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  If you are planning on studying in Israel you may need some preparation before you actually enroll in a regular academic study program. There are a number of options, mostly intended for new immigrants, which emphasize preparation for higher academic education in Israel and Hebrew instruction
 
Pre Academic Options

The Jewish Agency has compiled a list of credited semester programs, summer, pre academic or preparatory programs, Master's programs and programs in English open to both tourists and new immigrants for a semester, a year or just for the summer. For additional information please see the following link: Academic and Pre-Academic Options

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Academic Preparatory Course for Immigrants

The “mechina” is a special study program intended to prepare overseas students for higher education in Israel. This program is intended for immigrants who completed high school or up to 18 months of academic studies overseas. It is recommended that you study the mechina at the same higher education institution where you plan to enroll.

Admission Requirements
In order to be accepted to the program you need to present one of the following:
 A matriculation certificate.
 A high-school diploma accepted by institutions of higher education in the your country of origin. All candidates must pass entrance exams in Hebrew, English and Mathematics.
Overseas candidates may take the exams at the beginning of the mechina.

Who is required to study in a mechina?
If you come from a country where the matriculation certificate is equal to the Israeli one you do not need to study in the mechina. You may register directly for regular university studies, on condition that you fulfill other entrance requirements. However, if your grades are not high enough you may need to study in the mechina. You can find a list of countries whose matriculation certificates are equivalent to the Israeli certificate at the site of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption.

Please note: mechina studies do not automatically ensure that you will be accepted to higher education programs in Israel.

The Curriculum
You should study in the mechina that corresponds to the faculty you plan to study in. Courses include Hebrew, English, math and introductory academic courses. The course involves 35-42 weekly hours of study and lasts about 10 months.

Where do I Register?
 If you are an overseas candidate you should contact your immigration emissary (shaliach aliya)
 In Israel – contact your chosen educational institution. See State-Recognized Educational Institutions.

Tuition Fees
If you are eligible the Student Authority at the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption will pay your tuition fees. See Who is eligible for Student Authority assistance?. This program is included in the three years of assistance from the Authority. Candidates are required to pay registration fees and fees for the psychometric preparation course (if chosen).

Mechina Addresses
You will find a list of Mechina addresses and contact information at the site of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption

 Bar Ilan University Mechina Program
 Tel Aviv University Mechina Program
 Hebrew University of Jerusalem Mechina Program
 Technion Preparatory Programs (Mechina)
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Academic Absorption Program TAKAH

The academic absorption program (TAKAH) is for immigrant students who began their academic studies abroad, who wish to continue studying in Israel but do not need a mechina.

Who is the program for?
This program is for you if you fulfill the following requirements:
 You have studied at least one year abroad in an institution of higher education and intend to continue your studies in Israel, or you have completed your B.A. studies abroad and wish to study for an M.A. in Israel.
 You hold a matriculation certificate equivalent to the Israeli certificate.
 You are exempt from mechina studies.
 You are entitled to Student Authority assistance. See Who is eligible for Student Authority assistance?

Curriculum and Program

The program includes 2 stages:
 Level A - A five-month Ulpan for Hebrew studies, 25 hours a week, for those who have not studied in an Ulpan.
 Level B - Advanced Hebrew, English, Computers, Mathematical Terminology (as needed) and Jewish History. Total - 38 hours weekly.
The program also includes preparation for the psychometric entrance exam in your native language, provided that there are enough students for each language. Students are required to pay for the preparation course.

Location
Studies are held at the following locations:
1. The Ashkelon Academic College, a branch of Bar Ilan University.
2. The Jezrect Academic College
3. The Hadassa Academic College, Jerusalem

Registration
You can register for the program at a Student Authority closest to your home. At the following link you can find a list of Student Authorities. To register for the program you will need to must submit your immigrant certificate (Teudat Oleh) as well as educational certificates and documents.

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The Sapir Pre-Academic Program

The Sapir Program is intended for olim (new immigrants) who are candidates for admission to institutions of higher education, have no prior academic experience, and meet the eligibility requirements of the Student Authority.
The program includes two stages:
 Four months of Ulpan study – free of charge for eligible immigrant students
 Five months of advanced Hebrew study and courses in mathematics and English, and research methods for more advanced Hebrew students.

Psychometric preperatory course
A preparatory course for the Psychometric University Entrance Exam is offered in different languages, provided that there is sufficient enrollment. A tuition payment is required for this stage.

The Sapir program is not considered a substitute for the pre-academic mechina. Sapir students may enroll in a mechina at the conclusion of the program.

Students who complete other Ulpan programs may apply to the Sapir Program, provided that they successfully pass a Hebrew exam.

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Useful Links

 Bar Ilan University Mechina Program
 Tel Aviv University Mechina Program
 Hebrew University of Jerusalem Mechina Program
 Technion Preparatory Programs (Mechina)
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