Ofakim Program
The Ministry of Health and the National Headquarters for the Implementation of the Healthcare Workforce Reform invite you to apply for the ‘Ofakim Program’ for students who are about to begin their medical studies abroad at one of the participating academic institutions.
With you in your medical studies abroad.
*The program’s initiation is contingent upon budget approval.
The Vision of the Ofakim Program
The program will assist Israeli students who wish to study medicine abroad at selected institutions but cannot afford the tuition costs, thereby helping them fulfill their dream of becoming doctors.
Medical students abroad are an important and integral part of Israel’s future physician training system. They have a connection and ties to the healthcare system and integrate into a wide range of medical professions in Israel.
Opportunity for a scholarship of up to ₪360,000 for medical studies abroad
The Ministry of Health will provide a conditional loan for medical students, covering the annual tuition fees at selected academic institutions abroad, up to a total of ₪360,000 (for a 6-year program) and ₪216,000 (for a 4-year program) starting from the second year and throughout the duration of the studies. The repayment amount of the loan will be determined based on the specialization chosen by the students at the end of their studies.
Loan Up to ₪360,000
Loan up to ₪360,000 from the second year until studies end. Repayment terms will be determined by the chosen specialization after graduation.
Academic institutions participating in the program
The loan will be provided to students who choose to study at one of the institutions participating in the program.
Professional Community
Program participants will benefit from professional community connections, which will support and assist you throughout your studies.
Admission Process
Eligibility Criteria for Application
Weighted matriculation average without bonuses: 85
or
Weighted matriculation average with bonuses: 99
or
Psychometric score of 640 or higher
or
First degree average: 80
*To meet the threshold requirements, the highest of these scores can be used
Applicarion Process for the Program
Candidates who see themselves as fitting the definition of “deserving of advancement” as defined on the Jerusalem Education Advancement Association website will be referred to the association for evaluation.
A candidate found to be “deserving of advancement” will receive a bonus in the total score of the final screening grade.
Required Documents
Complete the details questionnaire on the website, and provide an original matriculation certificate and/or additional documents as required by the program administration.
FAQ's
No, the program is applicable and relevant only to the specific list of faculties published on the program’s website, which may change from year to year.
Starting from the second year of study, contingent upon providing proof of successful completion of the first year and progression to the next academic year.
No, each student accepted into the program is entitled to take the entire loan amount and/or a portion of it according to their needs.
Students will repay a nominal amount of ₪100 per month during their studies, and full loan repayment will commence in the eighth year, namely after completing their studies and internship year.
In such a case, the loan becomes due and the student will begin to repay the loan.
In this situation, the loan can be frozen for one year, but no more than once during the study period. In any case, the maximum loan amount will not exceed ₪360,000.
Upon the student’s return to Israel, completion of the internship, and obtaining an Israeli medical license, the interest on the loan will be waived. Subsequently, depending on the location and specialty the student chooses, the loan will be partially or fully forgiven, as detailed in the relevant table published on the program’s website and updated periodically.
הרשמה לתכנית
ההרשמה למחזור ב’ נסגרה ביום 26.3.24
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