Israel's Matriculation Examination System

Bagrut

בגרות

The Bagrut (plural: Bagruyot) is Israel's official high school matriculation examination system, administered by the Misrad HaChinuch - משרד החינוך - Ministry of Education. It serves as both the certification of secondary education and the primary gateway to higher education and many professional opportunities in Israel.

Structure and Content

The Bagrut is composed of both mandatory core subjects and elective subjects:

• Mandatory core subjects typically include Hebrew (or Arabic, depending on the student's native language), English, Mathematics, Bible (for Jewish students), History, and Civics.
• Electives span sciences (Physics, Biology, Chemistry), technology, literature, arts, and more.

Each subject is offered at different proficiency levels, measured in Yechidot Limud – יחידות לימוד – study units, ranging from 3 to 5 units standard with an option to take additional units in some subjects. Assessment involves a mix of internal school-based evaluations (such as projects and tests) plus national standardized exams, all scored on a 0–100 scale. A passing score is generally 55.

How the System Works

Students may begin taking Bagrut exams as early as 10th grade, with most occurring during 11th and 12th grades. Unlike many systems where final exams are clustered at the end of high school, Israel's modular structure allows exams to be spaced across years, offering flexibility and opportunities for retakes.

To earn a full Bagrut certificate, students must:

• Pass all mandatory core subjects
• Accumulate a required minimum number of unit points (usually around 20–21).
• Achieve passing scores in both internal and external assessments.

Importance of the Bagrut

The Bagrut certificate plays a critical role in a student's future:

• University Admission: Required by Israeli universities, alongside the psychometric exam.
• Employment: Required for many roles, including positions in the IDF and public sector.
• Social Milestone: Widely viewed in Israel as a key educational achievement.

Accommodations for Olim - עולים - Immigrants

Israel provides special accommodations to Olim to ensure fair access to the Bagrut. These benefits apply for ten years after Aliyah or until the age of 23 (whichever comes later). Olim students are divided into Level A, B or C depending on when they made Aliyah.

General Accommodations (all Olim levels)

• Extra 25% time for written exams
• Reading aloud of exam questions in Hebrew (except the Hebrew Language exam)
• Dictionary use in Hebrew exams (except Hebrew Language at Level B)
• Use of a Hebrew-English Tanach – תנ”ך – Bible without commentary
• Special immigrant versions of core exams (Bible, Hebrew Literature, Civics, Jewish Thought, History)

Additional Accommodations by Level

• Spelling leniency in Hebrew written exams (Levels B & C)
  Translated exams in English, French, Spanish, Russian for many subjects (Levels B & C) are available
  Bonus points automatically added:
  • +10 points (Level A – Olim arriving in grades 1–3)
  • +15 points (Levels B & C – Olim arriving in grades 4–12)

Please note that no Bonus points are granted for translated exams

• Oral exam option (Level C – Olim arriving in grades 9–12, except Math, English, and Hebrew Language)

Eligibility and Application for Olim Accommodations

Who Qualifies?

• Olim for up to 10 years post-Aliyah or until age 23
• Benefits depend on age/grade of arrival: Levels A, B, or C

How to Apply:

• School staff (guidance counselor or homeroom teacher) submit requests to the Ministry of Education
• Required documents: Teudat Oleh – תעודת עולה – Immigrant certificate, proof of enrollment, and sometimes language assessments
• Approval: Granted by the Testing Division of the Misrad HaChinuch
• Deadlines: Applications must be completed well before exam dates

Important Notes

• Bonus points are automatic once eligibility is confirmed—no separate request is needed.
• Accommodations apply across all schools, including religious, secular, and private frameworks.

International Bagrut Equivalents

• Brazil – ENEM & Mexico – EXANI-II: Single high-stakes national exams.
• Germany – Abitur: Combination of coursework and final exams.
• Spain – Selectividad / EBAU: Concentrated university entrance exam.
• United Kingdom – A-Levels: In-depth specialization in 3–4 subjects.