The Misrad HaKlita Voucher Program: How to Get Money Back on Courses & Training in Israel

The Misrad HaKlita Voucher Program: How to Get Money Back on Courses and Training in Israel

One of the most underused benefits in the entire Oleh absorption package is sitting right there in your Misrad HaKlita file — and most Olim never even ask about it.

The Voucher Program (פרויקט השוברים / Proekt HaShovarim) is a government benefit that pays for up to 7,000 NIS of professional courses, vocational training, and career retraining for new Olim in Israel. Whether you want to retrain in a new field, upgrade a skill for the Israeli job market, get licensed in your profession, or take an entrepreneurship course — this program can cover most or all of the cost.

The catch? You have to get approval before you sign up for anything. Sign up first and ask questions later, and you may find out the hard way that your specific course does not qualify — and you are not getting that money back.

This guide explains exactly what the voucher is, who qualifies, how to get it approved, and — most importantly — the one rule that will save you from a very expensive mistake.

What Is the Misrad HaKlita Voucher Program?

The Voucher Program is a professional integration benefit run by Misrad HaKlita (משרד העלייה והקליטה / Misrad HaKlita — Ministry of Aliyah and Integration). Its goal is simple: help New Immigrants and Returning Residents build the skills they need to enter — or re-enter — the Israeli workforce.

The Ministry participates in the cost of professional training courses, English for professional use, preparation for professional aptitude exams, and more.

Instead of paying for approved courses itself, Misrad HaKlita gives you a voucher, you pay the course provider upfront, and then Misrad HaKlita reimburses you in two installments while the course is in progress.

The voucher covers up to 80% of the actual course tuition, up to a maximum of 7,000 NIS. You are responsible for the remaining 20%.

Tip 1: Click here to read our Misrad HaKlita appointment guide.

Tip 2: This is separate from your Ulpan benefit. The Voucher Program is specifically for professional and vocational training — not Hebrew language courses. Those have their own separate track. Click here to read our full guide to free Ulpan for Olim.

Who Is Eligible?

Condition	Details
Status	New Immigrant (עולה חדש / Oleh Chadash), Immigrant Citizen (אזרח עולה / Ezrach Oleh), Returning Minor (קטין חוזר / Katin Chozer), or Benefit Transfer (גורר זכויות / Gorer Zechuyot)
Time since Aliyah	Within 10 years of receiving Oleh status
Age	18 and above, under official retirement age
Employment status	One of the following applies: not currently employed; employed in a job that does not match your qualifications (cleaning, security, telephone work, etc.); working in a profession from overseas that is not in demand in Israel; referred to training by an Employment Center (לשכת התעסוקה / Lishkat HaTaasuka); or looking to study an in-demand profession in Israel in order to advance
Hebrew level	Must have completed Ulpan Aleph (אולפן א / Ulpan Aleph), or demonstrate equivalent basic Hebrew — even for courses taught in English
Returning Resident	Returning Resident (תושב חוזר / Toshav Chozer) eligible within 2 years of returning to Israel

Tip 1: The Hebrew requirement applies even if the course itself is in English. If you have not yet completed your Ulpan Aleph, do that first — it unlocks this benefit on the other side.

Tip 2: If you have a verified learning disability confirmed by a certified authority, you may be exempt from the Ulpan Aleph Hebrew requirement and can receive a voucher to study in your native language instead. Ask your Klita counselor (יועץ קליטה / Yoetz Klita) about this exception at your appointment.

What Kind of Courses Does It Cover?

The Voucher Program covers three categories of training:

1. Employment Training

• Professional courses in fields that are in demand in the Israeli job market

• Courses not already offered for free by Misrad HaKlita's Employment Department or other government offices

• Courses that help you complete Israeli licensing requirements in your profession (for New Immigrants only — not Returning Residents (תושב חוזר / Toshav Chozer)

2. Entrepreneurship Training

• Group or personal business training not already offered by the government

  
  

• Note: courses offered through the MATI system (which Misrad HaKlita already funds separately) are not eligible for a voucher

3. Science Absorption

• Courses in areas approved by the Office of Science Absorption (המרכז לקליטה במדע / HaMerkaz LeKlita BaMada), for Olim working in academic or scientific fields

Tip: Not sure which category your course falls into? Your Klita counselor (יועץ קליטה / Yoetz Klita) at Misrad HaKlita will help you classify it correctly at your appointment. Do not try to guess — get it confirmed in writing.

The Most Important Rule:

Get Approval BEFORE You Sign Up

This is the rule that trips up Olim every single year — and it is entirely avoidable.

Misrad HaKlita must approve your specific course before you register and pay. The approval is based on the cost, the quality of the training provider, the credibility of the institution, and whether the course appears on their approved list.

If any of these conditions are not met, Misrad HaKlita can — and will — reject your voucher request. If you sign up for a course first and then go to Misrad HaKlita asking for reimbursement, the answer will almost certainly be no.

A very common scenario — an Oleh finds a great course online, signs up, pays, and then discovers it is not on the approved list, was not pre-approved, or is offered by a provider Misrad HaKlita does not recognize. No refund. No voucher. Money gone.

Tip 1: Before you commit to any course, check the official searchable list of pre-approved courses. If your course is on the list, you are in good shape. If it is not, you need explicit written approval before signing up.

Tip 2: Misrad HaKlita may reject a request if the same or equivalent training is already offered for free through another government channel. Always ask your Klita counselor (יועץ קליטה / Yoetz Klita): "Is this course already available to me for free somewhere else?"

Tip 3: Voucher approval is also subject to your district's available budget quota. This is not an unlimited entitlement — funds can run out. The earlier in the year you apply, the better your chances of securing a voucher. Do not leave this until the last minute.

How the Process Works —

Step by Step

Step 1 — Book your Misrad HaKlita appointment

Go in person to your local branch with your National ID (תעודת זהות / Teudat Zehut), your New Immigrant Certificate (תעודת עולה / Teudat Oleh), and full details about the course you want to take — including the institution name, cost, and study program.

Step 2 — Bring your course documentation

You will need to present a detailed cost proposal from the educational institution, the full study program, and either proof of government supervision or recognition of the institution by an authorized professional body — or, for unrecognized institutions, a written commitment from the institution to professionally guide you after completion.

Step 3 — Meet with your Klita and employment counselor

Together with your counselors, you will draw up a personal vocational plan (תוכנית מקצועית אישית / Tochnit Miktzuit Ishit) — a document signed by your Klita counselor (יועץ קליטה / Yoetz Klita), employment counselor, and you, outlining your career goals and how the course fits into them.

Step 4 — Course approval

Misrad HaKlita evaluates the course based on cost, provider credibility, and relevance to your vocational plan. If the course is not already on the approved list, they may need additional time to evaluate it. Wait for written confirmation before doing anything else.

Step 5 — Register and pay the course provider

Only once you have the approved voucher in hand do you register for the course and pay the tuition upfront.

Step 6 — First reimbursement payment

Submit to Misrad HaKlita: a receipt showing you paid, approval from your employment supervisor, and a signed commitment that you will attend the full course. First payment arrives in your Israeli bank account.

Step 7 — Second reimbursement payment Midway through the course, submit your attendance report, a receipt from the provider, and your Klita counselor's approval. Second and final payment arrives.

Tip: Both reimbursement payments go directly to your Israeli bank account. Make sure your account details are up to date at Misrad HaKlita before the course starts. Click here to read our guide on opening an Israeli bank account.

An Extra Perk: The Living and Travel Stipend

If your approved course runs for at least 24 hours per week, you may be entitled to an additional monthly stipend to cover living expenses and travel costs during the course — on top of the tuition reimbursement.

Tip: Ask your Klita counselor (יועץ קליטה / Yoetz Klita) specifically about this when drawing up your vocational plan. It is not automatic — you need to request it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use the Voucher Program if I am already working?

It depends on what kind of work. If you are employed in a job that does not match your professional qualifications — cleaning, security, telephone work, and similar — you may still qualify. If you are employed in a relevant skilled role, you likely will not. Ask your Klita counselor (יועץ קליטה / Yoetz Klita) to assess your specific situation.

What if the course I want is not on the approved list?

You can still apply — Misrad HaKlita has the ability to approve courses not already on the list. However, approval is not guaranteed and takes additional time. Submit the request well in advance of the course start date, and do not register until you have written confirmation.

Can I use this voucher for an online course?

Some online courses are eligible, but they must be from approved providers and meet Misrad HaKlita's standards. Check the approved list or confirm with your counselor before registering.

What happens if I drop out of the course?

You will not receive the second payment, and Misrad HaKlita may ask you to return the first payment depending on your attendance record. The signed commitment you submit upfront is taken seriously — only commit to a course you intend to complete.

Can I use the voucher for university degree programs?

Generally no — the Voucher Program is for vocational and professional training courses, not full academic degree programs. There are separate benefits for academic study through the Student Authority (המנהל לסטודנטים עולים / HaMinhel LeStudentim Olim). Ask your Klita counselor what applies to your situation.

I already used my voucher — can I get another one?

The voucher is a one-time benefit per Oleh. However, if your first course was a professional retraining course and you later need an additional course in a new area, speak to your Klita counselor — there may be supplementary options available depending on your circumstances.

Can a Returning Resident use the Voucher Program?

Yes — a Returning Resident (תושב חוזר / Toshav Chozer) is eligible for the Voucher Program within 2 years of returning to Israel. Note that Returning Residents are not eligible for the licensing requirements track — that is available to New Immigrants only.

Final Tip - Get Approved

The Voucher Program is one of those benefits that rewards the Olim who do their homework before spending a single shekel. The rule is simple: approve first, pay second — in that order, every time, no exceptions.

Pull up the approved course list, book your Misrad HaKlita appointment, bring your course documentation, get your personal vocational plan (תוכנית מקצועית אישית / Tochnit Miktzuit Ishit) signed, and only then hand over your credit card.

Done right, the government covers up to 7,000 NIS of your training — and you walk into the Israeli job market with exactly the skills you need.

Next step:

Book your Misrad HaKlita appointment today — bring your course details and get your voucher approved before you spend a single shekel.