Transferring college credits and degrees between countries can be complex, especially when moving from one education system to another. For students from the United States planning to continue their studies or work in Israel, it’s important to understand how their academic credentials will be recognized. Here is an overview of the process, based on facts, when transferring college credits and degrees from the USA to Israel.
1. Recognition of Foreign Degrees in Israel
In Israel, the recognition of foreign degrees and diplomas is handled by the Council for Higher Education (CHE), which operates through the Israeli Ministry of Education. The Council ensures that academic qualifications earned abroad are evaluated based on the criteria set for the Israeli education system.
For individuals with a degree from a U.S. institution, it is essential to apply for a degree recognition (equivalency) process to determine whether the degree is equivalent to a recognized Israeli degree. The recognition process typically involves submitting documentation such as the official transcripts, a detailed course syllabus, and information about the U.S. institution’s accreditation.
You can visit the Council for Higher Education (CHE) website here: Council for Higher Education – Israel
2. Process for Degree Recognition
To begin the recognition process in Israel, you will need to submit your application to the National Office for Academic Recognition and Evaluation (NARIC) in Israel, which is the body responsible for evaluating foreign academic qualifications. The application generally includes:
- Transcripts of your studies
- A diploma supplement (if available), which outlines the courses and qualifications completed
- Any course syllabi or descriptions
- The official accreditation of the U.S. institution
After your documents are submitted, the NARIC will assess whether your foreign degree meets the criteria for a similar degree in Israel. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the evaluation.
You can visit NARIC Israel here: National Office for Academic Recognition and Evaluation (NARIC)
3. Transferring College Credits
Transferring individual college credits from a U.S. institution to an Israeli university can also be challenging. The acceptance of foreign credits depends on the specific policies of the Israeli university. Generally, each university in Israel has its own guidelines for accepting transferred credits, which may include:
- Accreditation Status: The university may only accept credits from accredited U.S. institutions that meet certain standards.
- Course Content: Israeli universities will evaluate the content of courses to determine if they are comparable to their own courses. For example, if you took a course in English literature at a U.S. university, it will be evaluated for its similarity to courses offered in Israeli universities.
- Grade Requirements: Some Israeli universities may require a minimum grade (e.g., a B or higher) for credits to be transferred.
- Credit Conversion: U.S. college credits are typically based on the “semester hour” system, which is different from the credit systems used in Israel. This means that, in many cases, the number of credits transferred may be adjusted or reduced.
4. Working with Israeli Universities
When transferring credits to an Israeli institution, it is important to contact the university’s academic office or the department that handles student admissions. Most Israeli universities have specific departments dedicated to handling transfer students, and they can help you understand how your U.S. coursework will be assessed.
It’s crucial to begin this process early, as it can take time for the university to evaluate your coursework. Keep in mind that some universities may not accept all credits, and they might offer alternative pathways to help you catch up on any gaps in your education.
5. Accredited U.S. Institutions
The recognition process is generally more straightforward for degrees earned from well-known, accredited U.S. institutions. Regional accreditation (granted by bodies like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) is especially important for recognition in Israel. However, degrees from non-accredited institutions may face more scrutiny, and the recognition process can be more challenging.
6. Additional Considerations
- Language of Instruction: Most higher education in Israel is conducted in Hebrew, although some programs are available in English. If your U.S. institution was English-speaking, you may need to show proficiency in Hebrew if you plan to continue your studies in Israel, depending on the language of the program.
- Professional Licensing: For students in fields such as medicine, law, and engineering, additional steps may be required to transfer professional qualifications. These fields often require specific licensing in Israel, and the recognition process can vary significantly from that of academic degrees.
7. Conclusion
Transferring college credits and degrees from the USA to Israel involves a combination of formal recognition processes and evaluations specific to each university. It is essential to research the guidelines of the Israeli institutions you are interested in and begin the recognition process early. By preparing the necessary documentation, understanding credit conversion, and possibly supplementing your education with additional coursework, you can successfully navigate the transition and continue your academic or professional journey in Israel.
For more personalized advice, it’s recommended to contact the Council for Higher Education (CHE) or National Office for Academic Recognition and Evaluation (NARIC) directly to discuss your individual case.
