The Government views the reintegration of returning students following an extended stay abroad, as well as of students born abroad to parents holding Israeli citizenship, as a critical factor in the absorption of the entire family in Israel and into Israeli society.
Within the framework of the special program, the Ministry of Education has formulated new regulations for strengthening returning students in the education system, easing their integration and improving their achievements.
Children defined as returning residents will be entitled to extra weekly teaching hours for strengthening their mastery of scholastic subjects and improving their command of Hebrew. The extra teaching hours will be allocated according to the number of returning students in each class, based on an index of hours determined by the Ministry of Education.
In addition, returning students may be entitled to concessions on matriculation exams, depending on their age when returning to Israel.
Definition of a returning resident (student)
- An individual born in Israel who resided abroad for more than four consecutive years
- A former new immigrant who left Israel, resided abroad for more than four consecutive years and returned to Israel, is considered the same as a returning resident.
- An individual born abroad, whose parents are returning residents, is considered the same as an immigrant student.
Eligibility for concessions on matriculation exams
- A returning student who returned to Israel in the seventh grade, or at age 13 and over, is entitled to the same concessions on matriculation exams as a new immigrant.
- A returning student who never attended school in Israel, and who returned to Israel in the tenth grade, or at age 15 and over, is entitled to the same concessions on matriculation examinations as a new immigrant.
To check the number of hours allocated to returning resident students in primary school, in junior high school and in high school, to learn about the relevant professional tools, and for information about eligibility for concessions on matriculation exams, you can consult with the Immigrant Student Absorption Supervisors/Centers at the district offices of the Ministry of Education.
For more information on this category of assistance, see the section on special populations/absorption and integration of new immigrant students and returning resident students in the Director-General's Circular for 2011-2012 under the Immigrant Student Absorption Department link on the Ministry of Education website.