Comparison Table Between Tests
Meeting English Proficiency Requirements
English Courses
Level Required for Acceptance
Since many required reading texts are written in English, proficiency in the English language is an admission requirement to the Hebrew University. This requirement applies to applicants for undergraduate, graduate and supplementary programs as well as those with the status of "Special Students". English levels at the Hebrew University (by ascending order): Pre-Basic A, Pre-Basic B, Basic, Lower Advanced, Upper Advanced, Exemption.
Required English Level | Programs of Study |
Basic | Minimum language requirement for admission to most departments at the undergraduate level. Candidates at lower levels are not accepted to degree studies at the Hebrew University and receive notification to this effect in their rejection letter. |
Lower Advanced | Undergraduate Studies: Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Revivim Program Graduate Studies: Most programs taught in Hebrew. |
Upper Advanced | Undergraduate Studies: Linguistics (based on test alone), Bio-Medical Sciences, Dental Medicine, Medication Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy Graduate Studies: Bio-Medical Sciences in Dental Medicine, MBA, Pharmacy, International MPH, MScAgr Programs in the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, International MA programs in the Rothberg International School, Blended MA in Jewish Education |
Exemption | Undergraduate Studies: English Graduate Studies: English, Conflict Research, Contemporary German Studies, Bio-Medical Sciences, Glocal Community Development Studies, Bogen Program in Economics, Faculty of Science: all departments |
Comparison Table: Recognized Tests vs. Hebrew University Levels
Hebrew University English Proficiency Level | Psychometric English subsection / | Amir exam | CEFR - European Common Reference Levels (official certificate from European universities) | TOEFL Internet-based test | IELTS | SAT Critical Reading Score or EBRW Score |
Exemption level | 134+ | 234+ | C1 | 95 | 7 | 670 |
Upper Advanced | 120-133 | 220-233 | B2 | 80 | 6 | 600 |
Lower Advanced | 100-119 | 200-219 | B1 | 55 | 5.5 | 500 |
Basic (threshold level for admission to undergraduate programs) | 85-99 | 185-199 | A2 | 34 | 4.5 | 400 |
Pre-Basic B | 70-84 | 170-184 | Additional summer courses or exams required before admission | |||
Pre-Basic A | 50-69 | 150-169 | ||||
How to Meet English Proficiency Requirements
Applicants will be exempt from the study of English if they completed a full course of study at an institution where the language of instruction is English only or a degree program in English Language and/or Literature or if they have a grade of 7 in English A at Higher Grade on the IB.
English proficiency is measured mainly by the English language subsection of the Psychometric Test, the NITE Amir or Amiram Test (computerized Amir). Other tests are also accepted, as detailed on the table.
Please note: Candidates are advised to take the relevant test even if they have not yet been accepted, in order to avoid missing an application deadline. They are urged to take the test as early as possible so that they can take a summer English course if necessary.
Test | Explanation | Dates | Registration Information | |
Amir | The Amir Test is under the supervision of the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE). | 6-7.4.2020 | Through the website. | |
Amiram | Computerized test. Result are given to student on the spot and are forwarded to the university within two weeks. The Amir/Amiram test can be taken once every 30 days. | Spring semester applicants: 2020/2021 academic year applicants:
|
| Registration is done on the Personal Information website. Therefore, only active students and applicants of the Hebrew University can register for the test. Registration opens about a month before the test date. |
TOEFL | An American test recognized worldwide and can be taken worldwide. IBT test scores are given on a scale of 0-120. | Various dates throughout the year, according to country/region | Through the website. | |
IELTS | British test recognized worldwide and can be taken worldwide. Academic IELTS scores are given on a scale of 1-9. | Various dates throughout the year, according to country/region | Through the website. A copy of the Test Report Form must be uploaded to the application form or sent to us for verification. | |
English Language Courses
Students must reach Exemption level by the beginning of their second year of study. English language studies on the “Upper Advanced” level taken during the first year of undergraduate studies do not require payment of an additional fee.
Students who must study both Hebrew and English in their first year of studies are usually advised not to carry a full course load.
The Hebrew University offers summer courses in reading English for academic purposes. Classes are held in either the morning or the afternoon, contingent upon sufficient registration, and may be taken concurrently with the Summer Ulpan. For details see the Department of English as a Foreign Language website.
In addition, applicants may take the open online courses designed by The Open University and offered on: study.onl.co.il. Following the courses, applicants will need to take one of the recognized exams.