Doctors are a valuable resource in the State of Israel, which is expecting to experience a shortage of doctors in the upcoming years due to factors such as population increase and the retirement of immigrant doctors.
Medicine is a prestigious field in Israel and getting accepted to medical school is a journey of its own. Below is a brief overview of medical school in Israel and the criteria for acceptance. For more information, please email [email protected].
Tracks of Study
There are three ways to study medicine in Israel.
The first option is a full seven-year program. These programs are offered at Hebrew University, The Technion, Tel Aviv University and Ben Gurion University.
The second option is a four-year program, available for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree. These programs are offered at Tel Aviv University, Bar-Ilan University and Ariel University.
While Israel currently has 3 international schools of Medicine at Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, The Technion American Medical School and The Medical School for International Health at Ben Gurion University, these programs will be permanently closed for enrollment as of the fall of 2023. Please refer to this article for more information.
Psychometric
A psychometric score is mandatory to apply for medical school in Israel. Unlike other university programs in Israel, medical schools will not accept the SAT as a substitute for the psychometric. If you are applying for an international program, the programs will accept an MCAT score in place of a psychometric.
The scoring on the psychometric exam ranges from 200-800 (800 being the highest score). To qualify for medical school, you will need a near perfect score. Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University require a minimum score of over 735.
Mechinat Olim
Olim will be required to study for a year in a Mechina program unless they qualify for an exemption from Mechina.
Hebrew Level Requirement
You will be required to take the YAELÂ Hebrew proficiency test. In order to qualify for acceptance, you will need to have near fluency.
Entrance Exam and Interview
Different programs have different acceptance criteria and some may require you to come in for a placement test. All medical school programs will require you to attend a face-to-face individual interview and participate in a group interview.
