Study Medicine or Dentistry Abroad from Israel: Ministry of Health Recognition, Licensing Exam and the Best Destinations
23.09.2026
Why So Many Israelis Study Medicine Abroad
Admission to Israeli medical schools is among the most competitive in the world. Applicants need outstanding bagrut results and a top psychometric score, and they must succeed in personal assessment centres. Each year, many more qualified candidates apply than there are places.
For many, military service adds several years before studies can begin. Waiting additional years for another attempt at home is a difficult prospect. Studying abroad offers a clear and structured alternative, often with English-language programmes and a strong Israeli student community.
Dentistry
Dentistry in Israel is offered at only a small number of faculties, and competition is just as intense. Studying Dentistry abroad is a well-established route into the profession.
How a Foreign Degree Is Recognised in Israel
The Ministry of Health is responsible for recognising foreign medical degrees and for licensing. Two elements are central: an approved medical school and the licensing process.
The Yatziv Reform: Approved Institutions
The Yatziv reform set professional criteria for foreign medical schools. For Israelis who began their studies in 2019 or later, only graduates of approved institutions can take the Israeli licensing exam. All institutions located in OECD countries were approved, as well as certain institutions in non-OECD countries. This makes the Ministry of Health's list of recognised schools the most important reference when choosing where to study.
The Licensing Exam
Graduates of approved foreign medical schools usually sit the Israeli medical licensing exam. After passing, they complete a one-year internship (stage) in Israel and then receive their licence to practise.
Exemptions
Physicians holding recognised degrees from Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States or the United Kingdom can be exempt from the licensing exam, provided they have passed all parts of the USMLE and completed a recognised internship. Completing USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK can also open an exemption route in certain cases.
Dentistry
Dentists trained abroad also need Ministry of Health recognition and pass the Israeli dental licensing exams before they receive their licence. Here too, the choice of a recognised programme is the key first step.
{{cta}}Which Destination Countries Suit Israeli Students?
Since the Yatziv reform, Israeli students focus on countries where institutions are approved by the Ministry of Health. OECD member states are the most straightforward choice.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers long-established English-language programmes in Medicine and Dentistry and has welcomed Israeli students for many years. As an OECD member state, its institutions fall under the approved group.
Hungary
Hungary has one of the largest Israeli student communities in Europe. Its six-year English-language programmes are well known in Israel, and the country is an OECD member.
Poland and Slovakia
Both countries are OECD members and offer numerous English-language programmes. They combine EU standards with manageable living costs.
Italy, Lithuania, Latvia and Other OECD Countries
Further OECD countries in Europe offer programmes in English. They can be an excellent fit for students looking for a smaller or more international environment.
Selected Non-OECD Institutions
Certain institutions in non-OECD countries, for example in Jordan and Romania, are also approved. Here, it is essential to check the individual institution against the Ministry of Health's list.
{{callout}}Practical Tips for Israeli Students
Check the Ministry of Health List First
Before anything else, confirm that the institution is recognised by the Ministry of Health. This single step determines whether you can take the licensing exam.
Prepare for the Licensing Exam From Day One
The Israeli licensing exam covers the full range of clinical medicine. Students who prepare throughout their studies arrive well equipped.
Consider the USMLE Route
Some Israeli students also prepare for the USMLE. This keeps an international career open and can, in certain cases, support an exemption route.
Use Summers in Israeli Hospitals
Clinical experience in Israel during your summers keeps you connected to the Israeli health system and prepares you for your stage year.
Plan Around Military Service
Many Israeli students begin their studies after military service. Planning the timing early helps you start at the right moment.
How We Help You Find the Right Programme
The right university is decisive for your return to Israel. We offer solutions for exactly this. Contact us and we check individually which of our 25+ partner universities fits you and the Ministry of Health rules. Marcel or another experienced consultant on our team will review your situation and give you a clear recommendation.
The Author's View
Israeli students bring remarkable maturity to their studies. Many arrive after military service, highly motivated and very focused. They know exactly why they want to become doctors, and they usually thrive in the demanding environment of a European medical school.
The Yatziv reform has made one thing very clear: the choice of institution is decisive. Students who choose an approved programme in an OECD country have a transparent route back to Israel. My advice is always to start with the Ministry of Health list and build the rest of the decision around it.
Beyond the rules, I am always impressed by how strong the Israeli student communities abroad are. Newcomers are welcomed, study materials are shared and older students help younger ones prepare for exams, including the Israeli licensing exam later on. This support makes a real difference, and it is one of the reasons why so many Israeli graduates look back on their years abroad with great satisfaction.
If you want to become a doctor or a dentist, studying abroad remains a strong and proven path. Book a consultation and let us find the programme that brings you home as a doctor.
Conclusion
- In 2020, 58 percent of the physicians active in Israel had been trained abroad.
- Under the Yatziv reform, Israelis who began their studies in 2019 or later can only take the licensing exam if they graduated from an approved institution.
- All institutions in OECD countries are approved, as well as certain institutions in non-OECD countries.
- Graduates usually pass the licensing exam and complete a one-year internship in Israel.
- The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and other OECD countries are popular destinations for Israeli students.
Israel's health system is built on doctors who trained abroad, and there is room for you among them. With the right university, your path back home is clear. Book your free consultation and take the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which foreign medical schools are recognised in Israel?
For Israelis who began their studies in 2019 or later, all institutions in OECD countries and certain institutions in non-OECD countries are approved. The Ministry of Health publishes the list of recognised schools.
Do I need to take a licensing exam after studying abroad?
In most cases, yes. Graduates of approved foreign medical schools sit the Israeli licensing exam and then complete a one-year internship in Israel.
Who is exempt from the licensing exam?
Physicians with recognised degrees from Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States or the United Kingdom can be exempt if they have passed all parts of the USMLE and completed a recognised internship.
Which countries are popular with Israeli medical students?
The Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia are among the most popular, together with other OECD countries in Europe.
Does the same apply to Dentistry?
Dentists trained abroad also need Ministry of Health recognition and must pass the Israeli dental licensing exams.
Do I need a psychometric score to study Medicine in Europe?
No. European universities apply their own admission criteria, usually based on your bagrut results in biology and chemistry and, depending on the programme, an entrance exam or interview. The psychometric exam is not required.
Can I start studying after military service?
Yes. Many Israeli students begin their studies abroad after military service. European universities welcome applicants of different ages, and the maturity gained during service is a real advantage in medical school.
How long does a medical degree in Europe take?
Most medical programmes in Europe last six years, with preclinical sciences in the first years and clinical training in university hospitals later on. Dentistry programmes usually take five to six years.
Will a European degree also let me work in the EU?
A degree from an EU university is recognised across the EU for EU citizens, and Israelis who hold a European passport as well can benefit from this. For others, the degree remains a strong international qualification.
Why did the Yatziv reform change the choice of university?
The reform made approval of the institution a condition for the Israeli licensing exam for those who started in 2019 or later. Since all institutions in OECD countries are approved, these countries offer the most straightforward route.
When should I start preparing for the Israeli licensing exam?
Ideally during your clinical years abroad. The exam covers the full range of clinical medicine, and continuous preparation throughout your studies makes the transition much smoother.
Which university abroad is right for me?
That depends on your background, preferences and budget. Contact us and we check individually which of our 25+ partner universities fits you.
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About the author
Marcel Kloos
Swiss-licensed dentist and founder of Medschool Experts
Marcel Kloos founded Medschool Experts while studying abroad; since then, over 500 study places have been secured. The Stuttgart-born dentist studied dentistry from 2015 to 2021 in Sofia and holds a Swiss dental licence.
Today he lives in Bern and runs Medschool Experts full-time as its owner.
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