The TAKA program is run by the Minhal LeStudentim - מינהל לסטודנטים עולים - Student Authority, together with the Misrad HaAliyah VeHaKlita - משרד העלייה והקליטה - Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, the Misrad HaChinuch - משרד החינוך - Ministry of Education, and participating academic institutions.

Pre-academic preparatory programs - Mechinot - מכינות קדם-אקדמיות - are programs that help candidates whose education does not yet meet Israeli university entrance standards, or who lack an Israeli Bagrut - תעודת בגרות - Matriclation Degree.

• Mechinot Olim – מכינות לעולים – are special tracks for new immigrants whose foreign high-school diploma is not directly equivalent to the Israeli Bagrut. They provide advanced-level Hebrew, English, and academic foundations needed to meet university admission requirements.”
• TAKA program
  By contrast, the TAKA program is designed for Olim who already meet a basic academic admission level: they either have a high-school completion certificate recognized as equivalent to an Israeli Bagrut and/or a bachelor’s degree or higher from abroad, according to Minhal HaStudentim and institutional rules. In many cases this profile is exempt from Mechinat Olim, but final decisions about Mechina or exemption are made by the academic institution

TAKA focuses on:

• Advanced Hebrew and academic Hebrew
• Academic skills and study methods
• Orientation to Israeli Haskala Gevoha – השכלה גבוהה – Higher Education

Rules such as age limits, venues, and specific dates can change each year, so this section must always be checked against the current TAKA pages and the current Klalei HaSiua – כללי הסיוע – Rules of Assistance of the Minhal HaStudentim.

Identity and Aliyah status

• Passport (photo page)
• Teudat Zehut - תעודת זהות - Israeli ID card.
• Teudat Oleh - תעודת עולה - official Oleh certificate showing your status and Aliyah date.
• For Toshavim Chozrim, relevant returning-resident confirmations as requested by the Minhal HaStudentim
• Eligible for Siua MeHa’agaf LeStudentim Olim – סיוע מהאגף לסטודנטים עולים – assistance from the Minhal HaStudentim according to their requirements

Note: Eligibility of Toshavim Chozrim is determined by the Minhal according to its rules for returning residents. Always confirm this directly with your Minhal advisor.

Photos and forms – תמונות וטפסים

• Passport-size photos, if requested by the institution.
• Completed TAKA registration form for your chosen venue

Age Requirements

According to the current official TAKA rules the program is for students aged 18 - 32, typical upper age limits are defined by the study track you intend to pursue after TAKA, for example:

• Up to 27 - for candidates planning undergraduate studies/practical-engineering tracks
• Up to 30 - for candidates who already hold an undergraduate degree and intend to continue their studies
• Up to 32 - for TAKA only (without funded further academic studies afterwards)

Required educational background

• High-school diploma/matriculation certificate from abroad, recognized or potentially recognized as Bagrut-equivalent - שוות ערך לבגרות
• Academic degree certificates (BA, MA, etc.), if applicable
• Official transcripts with grades for your degree(s), if relevant
• Official translations into Hebrew or English where required by the institution or by the Minhal HaStudentim (not every document always needs translation; follow the specific instructions)

The combination of Bagrut-equivalent schooling and/or an academic degree is what typically makes a candidate suitable for TAKA rather than Mechinat Olim. However, exemption from Mechina and academic admission decisions are made by the receiving academic institution according to its own regulations.

Hebrew level requirement

• Ulpan certificates (e.g., Ulpan Aleph, Bet, Gimel), especially proof of at least Bet level
• Any other documents proving your language level, if requested by the campus or the Minhal HaStudentim
• Note: You will still be required to sit the TAKA Hebrew entrance/placement exam

Study plans

A clear intention to study for a To’ar Rishon - תואר ראשון - undergraduate degree, To’ar Sheni - תואר שני - master’s degree, or Practical Engineering/other recognized certificate tracks in an Israeli academic institution after TAKA.

Remember:

• Final funding eligibility is decided by the Minhal LeStudentim Olim
• Final admission, Mechina/TAKA/exemptions, and academic conditions are decided by the academic institution

TAKA is typically held over about 5 months, 5 days a week, usually in the mornings (for example, 8:00–14:00, exact hours depend on the campus). The program is offered at several venues (e.g., Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Ashkelon), which can change from year to year.

Hebrew - Ivrit – עברית

• Advanced and academic Hebrew
• Preparation for the Hebrew P’tor - פטור - exemption level required by Israeli universities and colleges

Academic English - Anglit Akademit - אנגלית אקדמית

• Reading academic texts
• Writing papers and essays
• Understanding lectures in English and reaching/exceeding the institutional exemption level

Study skills - Meyumanuyot Limud - מיומנויות למידה

• Note-taking and summarizing texts
• Time management and exam strategies
• Basic research methods and academic writing conventions used in Israeli academia

Introductory academic courses – קורסים אקדמיים בסיסיים

Depending on the venue: basic courses in subjects such as mathematics, computers, and other fields, often taught with attention to the needs of Olim

Guidance and counselling – Yeutz Ve’Hachvana – ייעוץ והכוונה

• Choosing degree programs and understanding different tracks (universities, colleges, practical-engineering).
• Understanding admission requirements, psychometric exam requirements where relevant, and the structure of the Israeli higher-education system.

Social and integration activities – Pe’ilut Chevratit VeHishtalvut - פעילות חברתית והשתלבות

Activities that help you integrate into student life in Israel, meet other Olim students, and become familiar with campus culture and services.

Step 1 – Check your rights with the Minhal HaStudentim

Contact the Israel Student Authority (Minhal LeStudentim Olim) via email, phone, or the Study-IL website. Ask them to confirm:

• Your Maamad Oleh – מעמד עולה – status and Aliyah date/returning-resident status
• Whether you are still within the time window for education benefits under the current Klalei HaSiua - כללי הסיוע - financial aid rules
• Whether you can receive support for TAKA and for the planned academic track after TAKA

Step 2 – Choose a TAKA test site or campus

Exact campuses and language support vary by year so make sure to check the current websites

Step 3 – Prepare and send your documents

• Collect all documents from the list above, as well as any additional documents requested for your specific test site
• Follow the instructions in the TAKA Venues and Registration document for where and how to send documents (email, online form, upload, or in-person)
• Stay in touch with:
  • The Yechida LeLimudim Kedem-Akademiyim - יחידה ללימודים קדם-אקדמיים – pre-academic unit at your chosen institution
  • Your Student Authority advisor, to ensure your funding eligibility is clear and confirmed

Step 4 – Entrance tests

• Take the Mivchan Kenisa or Mivchan Syvug – מבחן סיווג/כניסה בעברית – Hebrew entrance/placement exam at your chosen venue
• In some institutions, you may also need to take English or other placement tests

Step 5 – Admission and funding

• If you meet all conditions and pass the required tests, you will receive an acceptance notification/letter to the TAKA track at that campus
• The Minhal HaStudentim confirms whether and to what extent your TAKA tuition is covered, in line with its current Klalei HaSiua
• You remain responsible for your living expenses during TAKA - rent, food, transport, and other personal costs

During TAKA, you receive individual and group guidance to help you choose the right degree track - To’ar Rishon, To’ar Sheni, or other recognized programs and the appropriate institution (university, college, or practical-engineering school).

After completing TAKA, you apply directly to the university or college you want to attend. Admission is not automatic: each institution decides independently according to its own criteria - such as psychometric exam requirements, grades, language level, and TAKA performance. Good results in TAKA and stronger Hebrew/English skills generally improve your chances of being accepted and succeeding in your studies