The Bareket Program forms part of the framework of the IDF Academic Reserve, and includes a master’s degree in data science at the Technion. The program is for outstanding high school graduates who have completed a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) during the period of their high school studies, in the exact sciences (mathematics, physics, computer science), in an academization track. The duration of the program is four semesters, including completion of a thesis. Students accepted into the program will be awarded a tuition scholarship and a monthly living stipend, and will also be eligible to live in university accommodation on campus.
Program graduates serve in the IDF as academic officers, in the IDF Intelligence Corps and the IDF Computer and IT Directorate, for a period of 32 months’ mandatory military service and three years’ career service, working in research and development in a data-rich environment in the IDF.
Structure of the Program
The program is a collaboration between the IDF Intelligence Corps and the IDF Computer and IT Directorate. At the end of the first year of studies, program participants will complete IDF 02 basic training, to prepare them for their military service. During the course of their studies, participants will visit IDF technological units to gain familiarity with their future places of service, and to introduce them to the positions for which they are being prepared.
Entry Requirements
The program entry requirements are high. Candidates must be suitable for admission as part of the academization track and must be outstanding students. Detailed entry requirements are as follows:
- Eligibility for the academization track
- IDF Quality Grouping score of at least 53 and Initial Psychological Ranking of at least 70
- Graduate of bachelor’s degree in the exact sciences (mathematics, physics, computer science)
- The admissions process will include personality testing and interviews with relevant IDF units
Candidates who are found to be suitable following the admissions process will enter master’s degree studies at the Technion and will be accepted into the IDF Academic Reserve.
