English Language Examinations
Comparison Table Between Tests
English Requirements by Program
Additional Information
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.
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.
Candidates with an IB Diploma will be exempt from the study of English if they have achieved one of the following:
1. A grade of 6 in English A at higher level
2. A grade of 7 in English A at standard level
3. A grade of 7 in English B at higher level
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. When an application deadline arrives, all applicants that are missing admission criteria or have been conditional accepted, will be rejected from the program, with the exception of Rothberg Mechina students in 2021.
Test | Explanation | Dates | Registration Information | |
Amir | The Amir Test is under the supervision of the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE). | 13-14.4.2022 | 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 35 days. |
link to info in hebrew http://info.huji.ac.il/reception-components/amiram link to info in english info.huji.ac.il/en-overseas/node/1695 Therefore, it is imperative that applicants take the test as early as possible. |
| 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. | |
Comparison Table: Recognized Tests vs. Hebrew University Levels
Hebrew University English Proficiency Level | Psychometric English subsection /Amir/ | 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+ | C1 | 95 | 7 | 670 |
Upper Advanced | 120-133 | B2 | 80 | 6 | 600 |
Lower Advanced | 100-119 | B1 | 55 | 5.5 | 500 |
Basic (threshold level for admission to undergraduate programs) | 85-99 | A2 | 34 | 4.5 | 400 |
Pre-Basic B | 70-84 | Additional summer courses or exams required before admission | |||
Pre-Basic A | 50-69 | ||||
English Requirements by Program
Faculty/Department | Minimum English level required for admission to undergraduate programs | Minimum English level required for admission to graduate programs |
Faculty of Humanities |
|
|
Asian Studies (China) | Basic (exemption required by beginning of second year) | Upper Advanced (studies in English) |
Asian Studies (Japan) | Basic (exemption required by beginning of second year) | Lower Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) |
English | Exemption | Exemption (studies in English) |
Jewish Education (Melton Blended Program) | --- | Upper Advanced (English Program) Lower Advanced (Spanish Program) |
Linguistics | Upper Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) | Upper Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) |
Revivim Program | Lower Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) | --- |
Other Departments | Basic (exemption required by beginning of second year) | Lower Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) |
Faculty of Social Sciences |
|
|
Conflict Research, Management & Resolution | --- | Exemption (one-year track in English) |
Economics – Bogen Program | --- | Exemption (studies in English) |
German Studies | --- | Exemption (studies in English) |
Glocal | --- | Exemption (studies in English) |
Other Departments | Basic (exemption required by beginning of second year) | Lower Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) |
Business Administration |
|
|
Accounting | Basic (exemption required by beginning of second year) | --- |
Business Administration | Basic (exemption required by beginning of second year) | Upper Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) |
Law – all programs | Lower Advanced (exemption required by beginning of second year) | Lower Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) |
Social Work – | Basic (exemption required by beginning of second year) | Lower Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) |
Faculty of Science – | Basic (exemption required by beginning of second year) | Exemption (studies in English) |
Comp. Sci. & Engineering – all programs | Basic (exemption required by beginning of second year) | Exemption (studies in English) |
Faculty of Agriculture – | Basic (exemption required by beginning of second year) | Upper Advanced (studies in English) |
Faculty of Medicine |
|
|
Biomedical Sciences | Upper Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) | Exemption (studies in English) |
Medicine | Upper Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) | --- |
Nursing | Lower Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) | Exemption |
Public Health | --- | Regular track: Lower Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) International track: Upper Advanced (studies in English) |
Occupational Therapy | Lower Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) | Exemption |
Pharmacy | Lower Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) | Exemption (studies in English) |
Dental Medicine | Upper Advanced (exemption required by end of first year) | Upper Advanced (studies in English) |
Additional Information
Students must reach Exemption level by the beginning of their second year of study.
Students admitted to university with Basic English level (3) who have reached Upper Advanced level (1) within the first year of study, may request the faculty's approval to reach Exemption level by the end of the first semester of the second year of study (with the exception of the School of Social Work and Social Welfare).
English language studies on the Upper Advanced level (1) do not require payment of an additional fee during undergraduate studies.
Students who must study both Hebrew and English in their first year of study 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.