How does a new immigrant get a foreign academic degree recognized in Israel?

The Department checks whether the issuing institution is recognized by the authorities in its own country, whether the program meets Israeli standards for length and academic content, and how much of it was completed in residence. Degrees earned mostly through distance learning, or at campuses not accredited at home, face closer scrutiny and are often refused. The result is a written equivalency statement, for example that a foreign degree equals an Israeli bachelor's degree. Government ministries, local authorities, hospitals and schools rely on that statement to place employees on pay scales. Under the Council for Higher Education Law, a foreign institution may award degrees in Israel only with the Council's approval, which is why studies at an unapproved local branch rarely count.

New immigrants do best when they start the file soon after arrival, because the process runs on paper and missing documents cause most delays. The core file is the diploma, full transcripts listing courses and hours, proof of the program's length, and certified copies of foreign documents in the form the Department accepts. Olim who plan to work as teachers, psychologists, engineers or in other regulated fields also need a license from the relevant ministry or registrar, and degree recognition does not replace it. Counselors at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration can help with the forms and with retraining options where a degree is refused. The absorption benefits guide covers other support available in the first years.

From the full guide: Israel Aliyah Absorption Benefits: The 2026 Sal Klita Guide

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