← All guides

Ministry of Aliyah and Integration — Student Authority assistance for immigrant students in higher education

Source: Israeli Government Guide for New Immigrants · 2026-05

68 The State of Israel offers various options of top quality higher- education studies and is home to some of the top rated leading academic institutions in the world. In addition to offering a degree and career opportunities, the higher-education studies enable integration into Israeli society. The academic campus is an ideal meeting place for young people - for enjoyable experiences and acquaintance with the wide variety of groups that compose the Israeli society. The Student Authority Immigrant students accepted for studies to an institution of higher education may be eligible for academic and social assistance from the Student Authority. Areas of assistance • Funding for a bachelor’s/master’s degree or diploma/ engineering studies. • Guidance and counseling for choosing an appropriate field of study. • Preparation for academic studies in an ulpan, pre-academic preparatory courses (Mechina), or special programs. • Support and academic accompaniment (for example individual or group tutoring). • A network of counselors and professionals that provide personal guidance and accompaniment. • Social and cultural activities. • Participation in the Shahak project- social-community service • Funding of English and Hebrew courses. • Assistance with the “YAEL” exam - preparatory courses. • A system of support and care for students (Ma’atefet). • A Pre-aliyah service - for students still overseas. Assistance to Immigrant Students in Higher Education

69 Conditions of eligibility • Status: new immigrant, child of immigrants, immigrant citizen, returning minor. • Immigrant Period of eligibility: assistance to new immigrants who commence studies within 36 months from the date of receipt of new-immigrant status or eligibility as a new immigrant (the period of regular compulsory IDF service or National Service is not included in the 36-month period) and conclude within 10 years from the date of aliyah. • Scope of assistance: the Student Authority assists in funding studies according to the official number of academic years in the study track (the standard amount of years for a degree). Scholarships are at a government rate (tuition at a university recognized by official State institutions- The Council for Higher Education). • Maximal age at Commencement of Studies:

“Mechina” (a preparatory program) - up to age 23 for students who are obligated to study in a mechina.

Bachelor’s degree/ degree studies/ engineering studies - up to age 27.

Master’s degree/ training studies, or a degree following a diploma up to age 30. Academic requirements:

Matriculation certificate (Te’udat Bagrut) or certificate of completion of high school recognized overseas, or certificate of completion of a recognized mechina program in Israel (for a master’s degree and up, one must also present a first degree or a document proving eligibility for one).

Compliance with admission requirements of the chosen institution of higher education.

Study in an institution and study track recognized by the Student Authority in the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.

Proper academic progression from year to year. Students must cover additional expenses such as registration fees, security fees, exam fees, student-organization fees, rent, and personal expenses. However, students may be able to apply for scholarships, subsidized housing and other forms of assistance

70 for persons who meet eligibility requirements. For information, consult with a Student Authority advisor. The conditions are different for different groups. Every case is examined separately. Hebrew Studies and Preparatory Programs for Higher Education Before beginning higher-education studies, new-immigrant students can be eligible to learn Hebrew in special student ulpanim. The studies at ulpan (ulpan Aleph) are for 5 months. Summer Ulpan The Student Authority in conjunction with the Adult Education Division at the Ministry of Education and academic institutions holds summer courses in Hebrew for students and young academics. Who is eligible for the program: TAKA - (Pre Academic Program) graduates. Students who are eligible for the aid of the Student Authority who study in academic institutions and have not reached a level of exemption in Hebrew yet. Students who are eligible for the aid of the Student Authority who are interested in pursuing a higher education (candidates for TAKA). Academics and doctoral students up to age 30. The studies are for 5 weeks during the summer. Those who wish to become part of higher education and academic studies in Israel are advised to attend one of the two preparatory programs intended for new immigrants (olim): University Mechina The majority of universities require completion of a new- immigrant mechina in order to apply for bachelor’s-degree studies. This applies to students who have a recognized high- school completion certificate that is not equivalent to an Israeli matriculation certificate (Te’udat Bagrut). The majority of colleges

71 and other academic institutions do not require a mechina as a condition of acceptance. Studies are for a full academic year. The Student Authority provides assistance for mechina only to eligible students who are required to take a mechina. TAKA- Pre Academic Program TAKA is for all students who are not obligated to take a new immigrant mechina:

72 • Diplomas from previous academic studies and grade transcripts. • Certification of postponement of service in the IDF or certification of discharge. If someone has been in the country for less than a year, they do not need to provide a certification of postponement of service. • Receipts for payments already made to the institution and standing bank orders signed by the bank. Additional information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration: https://www.gov.il/he/service/online_application_ administration_assistance_for_immigrant_students One must submit a request for assistance for every new school year (follow the announcements of the Student Authority). Candidates for Aliyah Candidates for aliyah who are interested in receiving guidance and information about study tracks, conditions of acceptance, checking their educational documents, and eligibility for Student Authority assistance, or registration in one of the preparatory programs, can apply to the Student Authority Pre-aliyah Service at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration: Pre-aliyah Service - the academic division, the Student Authority, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, 4 Mevo HaMatmid St. 9459302. English Desk: aceng@moia.gov.il Phone number: 00-972-73-3972510 French Desk: acfr@moia.gov.il Phone number: 00-972-73-3972502 Spanish Desk: aclat@moia.gov.il Phone number: 00-972-73-3972501 Russian Desk: acrus@moia.gov.il Phone number: 00-972-73-3972509

73 Additional Information It is possible to receive further information at the units of the Student Authority in the Ministry’s districts, in the publications of the Student Authority and on the website of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration: In Hebrew: https://www.gov.il/he/departments/topics/student_authority. In English: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/student_authority/ govil-landing-page Please Note! The information contained here is a general guide only, and does not confer eligibility for any type of assistance or benefit. Details and regulations are subject to change. Before undertaking any action based on this information, be sure to ascertain the rights and benefits to which you are entitled. The information in this guidebook is based on data provided by various official sources. In case of any error, alteration, or discrepancy between the information presented and the laws and regulations of official bodies, the laws and regulations of the official bodies will prevail. The information phrased in the masculine form is intended for men and women alike.