An Academic Mechina is a preparatory program for Israeli students who did not successfully complete their bagrut (high school matriculation) exams. A similar program called Mechinat Olim is specifically for new immigrants who would like to study in an Israeli university but do not have a high school transcript equivalent to an Israeli bagrut certificate, and aims to provide this equivalency in addition to Hebrew language proficiency so they can be accepted into a Hebrew-language BA program.

Students who meet the following criteria have a bagrut equivalency and are usually exempt from Mechinat Olim:

  • UK students who earned a GCSE + at least 3 A-level exams (in certain subjects)
  • Canadian students who earned a OSSD (in certain courses) or a high school diploma + CEGEP diploma
  • US students who passed at least 4 AP exams (in certain subjects)

There are four Mechinat Olim programs:

  1. Hebrew University (three tracks)
  2. Bar-Ilan University (one general track)
  3. Haifa University  (for students continuing at Haifa U. in a BA program)
  4. Technion (one engineering track)

Please note: Sometimes a Mechinat Olim ahead of university studies is not necessary at all!
1. Bar-Ilan University and Machon Lev/Machon Tal in Jerusalem (and some other colleges) do not always require Mechinat Olim for immigrant students who do not have a bagrut equivalent but do fulfill other academic requirements, such as a competitive SAT, ACT or Psychometric score.

2. If you are planning on studying in an English language BA program, you can get in based on your SAT, ACT or Psychometric scores in addition to your high school grades, and a bagrut equivalent is not required.

Therefore, it is important to be in touch with a student advisor at the university you are applying to before you sign up for Mechinat Olim.

Eligibility for receiving free tuition at a Mechinat Olim from the Student Authority is dependent on the following conditions:

  • High school diploma
  • 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 27th birthday
  • Student must begin studies within three years of their Aliyah date
  • Mechinat Olim is only funded by the Student Authority for students who are obligated to do it.

The Student Authority will pay for both Mechina AND a BA for those eligible, if Mechina is required by the university/college you are applying to. For more information see here.

Ulpan Programs in Mechina: The Mechinot Olim 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.

For More Information:

If you have not yet made Aliyah, please contact the Student Authority, per the contact details on this webpage.

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

Updated: August 2023

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