Study in Israel with the IB Diploma
This guide explains how the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is used for admission to Israeli universities, using only official Israeli higher-education and institutional sources. Israel uses a decentralized application system where students apply directly to each university.
Last updated for the 2026 intake
Recognition
How Israel Recognizes the IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is accepted by all major Israeli universities as equivalent to the Israeli Bagrut (matriculation certificate) for admission purposes. This includes Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Technion — Israel Institute of Technology, Ben-Gurion University, and Bar-Ilan University.
The Israeli Ministry of Education has a dedicated unit for evaluating foreign secondary education certificates. This unit can issue a formal equivalence statement confirming that the IB Diploma is on a level with the Bagrut. However, most universities accept the IB Diploma directly without requiring this formal evaluation.
In addition to the IB Diploma, most universities require applicants to take the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), administered by the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE). The combined assessment of the IB score and PET result produces the admission score used for selection.
Equivalence
Do IB Students Need an Israeli Bagrut?
No — the IB Diploma is accepted as equivalent to the Bagrut
Israeli universities recognize the IB Diploma as an alternative to the national Bagrut certificate. You do not need to sit for Bagrut exams or obtain a separate Israeli secondary diploma. The Ministry of Education can provide a formal equivalence evaluation if requested by the institution, but this is typically handled by the university admissions office directly.
Psychometric Test still required: While the IB Diploma replaces the Bagrut for admission, the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET) is a separate requirement at most universities. IB students must typically take the PET in addition to submitting their IB results. SAT or ACT scores may be accepted as alternatives at some institutions.
Official Source
Admission System
How Admission Works for IB Students
Israel uses a decentralized application system. There is no centralized national portal — students apply directly to each university through the institution's own admissions office. Each university sets its own deadlines, criteria, and admission scores.
Grade Evaluation
How IB Scores Are Assessed
There is no single, nationally mandated IB-to-Bagrut grade conversion table in Israel. Each university evaluates IB grades according to its own criteria. However, universities generally consider IB scores alongside the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET) to calculate a combined admission score.
Official Source
Entrance Exams
The Psychometric Entrance Test (PET)
The Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), known in Hebrew as “ha-Psikhometri”, is a standardized examination administered by the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE). It is a key component of the admission process at most Israeli universities, used alongside secondary school results to predict academic success.
Official Source
Language Requirements
Language Requirements for IB Students
Language proficiency is a critical factor for university admission in Israel. Requirements depend on whether you are applying to Hebrew-taught or English-taught programmes.
Hebrew
- Required for most undergraduate programmes, which are taught in Hebrew
- Proficiency demonstrated through the YAEL test (Hebrew proficiency exam) or equivalent
- Ulpan (intensive Hebrew language programmes) are available at most universities and nationally to help students reach the required level
English
- Required for English-taught programmes; also tested as part of the PET
- IB English A (HL) grade 6+ or IB English B (HL) grade 7 may exempt you from English proficiency requirements at some universities
- Otherwise, IELTS or TOEFL scores are accepted
Official Source
University Types
Types of Higher Education in Israel
Israeli higher education is supervised by the Council for Higher Education (CHE). The IB Diploma is accepted at all types of accredited institutions.
Research Universities
- 8 research universities, all publicly funded
- Offer Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programmes
- Examples: Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, Technion, Weizmann Institute, Ben-Gurion University
Colleges & Academic Colleges
- 41 publicly funded colleges and 12 privately funded colleges
- Primarily offer Bachelor's degree programmes with practical orientation
- All accredited by the CHE and accept IB qualifications
Documentation
Required Documents for IB Students
Since Israel uses a decentralized system, exact requirements vary by institution. However, the following documents are commonly required:
- IB Diploma and transcript of results
- Psychometric Entrance Test (PET) scores — or SAT/ACT scores where accepted
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Proof of Hebrew proficiency (YAEL test or equivalent — for Hebrew-taught programmes)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or IB English course results)
- Any programme-specific supplementary documents (e.g., portfolio, interview)
International students: An A/2 Student Visa is required to study in Israel. You will need a formal letter of acceptance from a recognized institution, proof of financial means, and a valid passport. Apply for your visa at the nearest Israeli Embassy or Consulate.
Official Source
Timeline
Application Timeline
Autumn/Winter: Applications Open
Most Israeli universities open their application portals in the autumn or early winter for the following academic year. Check each university's website for exact dates, as they vary by institution.
January–March: Main Application Deadlines
Application deadlines for most undergraduate programmes fall between January and March. Some programmes (especially competitive ones like Medicine) may have earlier deadlines.
Spring: Psychometric Test Dates
The PET is offered multiple times throughout the year. Register at nite.org.il. Plan to take the test well before your application deadline — results are valid for seven years.
April–June: Admission Decisions
Universities send admission decisions on a rolling basis. Accepted students receive instructions for enrollment, visa applications, and housing arrangements.
October: Academic Year Begins
The Israeli academic year typically starts in October. International students should arrive early for orientation, visa processing, and optional Hebrew language preparation (Ulpan).
Official Source
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (IB Only)
Is the IB Diploma recognized for university admission in Israel?
Yes. Israeli universities accept the IB Diploma as equivalent to the Israeli Bagrut (matriculation certificate) for admission purposes. All major research universities — including Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Technion, Ben-Gurion University, and Bar-Ilan University — accept IB Diploma holders. The Israeli Ministry of Education's evaluation unit can also issue a formal equivalence statement.
Source: Study Israel — CHE Portal
Do IB students need to take the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET)?
In most cases, yes. The Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), administered by the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE), is required by most Israeli universities alongside secondary school results. The PET assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and English proficiency. Scores range from 200 to 800. Some universities accept SAT or ACT scores as alternatives to the PET, except for medical school programs.
Source: NITE — The Psychometric Test
Do I need to speak Hebrew to study in Israel?
It depends on the programme. Most undergraduate programmes at Israeli universities are taught in Hebrew, requiring advanced Hebrew proficiency demonstrated through the YAEL test or equivalent. However, Israel offers a growing number of English-taught programmes at both undergraduate and graduate levels. IB English A or English B courses may satisfy English proficiency requirements at some institutions. Preparatory Hebrew language programmes (Ulpan) are widely available.
Source: Study Israel — CHE Portal
How do IB students apply to Israeli universities?
Israel uses a decentralized application system — students apply directly to each university. There is no centralized national application portal. Each institution sets its own deadlines, requirements, and admission criteria. Applications typically open in the autumn/winter for the following academic year, with deadlines varying by university and programme.
Source: Study Israel — Planning
What documents do IB students need for Israeli university admission?
Required documents typically include: IB Diploma and transcript of results, Psychometric Entrance Test (PET) scores (or SAT/ACT), proof of identity (passport), proof of language proficiency (Hebrew and/or English depending on programme), and any programme-specific supplementary documents. International students also need an A/2 Student Visa and proof of financial means.
Source: Study Israel — CHE Portal
Learn how IB Match evaluates Israeli admission requirements for your profile.
Ready to Find Your Match in Israel?
Discover Israeli university programmes that match your IB profile. Search by IB points, subject requirements, and field of study.
100% free for students. No credit card required.