Mimadim Lelimudim: who gets a free degree?
Last checked: October 2026. Amounts change, so always confirm with the official source.
The short answerMimadim Lelimudim ("from uniform to studies") pays up to 100% of university tuition (up to ₪12,017 a year in 2025–26). It's for combat soldiers with a Gold honorable discharge, and also lone soldiers, new immigrants, Druze, Arab and Circassian soldiers, and soldiers who got family payments during service or whose parents get income support, with an honorable discharge. You must start within 5 years of discharge.
What's covered?
- Up to 100% of university tuition.
- 3 years, or 4 years for engineering, medicine and architecture.
- It can also cover a master's.
- No volunteering hours needed.
Fees above the university rate, like at private colleges, aren't covered.
How is it paid?
You're refunded 85% each year and the last 15% when you finish.
How do you register?
In your personal area on the Directorate's website. Register again every year. For 2025–26 the last day is October 31, 2026. This is for studies in the year that just ended (2025–26).
Not eligible?
Ask the Directorate what partial help you can get, and look at scholarships like Perach. Grew up in the periphery? Your first year may be free.
How much are you owed? Take the 1-minute quiz →Four quick questions show roughly what the state owes you and your next 3 steps.
Common questions
I wasn't combat. Do I get a free degree?
Mimadim covers combat soldiers with a Gold discharge, plus lone soldiers, new immigrants, Druze, Arab and Circassian soldiers, and soldiers who got family payments during service or whose parents get income support. Everyone else: ask the Directorate about partial help, and check scholarships and the free first year in the periphery.
How long do I have to start studying with Mimadim?
You must start within 5 years of discharge.
Does Mimadim cover a private college?
Only up to the university tuition rate. You pay anything above that.
Official sources