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 2027 intake
Recognition
How Israel Recognizes the IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is accepted by Israeli universities for admission. Tel Aviv University, for example, lists it among the diplomas from abroad that are equivalent to the Israeli Bagrut (matriculation certificate) for registration, and the Technion publishes its own conversion of IB grades.
In addition to the IB Diploma, most institutions require applicants to take the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), administered by the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE). Most institutions admit candidates on a combination of their matriculation average and their PET score.
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 university admissions office assesses your IB results 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, then combines them with the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET) into an admission score. The Technion's published rules show how this works:
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.
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. From December 2026, English is tested by the AMIRNET test rather than inside the PET
- For programmes in English, IELTS or TOEFL results are commonly accepted
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
- 9 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
- 31 colleges and 21 teacher training colleges; 41 colleges are publicly funded and 12 privately funded
- 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 level (for example TOEFL or IELTS results; PET takers from December 2026 take the separate AMIRNET test)
- 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.
December 2026 and April 2027: Psychometric Test Dates
From the December 2026 sitting, the PET tests verbal and quantitative reasoning only; English is tested separately by the AMIRNET test, which you can take throughout the year. Test dates: 4–6 December 2026 and 18–19 April 2027. Register at nite.org.il.
Spring: Application Deadlines
Deadlines vary by university and programme, and Medicine closes earlier. At Tel Aviv University, for 2025–26 entry to Hebrew-taught programmes, applications were due by 31 May 2025, by 10 May for Medicine and by 19 April for Dental Medicine.
April–June: Admission Decisions
Universities send admission decisions on a rolling basis. Accepted students receive instructions for enrollment, visa applications, and housing arrangements.
October 2027: Academic Year Begins
The 2027–28 academic year opens in October 2027. International students should arrive early for orientation, visa processing, and optional Hebrew language preparation (Ulpan).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (IB Only)
Is the IB Diploma recognized for university admission in Israel?
Yes. Israeli universities accept the IB Diploma for admission. Tel Aviv University, for example, lists the IB among the diplomas from abroad that are equivalent to the Israeli matriculation certificate (Bagrut) for registration.
Do IB students need to take the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET)?
In most cases, yes. Most Israeli institutions admit candidates on a combination of their matriculation average and their score in the Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), administered by NITE. From the December 2026 sitting, the PET tests verbal and quantitative reasoning only, and English is tested separately by the AMIRNET test. Scores stay on the 200–800 scale, and the change applies to admissions for the 2027–28 academic year.
Do I need to speak Hebrew to study in Israel?
It depends on the programme. Programmes taught in Hebrew require Hebrew proficiency. Israeli institutions also offer Bachelor's and Master's programmes in English for international students, which ask for proof of English, for example TOEFL or IELTS results.
Source: Study Israel — Planning
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 where accepted), 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 — Planning
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