Israeli education system

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The education system in Israel, up to secondary education level, consists of three tiers: the primary education (grades 1-6), followed by a middle school (gr. 7-9) and then high school (gr. 10-12). Compulsory education is from grades 1 to 9. Secondary education consists mostly of preparation for the Israeli matriculation exams (the "bhinot bagrut"). These are made up of a multitude of subject matter exams covering various academic disciplines. Within each subject matter, the difficulty level of a given test is expressed in "units of study" ("yehidot limud") for the particular subject - from 1 to 5; i.e. a 5-units exam in mathematics is significantly more difficult than a 1-unit exam in mathematics. Any student with a passing mark on the minimum required matriculation subjects (Hebrew language, English language, mathematics, scripture and literature), a total of at least 21 earned matriculation units, and at least one subject tested and passed at the 5 units level of difficulty receives a full matriculation certificate. In 2003, 56.4% of Israeli High School graduates received a matriculation certificate - 57.4% in the Hebrew sector and 50.7% in the Arab sector.[1] After secondary education, students are generally conscripted into the Israel Defense Forces, but may request an extension of the conscription date to study in a college or university. Those who study in a university at this stage generally do so under a program called atuda, where their Bachelor's Degree is paid for by the army. They are however obligated to sign a contract with the army extending their service by 2-3 years. After service in the Israel Defense Forces, any Israeli with a full matriculation certificate can proceed to higher education, as in any country. Universities generally require a certain amount of matriculation units (as well as a certain grade average)and a good grade in the "psychometric" aptitude/reasoning exam (similar to the American SAT). All universities, and some colleges, are subsidized by the state, and students pay only a small part of the actual cost as tuition.