Nefesh BNefesh - Aliyah: Live the Dream

Note: The government has not yet finalized its budget for tuition subsidies for the 2013-2014 academic year, but the dispute seems close to being resolved. NBN, which is currently in contact with the government, the Jewish Agency and Misrad HaKlita in order to preserve this important benefit for new Olim, will share updates as they develop.

TAKA is a program for students who plan on beginning or continuing their academic studies in Israel. It is meant for students who are exempt from Mechina (university preparatory program) and wish to prepare for Israeli higher education. Eligibility is based on previous education and intended studies. 

TAKA programs are available at the following locations:

• Ashkelon College TAKA: The program begins on Febuary 6, 2013 and ends on July 4, 2013. 
• Hadassah College TAKA: The program begins on Febuary 17, 2013 and ends on July 4, 2013. 

There are 2 ways for student Olim to prepare for academic studies:

1. Mechinot
2. TAKA

Is TAKA for you?
First check if you are REQUIRED to do Mechina. You can do this by asking your local Aliyah shaliach, by contacting the Pre-Aliyah services of the Student Authority or by approaching the university of your choice directly.TAKA is designed for students eligible for assistance from the Student Authority, who are not obligated to do Mechina OR who choose to study in institutions or study tracks that do not require Mechina.

Acceptance Criteria:

1. You must be eligible for Student Authority assistance.
2. You must pass the Hebrew entrance exam with at least 60%, including the verbal exam.
3. Students already in Israel are requested to present an Ulpan completion certificate, in addition to successfully completing the TAKA entrance exam.
4. The Student Authority is NOT responsible for finding alternative programs for students who do not pass the entrance exam.
5. The program is very intense and suitable only for serious students who are willing to work hard.

Where does TAKA take place?

What are the study tracks offered?

1. The Ashkelon Academic College – general studies track
2. The Hadassah Academic College in Jerusalem – general studies track, art track (including help preparing a portfolio)

What is in the TAKA Program?
About 30 weekly hours:

1. Advanced Hebrew
2. English
3. Computers
4. Mathematics
5. Introducing Research Methods
6. Preparation for the psychometric exam (dependent on sufficient demand)
7. Introduction to Art (only in Jerusalem)

What do you pay for?

1. Rent for dorms
2. Registration - 220 NIS
3. Participation in preparatory course for psychometric – 450 NIS
4. Payment for subsidized art materials in TAKA Jerusalem – 100 NIS
5. Regular living expenses (food, etc.)

What else is important to know?

1. TAKA is funded & maintained by the Student Authority
2. The program is in addition to the 3 years tuition entitlement
3. Students are entitled to study in TAKA OR Mechina - NOT both

Student Housing

1. Ashkelon College Student Housing (apartments next to the campus): 580 NIS a month including utilities for a shared room. For apartments that go over the limit, students will be charged extra. Students coming from abroad must arrive before 27.1.13 for initial absorption & a Hebrew exam. Students will be allocated housing only after passing the exam. Temporary housing at the Barnea Absorption Center may be arranged in advance.
2. Hadassah College Jerusalem Student Housing, Beit Canada Absorption Center: 1,100 NIS per month for a shared room. Some students may be offered housing at the Mount Scopus campus (a bus ride away) at the cost of 930-1750 NIS per month.

Registration:

• Jerusalem Regional office: 15 Hillel Street, tel: 02-621-4540/42/43, Jrstudents@moia.gov.il 
• Tel Aviv Regional office: 6 Esther Hamalka Street, tel: 03-520-9155/81/87, Tastudents@moia.gov.il 
• Haifa Regional office: 15 Pal-Yam Blvd, tel: 04-863-1141/9, Hastudents@moi.gov.il 
• Be'er Sheva Regional office: 31 Shazar Street, Beit Oshira, tel: 08-626-1230/1, Bsstudents@moia.gov.il

Abroad: via our pre-Aliyah services:

• English Speakers: aceng@moia.gov.il, tel: 02-621-4589
• French Speakers: acfr@moia.gov.il, tel: 02-621-4582
• Spanish speakers: aclat@moia.gov.il, tel: 02-621-4605
• Russian speakers: acrus@moia.gov.il, tel: 02-621-4619 

Summer Ulpan

The Hadassah Academic College will have a summer Ulpan, levels Gimel, Daled and Heh. Registration costs 100 NIS. Students who have already been accepted to an institution of higher education and are eligible for Student Authority assistance, including students who completed TAKA, can register.

Updated: November 2012