Universities Israel : Planning Your Trip

Universities Israel has six institutions of higher learning, with universities in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva, and technical/scientific institutes in Haifa and Rehovot. Programs for foreign students range in length from one summer to four years. Year-abroad programs usually begin with a four to nine-week ulpan to learn Hebrew before the semester begins in October, after the Jewish holidays. The courses for these programs are usually in English; if you know Hebrew, you have the option of taking regular university courses. Israeli universities also offer full-time degree programs on both the undergraduate and graduate levels, usually preceded by a mekhina (see Mekhinot below). Admission to undergraduate bachelor programs ordinarily requires proficiency in Hebrew and at least one year of college.

Tel Aviv University offers single-semester and full-year programs for overseas students; the application deadline is May 1 for fall semester or year programs, November 1 for the spring semester, and April 15 for summer. The fall and full-year program is preceded by an ulpan. For more information write to the Office of Academic Affairs, American Friends of Tel Aviv University, 360 Lexington Are,, 3rd fir., New York, NY 10017 (tel. (212) 687-5651).