Israel – Education and Schools

How good is the education system in Israel?

Israel’s education system is widely recognised for its rigorous academic standards, especially in science and technology, and for the central part it has played in fuelling the country’s remarkable economic development. It functions within a well-resourced public framework and has a long-standing culture of encouraging university-level attainment — in 2012, Israel ranked second among OECD countries (equal with Japan, after Canada) for the proportion of 25- to 64-year-olds who had completed tertiary education, at 46%, compared with an OECD average of 32%.

Its performance on international assessments, however, presents a more complex picture. Since 1999, Israel has typically ranked among the lower-performing developed nations on certain international evaluations, including TIMSS, PISA, and PIRLS — both in terms of average pupil scores and the gap between the highest- and lowest-achieving students. In the most recent PISA cycle (2022), Israel recorded a reading score of 473.8 points, above the global average of 437.4 points drawn from 78 participating countries.

A particularly notable concern flagged by the OECD is internal inequality. The variation between schools in mathematics attainment is among the widest relative to the overall spread across OECD member countries, and the gap in mathematics results between students in the highest and lowest socioeconomic quartiles is among the largest observed. On a more encouraging note, of the 26 countries that participated in all PISA cycles, Israel ranked ninth for improvement in rankings and fourth for growth in actual pupil scores between 2000 and 2012.

Israeli students receive 941 hours of required instruction annually in primary education and 1,002 hours in lower secondary — both of which exceed the OECD averages of 804 and 909 hours respectively. This reflects a system that places considerable emphasis on classroom time. For the most up-to-date assessment data, readers are encouraged to consult the OECD’s Education at a Glance reports and the Israeli Ministry of Education.

At what age is education compulsory in Israel, and how is schooling structured by age?

Israel provides free and compulsory public education for all children between the ages of three and 17. This represents one of the earliest compulsory schooling thresholds among OECD nations — comparable to France, which similarly mandates schooling from age three, and considerably earlier than countries such as Germany or the Netherlands, where compulsory education typically begins at five or six.

Formal schooling is organised into three successive stages: primary school (Grades 1–6), middle school (Grades 7–9), and high school (Grades 10–12). Prior to Grade 1, children attend state-funded kindergarten, which forms part of the compulsory education framework.

Israeli high schools prepare students for the national matriculation examinations known as the bagrut. These cover a broad range of academic subjects and are structured in units of ascending difficulty, ranging from one to five units (and in some subjects up to ten). Students who pass all compulsory subjects and are assessed across a minimum of 21 units — including at least one five-unit examination — are awarded a full matriculation certificate.

What types of schools are available in Israel?

The vast majority of schools within Israel’s education system are publicly funded. They are broadly divided according to their language of instruction — Hebrew in the Jewish sector and Arabic in the Arab sector — and are further organised under supervisory frameworks that correspond to the distinct cultural and religious communities within Israeli society.

The Israeli school system encompasses several different tracks, including state-secular, state-religious, independently run religious, and Arab-sector schools. The main categories are as follows:

• State-secular (Mamlachti) schools: The largest sector in the system, these publicly funded institutions operate without a religious focus and deliver the national curriculum through Hebrew-medium instruction.
• State-religious (Mamlachti Dati) schools: Also publicly funded, these schools follow the national curriculum while placing greater emphasis on Jewish religious tradition, observance, and studies.
• Independent Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) schools: Operated largely by ultra-Orthodox communities, these schools maintain a distinct timetable and curriculum that places heavy weight on religious learning. Haredi yeshivas follow a separate schedule governed by the Hebrew calendar, beginning on 1 Elul.
• Arab-sector schools: Publicly funded schools in which instruction takes place primarily in Arabic, following an adapted version of the national curriculum and serving Muslim, Christian, and Druze communities.
• Integrated (Hand-in-Hand) schools: A distinctive category of schools that bring Jewish and Arab students together within a shared educational environment.
• Democratic schools: A smaller group of progressive, student-centred schools that operate within the public framework but with considerably greater pedagogical flexibility.
• International and private schools: A range of private institutions, including democratic schools and internationally oriented establishments such as the American International School in Israel.

Israel’s education system is relatively centralised under the Ministry of Education, which sets the national curricula — including a mandatory core curriculum — and oversees the implementation of both national and international educational assessment programmes.

What curriculum and qualifications do schools in Israel follow?

Israel operates a national curriculum established by the Ministry of Education. The Ministry sets both the compulsory core curriculum and wider subject requirements, and it directs policy on national and international educational testing. Core subjects include Hebrew language, mathematics, science and technology, English, history, civics, literature, and scripture, among others.

The principal school-leaving qualification is the Te’udat Bagrut (matriculation certificate). On completing their high school studies, students sit the Te’udat Bagrut examinations across subjects such as Hebrew, English, mathematics, history, literature, scripture, and civic studies. These results, combined with scores from the PET (Psychometric Entrance Test), determine eligibility for university admission. The Bagrut is functionally comparable to France’s Baccalauréat or Germany’s Abitur — a multi-subject leaving certificate that serves as the primary gateway to higher education.

The breadth and depth of the matriculation examination in each subject is measured through a unit system. In mathematics, for example, students may study at a range spanning three units (foundation level) to five units (advanced level). This tiered structure enables students to demonstrate varying degrees of mastery across different subjects, in a manner somewhat resembling the differentiated entry levels used in certain other national examination frameworks.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is not part of the Israeli state curriculum, though a number of private and international schools across the country do offer it. Families specifically seeking IB qualifications should contact individual schools to confirm availability, as provision varies. The IB World Schools directory provides a searchable list of authorised IB schools in Israel.

What are typical school hours and holidays in Israel?

The Israeli school week runs from Sunday through Friday, with Friday typically being a shortened day. Schools do not operate on Saturdays (Shabbat). This is a significant practical consideration for families arriving from countries where the school week runs Monday to Friday, since Sunday is a fully standard school day in Israel and family routines will need to be reorganised accordingly.

School hours differ by level and sector. Primary school pupils generally start around 08:00 and finish in the early to mid-afternoon, while students in middle and high school may attend for longer periods or have additional afternoon lessons scheduled. Formal sit-down lunches are not a feature of most Israeli schools; children typically bring food from home or purchase snacks at the school.

The academic year opens on 1 September and closes on 30 June for primary pupils and 20 June for those in middle and high school. Total school holiday time in Israel amounts to approximately 14.8 weeks per year at the primary level — slightly above the OECD average of 13.5 weeks. The main holiday periods are:

• Summer break: Roughly late June to late August — the longest single holiday period of the year
• Jewish High Holidays (Yamim Noraim): Schools close around Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which fall in September or October
• Sukkot: A week-long autumn break
• Hanukkah: A brief mid-winter recess
• Passover (Pesach): A two-week spring holiday

Haredi yeshivas operate on a distinct timetable governed by the Hebrew calendar, beginning on 1 Elul. Arab-sector schools follow the same broad academic calendar as Hebrew-sector schools but may additionally observe Muslim or Christian holidays depending on the community they serve. International schools typically maintain their own calendars, which may differ from the Israeli state schedule.

How do you enrol a child in school in Israel?

Enrolment in Israeli state schools is administered at the local authority (municipality) level. Each municipality is responsible for allocating school places within its boundaries. The process ordinarily begins once a family has registered with their local authority after establishing residency. The following is a general outline of what the enrolment process involves:

1. Establish residency: Obtain a rental agreement or other proof of address in Israel. Your address will determine which municipal authority has jurisdiction over your household and, consequently, which catchment schools your child is eligible to attend.
2. Register with the local municipality (Iriya or Moatza): Contact the local education department. Based on your address and your child’s age, they will assign a place at the relevant school.
3. Gather required documents: You will generally need your child’s birth certificate, proof of address (such as a tenancy agreement or recent utility bill), vaccination records (teudat hitchassnut), and any prior school reports or academic transcripts. New immigrants (olim) should additionally present their Teudat Oleh (immigrant certificate).
4. Submit an application to the school: The school will confirm the placement and may arrange an introductory meeting, particularly where a child has special educational needs or has not yet acquired Hebrew language skills.
5. Attend an orientation or assessment (if applicable): Some schools conduct assessments of incoming pupils’ language ability and academic level, particularly for children joining mid-year or transferring from a school system abroad.
6. Arrange transport and supplies: Find out whether school transport (transport talmidim) is provided in your area, and obtain the list of required materials from the school so that these can be purchased in advance.

State school allocation in Israel is address-based rather than competitive. That said, demand on specific schools in desirable areas — particularly Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Herzliya — can be considerable, and families are strongly advised to begin the registration process well in advance of the September start date, ideally several months beforehand. For current enrolment requirements, contact the Israel Ministry of Education or your local municipal authority directly.

What international schools are available in Israel?

For many expatriate families — including those accompanying corporate executives, diplomats, and staff of international organisations — international schools represent an ideal educational setting in Israel. While these schools may enrol some local students, they are generally structured around the needs of an internationally mobile student body.

International schools are concentrated chiefly in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Jerusalem, and Haifa, cities that host the largest expatriate communities. They offer a variety of curricula, including:

• American curriculum: The American International School in Israel (AISI), situated in Kfar Shmaryahu near Tel Aviv, follows a US-style curriculum and primarily serves the international diplomatic and business community.
• British curriculum: Tabeetha School in Jaffa, Tel Aviv, is an English-medium institution covering both primary and secondary years, in which all subjects are delivered in English except for foreign languages including Hebrew, Arabic, French, Spanish, and Russian. The curriculum follows the British model and leads to IGCSE and GCE A Level qualifications.
• French curriculum: Collège français Marc Chagall de Tel Aviv, established in 1966, is accredited by the French State and affiliated with the AEFE network. Instruction is conducted in French, and the school caters to both Israeli and other international families.
• IB and other international programmes: A number of schools in Israel offer International Baccalaureate programmes at various levels. The IB World Schools directory is the most authoritative source for identifying currently accredited providers.

Places at international schools are often limited, and some schools give priority to students of particular nationalities. Fees tend to be high by local standards, but these schools typically offer strong academic programmes, smaller classes, excellent facilities, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. As of 2024, annual tuition at international schools in Israel generally falls in the range of approximately USD 10,000 to USD 25,000 or above, depending on the school, year group, and curriculum — always confirm current fees with the school directly.

To locate accredited international schools in Israel, the following resources are useful:

• Council of International Schools (CIS) — accreditation body and school search tool
• IB World Schools directory — find authorised IB schools in Israel
• International Schools Consultancy (ISC) — comprehensive global directory of international schools

What higher education options are available in Israel?

Israel’s higher education sector comprises 61 institutions in total — 10 universities and 51 colleges distributed across the country. The landscape is broadly divided between research-intensive universities and more vocationally or professionally oriented academic colleges. Leading institutions such as the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv University, and Technion – Israel Institute of Technology offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across a wide range of disciplines.

Technion, Hebrew University, and Tel Aviv University are each ranked among the world’s top 200 universities. The higher education system has earned considerable recognition for its contribution to Israel’s technological development and economic dynamism, with international business figures and organisations frequently citing it as a driver of the country’s innovation culture.

Admission to university is determined principally by Bagrut (matriculation) results and performance on the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), a standardised assessment broadly comparable in purpose to university aptitude tests used in other countries. Foreign applicants wishing to study in Israel are required to submit their secondary school diplomas to their chosen institution, whose admissions office will assess them in relation to the Israeli Bagrut.

With regard to tuition fees (as of 2025–26): the Council for Higher Education sets a standardised annual tuition rate, adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the rate for citizens is NIS 12,017 for a full year of study. For international students, annual tuition at public universities generally falls between approximately NIS 10,000 and NIS 25,000 (roughly USD 2,700–6,800) for bachelor’s programmes, and between NIS 15,000 and NIS 40,000 (approximately USD 4,100–10,900) for master’s and doctoral programmes. Fees are subject to annual revision — always verify current figures directly with the institution or the Council for Higher Education.

By law, the minimum duration of a bachelor’s degree programme is three years. Certain professional disciplines require longer study periods: engineering takes four years, architecture five years, and medicine four and a half years or more. Nursing degrees are similarly four years in length.

The Open University of Israel provides distance learning options, with many students completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees remotely. This can be a practical route for expats or newcomers who are still building their Hebrew proficiency. Most courses are conducted in Hebrew, though some are available in English, and accelerated Hebrew language programmes exist for international students intending to pursue study in Israel.

What should expat parents know about language of instruction in Israel?

Schools in Israel are broadly divided by language of instruction — Hebrew in the Jewish sector and Arabic in the Arab sector. For most expat families settling in Israeli cities, the local state school will deliver its curriculum in Hebrew. This creates an obvious initial hurdle for children who arrive without any grounding in the language.

Israel does not operate a single, nationally standardised language support programme specifically designed for newly arrived children in the way that some countries do — Sweden’s compulsory Swedish-language instruction for immigrant children being a well-known example. That said, many schools — particularly those in cities with sizeable expat or immigrant populations, such as Tel Aviv and Herzliya — have accumulated experience in integrating non-Hebrew-speaking pupils and are able to provide varying levels of in-class assistance or supplementary language tuition.

There is a well-established private tutoring industry in Israel, and many families engage tutors to help newly arrived children adjust to the curriculum and school environment, to support their acquisition of Hebrew or Arabic, and to address any subject-specific difficulties they encounter. This is a commonly used and generally effective approach for bridging the language gap in the early period after arrival.

Younger children — broadly those under around eight years of age — tend to integrate into Hebrew-medium schools with relative ease, as language acquisition at this stage is naturally rapid. For older children, and especially teenagers, the transition can be considerably more demanding, and families facing this situation should think carefully about whether a Hebrew-medium state school, a bilingual programme, or an international school is the most suitable choice for their circumstances.

International schools offer instruction in English, French, or other languages depending on the institution, making them the preferred choice for many expat families on short- or medium-term postings who wish to avoid disrupting their children’s education with a language barrier. For families planning a longer-term stay, enrolling children in a local state school carries the significant long-term benefit of enabling near-native Hebrew fluency — an advantage that is both practically and socially valuable in Israeli life.

What financial support or subsidies are available for education in Israel?

Free and compulsory public education is available in Israel for all children from age three to 17. While attendance is both mandatory and free, some ancillary materials must be purchased by families. This means that expat families holding legal residency in Israel — irrespective of nationality — are entitled to enrol their children in state schools without paying tuition. Supplementary costs such as textbooks, stationery, school excursions, and after-school activities may nonetheless arise.

For families who opt for private or international schooling, no government subsidy exists to offset those costs. Fees must be covered entirely by the family. International school tuition can be considerable, as outlined in the relevant section above.

At the higher education level, new immigrants who have formally made Aliyah (immigrated to Israel under the Law of Return) may be eligible for substantial financial assistance. As an Oleh Chadash (new immigrant), you may be entitled to free higher education through the Student Authority as part of the benefits package offered by the Israeli government, provided you are pursuing an academic degree at one of the academic institutions recognised by the authority. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration’s Student Authority administers tuition support for new Olim. This government-funded scholarship is subject to eligibility criteria, including a requirement to commence studies within 36 months of being granted new Oleh status.

The Student Authority will also fund up to NIS 4,500 for required language study (in Hebrew or English). Eligibility conditions and benefit levels are subject to change, so it is essential to verify current entitlements directly with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration or the Ministry of Education.

Frequently asked questions about education in Israel

Can my child attend a state school in Israel if they do not speak Hebrew?

Yes. Children who hold legal residency in Israel are entitled to attend state schools regardless of their Hebrew language ability. Most urban state schools have experience welcoming newly arrived pupils, and private tutors are readily available to assist with language and academic catch-up. Young children generally pick up Hebrew with relative speed, while older children — particularly teenagers — may find the transition more challenging and could benefit from enrolling in an international or bilingual school in the first instance.

Will my child’s foreign school qualifications be recognised in Israel?

Foreign applicants seeking entry to Israeli universities are required to submit their secondary school credentials to the institution concerned. Admissions staff will assess the strength of those credentials in comparison with the Israeli Bagrut. Formal recognition of foreign academic qualifications is handled either by the relevant institution or, in cases requiring official equivalency assessments, by the Ministry of Education. Families should contact the specific university or the Ministry directly for guidance on this process.

Are there childcare or nursery options for children under three?

Compulsory, state-funded education in Israel begins at age three. For younger children, privately operated nurseries (Maon or Mishpachton — family daycare settings) are widely available, particularly in urban centres. Fees differ between providers. Some employers and local authorities offer subsidised childcare arrangements; check with your municipality or employer for details of current schemes. Childcare licensing and standards fall under the oversight of the Ministry of Economy and Industry.

Is the school week the same as in most other countries?

Israel’s school week runs from Sunday to Friday, with Friday being a shorter day; schools are closed on Saturdays (Shabbat). This is a meaningful adjustment for families used to a Monday-to-Friday school week. Because Sunday is a regular school day in Israel, the entire rhythm of the family week will need to be reorganised to accommodate this difference.

Can expats access Israeli universities on the same basis as residents?

Expats with legal residency in Israel can generally apply to Israeli universities. Admission is based on qualifications assessed as equivalent to the Bagrut and on performance in the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET). For international students, annual tuition at public universities generally falls between approximately NIS 10,000 and NIS 25,000 for bachelor’s programmes (as of recent years — always confirm current fees with the institution). New immigrants holding Oleh status may be eligible for tuition support through the Student Authority. Contact individual universities or the Council for Higher Education for current admission requirements.

Are international schools in Israel accredited?

The Council of International Schools (CIS) is a non-profit body that provides educational accreditation to international schools and post-secondary institutions, along with teacher and leadership recruitment services, links to higher education, governance support, and assistance for newly established schools. Families should always check that any international school they are considering holds appropriate accreditation. Both the CIS directory and the IB World Schools directory are dependable tools for identifying accredited schools in Israel.

What is the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET) and does it affect expat children?

The PET (Psychometric Entrance Test) is a standardised university admissions test used by Israeli institutions, broadly analogous in purpose to the SAT in the United States or aptitude assessments used in other national university systems. It evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and English proficiency. Students whose foreign schooling credentials are accepted by an Israeli university may still be required to sit the PET. Some institutions offer the examination in several languages — check directly with the relevant university for its current requirements.

Are there waiting lists for state schools in popular areas?

In Israel, state school places are allocated by the local municipality on the basis of registered address and catchment zone, rather than through a competitive application. Nevertheless, in particularly sought-after locations — especially Tel Aviv and Herzliya — demand for certain schools can be intense. Families are advised to register with their local authority promptly upon establishing residency and to confirm current procedures with the municipal education department, as these can vary from one authority to another.