The mechina is a special study program of the institutions of higher education in Israel, run in conjunction with the Student Authority. This program is intended for immigrants who completed high school or up to 18 months of academic studies overseas. The aim of the program is to prepare overseas students for higher education in Israel.

Admission Requirements
 
Matriculation certificate, or high-school diploma which is accepted by institutions of higher education in the student's country of origin.

Curriculum
 
Hebrew, English, Jewish History and Mathematics. Science and technological subjects, including chemistry, physics and algebra.

Most mechina courses correspond to the various faculties: Humanities, Social Science, Natural and Fine Sciences, Engineering and Technology.

Students study in the mechina that corresponds to the faculty they plan to study in, culminating in entrance exams in mathematics, and in the entrance requirements of the various faculties.

The initial months of the mechina are devoted mostly to Hebrew studies, as part of the university summer ulpan.

Each mechina course involves 35-42 weekly hours.

The mechina includes a preparation course for the Psychometric Entrance Exam for those interested. Students must pay for the course.

Duration of the mechina: about 10 months.

Some mechina courses also have a Spring program which begins in January-February and ends with the academic school year. The Spring program is shorter, 7-8 months, and includes a more intensive course. Students with a basic knowledge of Hebrew are also accepted to this program, as it does not include an ulpan.

Take Note!
For students who studied in the mechina in the same university to which they have been accepted, grades of the mechina are combined with grades of the Psychometric Entrance Exam and of the various entrance exams. This average raises the chances of students being accepted to the department of their choice. 

Who is required to study in a mechina?
 
Students from countries where the matriculation certificate is equal to the Israeli one do not need to study in the mechina. They may register directly for regular university studies, on condition that they fulfill other entrance requirements. However, overseas students with low grades might have to study in the mechina.

Following are the countries whose matriculation certificates are equal to those in Israel:

  Australia 
  Denmark 
  Germany (Abitur) 
  Sweden 
  Austria 
  England (O & A levels) 
  Holland (VWO) 
  Switzerland 
  Canada 
  Finland 
  Italy (13 years) 
  France (BAC) 
  Norway 

 Registration for the mechina
 
  Overseas candidates - via the immigration emissary (shaliach aliya) 
  In Israel - directly at the educational institution. See State-Recognized Educational Institutions. 
All candidates must pass entrance exams in Hebrew, English and Mathematics.
Overseas candidates may take the exams at the beginning of the mechina.
Every student may choose the institution in which to study the mechina.

Take Note!
It is important to check the mechina program at the time of registration to see that it fulfills the requirements of the department you wish to be accepted to for regular studies. It is generally recommended to study the mechina at the same institution where you plan to enroll. 

Tuition Fees for the Mechina
 
The Student Authority pays tuition fees for the mechina for eligible students. This program is included in the three years of assistance from the Authority.

Candidates are required to pay registration fees and fees for the psychometric preparation course (if chosen).

Living Expenses
 
Students with financial problems who cannot work to support themselves may request a loan from the Student Authority.

Important! Mechina studies do not automatically ensure that the student will be accepted to higher education programs in Israel. Entrance requirements to higher education programs include a matriculation certificate, Psychometric Entrance Exam, departmental entrance exams and adequate knowledge of Hebrew.

Addresses
 
Hebrew University
Pre-academic Mechina
Goldschmidt Building
Mount Scopus
Jerusalem 91905
Tel: 02-5881602
Fax: 02-5827078
www.huji.ac.il

Tel Aviv University
Pre-Academic Mechina
University Campus
Ramat Aviv
P.O.Box 69040
Tel: 03-6406681/2
www.tau.ac.il

Bar Ilan University
Pre-Academic Mechina
Office of the Dean of Students
Bar Ilan University
Ramat Gan 52900
Tel: 03-5318274
E-mail: deanst@ashur.cc.biu.ac.il

Haifa University
Pre-Academic Mechina
Binyan Rav-tachliti
Haifa University
Mount Carmel
Haifa 31905
Tel: 04-8249173
www.haifa.ac.il

Technion
Pre-academic Mechina
Technion
Haifa 3200
Tel: 04-8294540
E-mail: kdam@techunix.ac.il

Ben Gurion University of the Negev
Pre-academic Mechina
Ein Gedi Building
Ben Gurion University
Be'er Sheva 84105
Tel: 08-6461058
www.bgu.ac.il