The Preparatory Program provides an academic introduction and linguistic instruction for young new students, mainly immigrants from abroad, intending to continue toward their university studies in Israel. The yearlong program is the gateway to Hebrew-speaking Israeli society with its Jewish cultural ambiance, while working to develop and refine the skills necessary for university entrance the following year. The varied post-high school student body comes from around the world.

Admission to regular studies at an Israeli university requires a level of preparation equivalent to the Israeli high school matriculation (Bagrut), as well as proficiency in both the Hebrew and English languages. Many overseas students, however, arrive in Israel without adequate qualifications or preparation. The universities therefore instituted the one-year Preparatory Program for qualified secondary school graduates from abroad.

During the preparatory year, students are given an opportunity to attain the level required for regular study at the University.

The program begins in August with an intensive Hebrew language course (Summer Ulpan) and an English course for students with no previous knowledge of the English language. After the Ulpan, there are two semesters: the autumn semester extends from October to January, while the spring semester extends from February to June. The Bar-Ilan Mechina also offers a session from late December through mid-August. The University of Haifa offers two programs: the autumn Mechina which extends from October to June and the spring Mechina which extends from February to July. The Summer Ulpan at Haifa is held during July-August.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or certificate granting eligibility for university studies in their country of origin. Some candidates may be required to take the Israeli NITE Psychometric University Entrance Examination or the American Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT 1). All candidates for admission who are under the age of 18 are required to secure the written consent of their parents or guardian. All students must present a certificate of good health signed by a physician.

For Further Information:

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Office of Overseas Students Admissions
Boyar Building, Mount Scopus
Jerusalem 91905, Israel
Web site: http://overseas.huji.ac.il
Tel: 972-2-5882607
Fax: 972-2-5827078
E-mail: admission@roth.hul.huji.ac.il

Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
Center for Pre-University Education
Haifa 32000, Israel
Web site: http://www.technion.ac.il
Tel: 92-4-8233628
Fax:972-4-8225023
E-mail: Kdam@tx.technion.ac.il

Tel Aviv University
Student Dormitories, Building A
Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
Web site: http://www.tau.ac.il/mechina
Tel: 972-3-6406681
Fax: 972-3-6409783
E-mail: steind@post.tau.ac.il

Bar-Ilan University
Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
Web site: http://www.biu.ac.il
Tel: 972-3-5318653
Fax: 972-3-5351522
E-mail: deanst@mail.biu.ac.il

University of Haifa
Multi-purpose Building, Mount Carmel
Haifa 31905, Israel
Web site: http://www.haifa.ac.il/pre-academicunit
Tel: 972-4-8249824
Fax: 972-4-8240389
E-mail: Kochavas@research.haifa.ac.il

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Tuviahu Campus
POB 653
Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
Web site: http://bgu.ac.il
Tel: 972-8-6461058
Fax: 972-8-6472962