New rules let soldiers submit papers instead of exams at Israeli universities
The 2026-27 academic plan allows reservists and career soldiers to replace up to three course exams with alternative assessments, a move the IDF says ensures fairness for those serving in security roles.
By Takeshi Davidson ·
Israeli universities will allow students in the military to replace standard exams with written papers or modified tests starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The Israel Defense Forces announced the plan on Sunday, stating that it aims to support soldiers whose long service periods disrupt their coursework.
The policy extends accommodations introduced during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. It builds on previous efforts to help students maintain their studies while fulfilling reserve duties or working as career soldiers.
The new rules categorize students into tiers based on the amount of service they have performed. Students in the highest tier, as well as career soldiers in frontline roles, may use alternative assessment methods in three courses. Those in the top tier who are not in frontline positions can use the option in two courses. Students in the second tier, defined as those who served 21 days or more in a semester, are eligible for one or two courses depending on their specific duties.
The plan also adjusts financial aid rules for military students. Eligibility thresholds for merit scholarships are lowered by 10% for reservists and career soldiers. This change ensures that their service records do not prevent them from receiving dean’s and rector’s awards. Students who have had to extend their degrees by a semester or a year will retain their accommodation status to help them finish their programs.
Graduate students will receive individualized support to manage research deadlines affected by military service. Universities will offer extended timelines and consider research grant payments on a case-by-case basis. Students applying for master’s programs can disclose their actual grades to admissions committees if a pass/fail grade resulting from reserve duty affects their application, without changing their undergraduate GPA.
Spouses of career soldiers and frontline reservists who have children under 13 are also included in the plan. They will receive the same accommodations as the active service members. Additionally, universities will keep lecture recordings available for three months after a semester ends. The plan provides one-on-one tutoring for missed material and allows for rescheduled exam dates and credit exemptions.
Maj.-Gen. Dado Bar Kalifa, head of the IDF Personnel Directorate, stated that the plan was developed with the Council for Higher Education. He said the measure addresses needs arising from the field and ensures that soldiers receive equal opportunity in education. "Those who serve are not asking for discounts; they are demanding fairness," he said.
