Questions and Answers
What is the task of the PBC in the process of accreditation and authorization of an institution of higher education?
The opinion of the PBC is required when the Council for Higher Education discusses granting a permit or accreditation or authorization to award an academic degree to new institutions of higher education, as well as for authorizing the opening of a new unit in an existing institution. The opinion of the PBC relates to the planning aspects of the needs of society and the economy and the financial consequences of a new educational program.
Does every program in an institution of higher education require the authorization of the Council for Higher Education?
The discussion in the Council for Higher Education pertains to the specifics of the program and requires a special, detailed request from the institution for each program that the institution wants to open and for which an academic degree will be granted. Decisions of the Council relate to each program individually.
Does a degree from a college or another non-university institution enable a student to continue studies toward a Master’s Degree in a university?
A Bachelor’s Degree that is accredoted and awarded by any institution of higher education (whether it is a university or a non-university institution) has equal standing. However, every institution is entitled to set the admissions requirements for Master's Degree programs as it sees fit, in keeping with the principle of academic freedom bestowed on it by law.
What is the status of the institutions which offer academic courses through the Open University?
The Open University is a, accredited academic institution which is authorized to grant academic degrees. It operates learning centers throughout the country. Institutions which have such learning centers are not accredited independently, rather the degree is granted by the Open University and the studies are under its authority.
Where can one obtain information about programs for student aid?
Students can find information on that topic in each school’s catalogue. Generally, the Dean of Students Office in most institutions coordinates the programs. See also: Student Aid Programs
Where can one file a complaint pertaining to a specific institution?
The Council for Higher Education is prevented by law from interfering in internal affairs of accredited institutions. Every institution has, as a rule, an address for complaints (such as an ombudsman). Moreover, it is recommended to consult the institution’s student organization
What is the difference between a B.Tech degree and a B.Sc. degree?
A B.Tech degree - “Bachelor of Technology” - is an academic degree in applied engineering, which is granted by academic colleges of technology.
A B.Sc. degree - “Bachelor of Science” - is a corresponding academic degree which was until recently granted by universities. From an academic point of view the degrees are identical in their significance. However, in order to continue studying for a Master’s Degree, the graduate of an academic college of technology is required to supplement his studies as determined by the university and at its discretion. Recently the Council decided to undertake a comprehensive examination of the academic programs in engineering in the academic colleges of technology in order to reassess the significance of the academic degrees granted by them. After an academic assessment was carried out in 2003/04 of the existing engineering programs in the colleges, the Council for Higher Education recently authorized a number of academic colleges of technology to award the degree of Bachelor of Science - B.Sc. in a few programs. The process of academic assessment of the engineering programs which the colleges are interested in converting from a B.Tech to a B.Sc. is on going. According to a recent CHE decision, new programs submitted for accreditation by the CHE will be examined according to the procedures for awarding a B.Sc. degree.
Does the Council recognize foreign institutions of higher education and the degrees awarded by them?
Foreign institutions of higher education are not institutions that are accredited by the Council. The Licensing Unit of the Council deals only with the licensing and supervision of branches of foreign institutions which operate in Israel and does not deal with the assessment or recognition of foreign degrees. The degrees granted by branches of foreign institutions in Israel are not Israeli academic degrees, and recognition for purposes of continuing studies in an Israeli institution of higher education falls within the authority of the Israeli institution. As to assessment of foreign degrees for the purpose of rank and salary please refer to: The Ministry of Education – The Bureau for Assessing Foreign Degrees and Diplomas, Lev-Ram Building, 2 Deborah the Prophet Street, Jerusalem 91911, Tel: 02-5603691/3/8, Fax: 02-5603576. Click here for additional questions about foreign branches
What are the conditions and ranks of employment at non-university institutions of higher education and academic colleges?
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Questions dealing with quality assessment?
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