Education in Israel
Israel runs an education system distinctive for its parallel streams, reflecting the country's diverse society. Instruction is mainly in Hebrew (with a full Arabic-language stream for Arab citizens), education is free and compulsory from age 3, and the country is renowned for its research universities and strength in technology — the "Start-Up Nation." University admission rests on the Bagrut matriculation certificate and a national aptitude test.
Structure & stages
The mainstream system follows a 6–3–3 structure:
- Primary (grades 1–6)Ages ~6–12
- Middle school (grades 7–9)
- High school (grades 10–12)Leading to the Bagrut
Compulsory education & enrolment
Education is free and compulsory from age 3 to 18 (through the end of high school). The school year runs September to June. Notably, most Jewish citizens complete mandatory military or national service after high school, so many students begin university a few years later than in other countries.
Public schools
Most students attend free public schools within one of the streams. The State and State-Religious streams follow the national curriculum; the Arab stream teaches in Arabic; and the Haredi stream operates with significant independence, sometimes with limited secular content.
Private & international schools
Israel has private and semi-private schools, plus international schools, alongside the publicly funded stream system that dominates enrollment.
Curriculum & language of instruction
The curriculum covers Hebrew (or Arabic), mathematics, the sciences, history, Bible/religious or civic studies, and English, with strong emphasis on the sciences and technology. English proficiency is high and important for higher education.
Exams & qualifications
University admission rests on two things: the Bagrut (matriculation certificate, earned through subject exams across high school) and the Psychometric Entrance Test — a national aptitude exam (comparable to the SAT/GRE) used alongside the Bagrut by universities.
Higher education
Israel has world-class research universities: the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (founded 1918), the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (Haifa, renowned in science and engineering), Tel Aviv University, the Weizmann Institute of Science (a leading research institute), and Ben-Gurion University, among others. The system underpins Israel's strength in research and high-tech.
Studying in Israel from abroad
Israel attracts international students, particularly for research, technology, and programs connected to the Jewish diaspora:
- English programsA growing number of English-taught degree and exchange programs welcome international students
- Diaspora programsInitiatives such as Masa Israel and university international schools draw students worldwide
- PracticalitiesInternational students obtain a student visa; confirm program requirements, and note the country's security situation and travel advisories
Special education & support
Israel provides special education through both special schools and integration in mainstream settings, backed by national law and support services.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling is permitted with authorization in Israel; families must apply to the Ministry of Education and meet its requirements. It remains uncommon.
Costs & funding
Public education is free. Private and international schools charge tuition, and universities charge tuition (subsidized for citizens; international programs charge more). The currency is the Israeli New Shekel (ILS).
Key facts for families
- LanguagesHebrew and Arabic
- Structure6 + 3 + 3, across four parallel streams
- CompulsoryAges 3–18, free
- University entryBagrut + Psychometric Entrance Test
- Higher edHebrew University, Technion, Tel Aviv University, Weizmann Institute
- NoteMandatory military/national service often precedes university
Accreditation & quality assurance in Israel
In Israel, higher education and its quality are overseen by the Council for Higher Education (CHE). To confirm that a specific school or university is recognized — and to understand how a qualification from Israel is recognized in the U.S. and worldwide — start with the resources below.
Where to verify the details
This guide is a starting point, not the final authority. For current details: