Nefesh BNefesh

A Mechina is a preparatory program for Israeli students who did not successfully complete their Bagrut exams. It is also for new immigrants who would like to study in an Israeli university. The goal of the program is to help students attain the levels required for regular study at the University (equivalency to Israeli Bagrut) and proficiency in both Hebrew and in English.

Note: In some instances, Canadian citizens who have completed CJEPs or 13 years of High school may not be eligible for Mechina assistance.

Each university has its own program. With the exception of Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University which recognize each other's programs, universities do not recognize Mechina programs from other institutions. Note: Mechina is not meant for students with no prior knowledge of Hebrew.

Each Mechina program offers two tracks:

The Mathematics and Exact Sciences Track is intended primarily for students who wish to gain admission to a Bachelor's Degree in the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Dental Medicine, or most departments in the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences. This track includes Hebrew and English language studies, Jewish and Israel Studies, Calculus, and at least one introductory course, which may be recognized for credit after the student has been accepted to regular undergraduate studies at the Hebrew University. 

The Humanities and Social Sciences Track is intended primarily for students who wish to gain admission to a Bachelor's Degree in the Faculty of Humanities or in the Faculty of Social Sciences. This track includes Hebrew and English language studies, Jewish and Israel Studies, Probability, and at least one introductory course, which may be recognized for credit after the student has been accepted to regular undergraduate studies at the Hebrew University.

Eligibility for Preparatory Programs from the Student Authority

• High school completion certificate
• Completion of a five month Ulpan or Hebrew knowledge equivalent to completion of advanced-beginner's Ulpan (approximately Ulpan level Bet)
• Student must begin the program before his/her 23rd birthday
• Student must begin studies within 3 years of their Aliyah date
• Exemptions from the Mechina requirement are evaluated on a case-by-case basis

Choosing a Mechina

• At universities which require students to complete a Mechina as a condition of acceptance, the Mechina must be chosen according to the requested field of study.
• The study tracks on the Mechinot are: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering. Acceptance into the natural sciences & engineering tracks is dependent on passing a mathematics exam.
• Track placement is determined by exams administered at the beginning of the academic year.
• Weekly study hours range from 25-38 hours depending on the particular track.

Preparation for Psychometric Exams

In most of the Mechinot, the preparatory course for the psychometric exam is NOT part of the Mechina program, and requires additional payment. The preparatory course is run by private institutions and organized by the mechinot according to need, there is a minimum number of same-language students required in order to run a course.

Ulpan Programs in Mechina

The Mechinot all begin with a summer Ulpan which is a compulsory part of the Mechina. Successful completion of the Ulpan is a condition of continued studies.
Eligibility for summer Ulpanim for students accepted to regular university studies:

• Students eligible for Student Authority assistance who have a valid letter of acceptance to regular university studies in Israel.
• Students who completed TAKA need a special permit from the local Student Authority office in order to be eligible for the summer Ulpan.

For More Information

Additional information is available through the National Department for Academic Studies. If you are still abroad, please contact: 

English Speakers: naomis@moia.gov.il Tel: 02-621-4589
French Speakers: fabien@moia.gov.il Tel: 02-621-4582
Spanish speakers: monikms@moia.gov.il Tel: 02-621-4605

If you have already made Aliyah, please refer to your regional office of the Student Authority for more information.