meeting requirements in mathematics, physics, etc.

 

 

The pre-academic program for Olim is offered at the following academic institutions:

- Bar-Ilan University (Ramat Gan): Bar-Ilan University's program includes courses in math, Hebrew, Judaic studies, and electives. The program opens twice a year, in the following dates - October to July, and January to August.

- The Technion (Haifa): This program is suitable for Olim who wish to study STEM undergraduate degrees. Courses include math, physics, English, and scientific writing.

- The University of Haifa: The program is suitable for Olim with a high-school diploma, and includes courses in English, math, academic writing, and the humanities. The program spans 9 months.

- The Hebrew University (Jerusalem): This program includes intensive Hebrew and English courses, along with courses in Israel studies, mathematics, statistics, and Jewish history. The program spans one year.

The TAKA program is offered in the following institutions:

- The Hebrew University (Jerusalem): This program at Rothberg International School has two sessions per year and includes summer ulpan. Students can choose between subsidized dorms at The Hebrew University, or (limited) residence options at the Canada absorption center.

- Tel-Aviv University: This 5-month program opens in the spring or summer and includes residence at Beit Brodetsky.

- Ashkelon Academic College: The TAKA 10 program in Ashkelon College opens in February and ends in August. It includes a pre-TAKA ulpan.

- Gordon Academic College (Haifa): The program opens in April or in June. Students can reside at the student dorms in downtown Haifa.