Home / Rights & Programs / Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants
Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants in Arad
The Ministry of Aliyah funds vocational courses through a voucher covering up to 80% of the cost, capped at ILS 7,000. Eligibility runs 10 years from oleh status — 15 years for olim from Ethiopia.
About Arad
Arad, a small Negev desert city, hosts a small and stable Israeli-Ethiopian community. Arad's advantages include low real-estate prices, clean air and a stunning natural environment, alongside new development projects in the city.
What are vocational training vouchers?
Vocational training vouchers (Shabbim) are a tool of the Ministry of Aliyah and the Ministry of Economy that allows new immigrants to fund accredited vocational courses — without paying out of pocket.
How much is the voucher worth?
- The ministry covers up to 80% of the course cost, capped at ILS 7,000. The ILS 12,000 figure previously stated here is not in the official source and was removed. Eligibility runs 10 years from oleh status — 15 years for olim from Ethiopia
- Can be used within 4 years of aliyah
- Full or partial coverage depending on the course type
Which courses are accredited?
- Construction and infrastructure trades (electrician, plumber, painter)
- Entry-level tech (QA, product management, UX)
- Hairdressing and aesthetics
- Childcare and elderly care
- Driving (heavy vehicle / taxi / bus licence)
Who is eligible?
- A new immigrant who has made aliyah in the last 4 years
- Registered with the Ministry of Aliyah
- No age restriction
How to redeem
- Choose a course from the accredited-course list (gov.il → vocational vouchers)
- Request approval from the Ministry of Aliyah — available online
- Register with the training institution using the voucher approval
- The institution receives payment directly from the Ministry of Aliyah
FAQ
Can the voucher be used for an evening course? Yes — most accredited vocational courses offer evening tracks.
What if the course costs more than the voucher? You can cover the difference through the Marom scholarship, a special fund, or personal payment.
📞 Ministry of Aliyah hotline: *2994
Ethiopian community in Arad
- Community population
- ~1,500
- Share of city
- ~10%
- Main neighbourhoods
- שכ' ג', שכ' ד'
- Community services
- ENP
More rights in Arad
This right in other cities
FAQ — Arad
- How many Ethiopian-Israelis live in Arad?
- The Ethiopian-Israeli community in Arad numbers approximately ~1,500 residents — around ~10% of the city's population. Main neighbourhoods: שכ' ג', שכ' ד'.
- How do I claim Vocational Training Vouchers for New Immigrants in Arad?
- Contact the Arad Employment Bureau — it is required to assist in implementing affirmative-action law. For support: ENP.
- What community support is available in Arad for this right?
- In Arad, the following organisations can assist with paperwork, translation and entitlement: ENP.
Related rights
Advanced Ulpan (Bet / Gimmel) — Hebrew Beyond Basics
Continued Hebrew studies beyond basic ulpan. Ulpan Bet (everyday), Gimmel (academic). Free / subsidized via Ministry of Aliyah. Every immigrant is eligible during the first 10 years.
Absorption Basket for Ethiopian Olim — Amounts and Process (2026)
The absorption basket is paid to olim from every country; the amount is set by family status, age and number of children — not by country of origin. Single: ₪21,694 in total (official 2026 table). Ethiopian olim have additional tracks around absorption centres.
Absorption Basket for Immigrant Students
For every new immigrant student, including Ethiopian-Israelis. The amount varies by aliyah date, age group and country of origin — check the exact figure with the school or Ministry of Education.
Rights for Ethiopian-Israeli Veterans — The Complete Guide
There is no enhanced discharge grant for Ethiopian-Israeli soldiers — that claim was published here in error. The real grant accrues per month served (ILS 686.96/month for a combat soldier), plus the personal deposit.