Hebrew Language Examinations
Hebrew Requirements by Program
Additional Information
Hebrew Language Examinations
Hebrew is the language of instruction at the Hebrew University for all undergraduate programs and many graduate programs; therefore, a certain level of Hebrew language proficiency is a requirement for admission (excluding MA programs taught in English).
A special track in the BA program in English (Literature) is offered for applicants lacking Hebrew proficiency. Students will start with their program in English and improve their Hebrew during that year. The second major will be added in the second year, making it a four-year program.
Test | Explanation | Dates | Registration Information |
YAEL | This test is offered by the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation and is given after the psychometric test in foreign languages but can also be taken by itself, on any of the sessions on which the Psychometric Entrance Test is offered. Results are published after about five weeks. | 13-14.4.2022 The April session is valid for all programs. Undergraduate applicants tested later will be considered based on available places only. | Registration for the test is on the website.
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YAELNET | This test is computerized, except for the writing assignment. YAELNET is identical in content to the questions in the YAEL exam. Pencils are necessary for the writing assignment. | link to info in hebrew http://info.huji.ac.il/reception-components/yahelnet link to info in english info.huji.ac.il/en-overseas/yaelnet_exams Undergraduate applicants tested after April will be considered on an available place only. As soon as a program closes for further applications, all applicants that did not yet meet all requirements will be rejected, with the exception of 2021 Rothberg Mechina students. | Registration is via the Personal Information website, approx. one month before the test. Therefore, only active students or applicants of the Hebrew University can register for the test. The YAEL/YAELNET can be taken only once every 35 days. |
Placement and Proficiency Tests (valid for second semester 2020/21 and the academic year 2021/2022) | |||
Placement | This test determines the level for the Proficiency test. The Placement test can be taken only once so students who are currently in an Ulpan should take the test towards the end of their Hebrew studies.
| It is highly recommended to take the test as early as possible since as soon as a program closes for further applications, all applicants that did not meet all requirement on time will be rejected. | There is no need to register for the test but the personal code is needed to take the test; therefore, it can be taken only after submitting the application and receiving a confirmation notice. Link to the test.
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Proficiency | This test includes mainly a writing assignment, according to the level achieved on the Placement Test. It determines their final level.
| Upcoming dates for Proficiency Test: 25.4.2022 | Registration is required with no additional cost. Only applicants that have taken the Placement Test will be able to register for the Proficiency Test.
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Exemption | Applicants who reached the exemption level (P’tor) on the Placement Test may take the Exemption Examination but it is recommended that they verify their level through the Proficiency Test.
| Check with the Hebrew Division for details and available dates.
| Candidates must register for the test at least two weeks in advance through the website or by E-mail: ruthh@savion.huji.ac.il or |
*Additional Information for the Proficiency Test:
The proficiency test is offered three times on each date.
The tests will be held according to the following schedule:
1st test - 10:00-10:45
2nd test - 11:00-11:45
3rd test - 12:00-12:45
Please note: In light of the current guidelines, the exam will be conducted online (Zoom). Please do not visit the unit's offices.
The test will take 45 minutes. Those starting late will need to finish the test on time. The registration will be on the basis of available places.
Registration will open one month before the test and will be available on the following link:
https://overseas2.huji.ac.il/Academic/StudentData/EssayRegister.aspx
using the student number and personal code received from the admissions office. After registration, you will receive an email with an official invitation listing the exam details (time and zoom link).
No phones or smart watches are allowed. No dictionary or any other auxiliary materials may be used.
For further inquiries prior to taking the Proficiency test, please contact the Division of Hebrew language instruction by email:
Risheb-office@savion.huji.ac.il
rishebrewdiv@savion.huji.ac.il
ruthh@savion.huji.ac.il
Proficiency test results are automatically transferred to the Overseas Applicants Unit and are displayed on the personal info account.
Cancellation regulations:
* cancellation until 14 days before the test at no cost.
* cancellation in less than 14 days or non arrival - in order to register for an additional test date, the applicant will be required to pay 100 NIS.
Other Venues for Meeting Hebrew Requirements
- Holders of an Israeli Bagrut from a high school where the language of instruction is Hebrew.
- Applicants that received a minimum of 70 in Hebrew Language on the Israeli Bagrut.
- Applicants that took the Psychometric Entrance Test in Hebrew.
- Applicants that passed the Behina Yerushalmit.
- Applicants that received a minimum grade of 4 in Higher Level Hebrew A on the I.B. Diploma.
Hebrew Requirements by Program
Faculty/Department | Minimum Hebrew requirement for Bachelor's programs | Minimum Hebrew requirements for Master's programs | ||
| Proficiency Test (2021/22 academic year) | YAEL/ | Proficiency Test (2021/22 academic year) | YAEL/ |
Faculty of Humanities |
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Asian Studies | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | China Track – studies in English Other tracks – Level Dalet (exemption by beginning of second year) | --- 105 |
Bible | Exemption | 145 | Exemption | 145 |
General and Comparative Literature | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 120 | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 120 |
Hebrew Language | Exemption | 145 | Exemption | 145 |
Hebrew Literature | Exemption | 145 | Exemption | 145 |
Jewish History | Level Vav (exemption by end of first year) | 135 | Level Vav (exemption by end of first year) | 135 |
Jewish Studies | Level Vav (exemption by end of first year) | 135 | --- | --- |
Jewish Thought | Exemption | 145 | Exemption | 145 |
| Revivim Program | Exemption | 145 | --- | --- |
Talmud and Halakha | Exemption | 145 | Exemption | 145 |
Yiddish | --- | --- | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 120 |
Other departments | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | Level Dalet (exemption by beginning of second year) | 105 |
| School of Education | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | Hebrew programs: Level Vav (exemption by end of first year) | 105 |
| Teaching Certificate | Level Dalet or 105 on the YAEL/YAELNET | |||
Faculty of Social Sciences – all programs | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | Hebrew programs: | 105 |
School of Business Administration |
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Accounting | Level Heh (exemption by beginning of second year) | 105 | --- | --- |
Business Administration | Level Heh (exemption by beginning of second year) | 105 | Level Dalet (exemption by beginning of second year) | 105 |
Faculty of Law |
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Criminology | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | Level Dalet (exemption by beginning of second year) |
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Law | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 110 | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 110 |
Social Work – | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | Level Dalet (exemption by beginning of second year) | 105 |
Computer Science and Engineering | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | MSc programs taught in English | --- |
Faculty of Agriculture – all programs | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | MSc programs taught in Engslish | --- |
Faculty of Science – | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | MSc programs taught in English | --- |
Faculty of Medicine |
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Nursing | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | Exemption | 105 |
Biomedical Sciences | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | MSc programs taught in English | --- |
Medicine + | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | --- | --- |
Occupational Therapy | Exemption | 105 | Exemption | 105 |
Pharmacy | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year0 | 105 | MSc programs taught in English | --- |
Public Health | --- | --- | Hebrew program: Level Dalet (exemption by beginning of second year) | 105
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Faculty of Dental Medicine | Level Heh (exemption by end of first year) | 105 | MSc program taught in English | --- |
Additional Information about Hebrew Requirements
The Rothberg International School will offer a special summer course for completing level Dalet. The course will be held between the dates 3.8-14.9.2021. Details will be sent to eligible applicants during June.
The Hebrew University will only grant a degree to students who have received an exemption (P’tor) from Hebrew language studies (excluding the MA programs taught in English).
Therefore, students who have not received an exemption (P’tor) by the Division of Hebrew Language Instruction (and did not get the required score on the YAEL test), must take Hebrew language classes in addition to their normal academic course load. This should be taken into account when planning one's schedule, especially in MA programs that organize their courses in one or two weekly days.
All students must pass the Hebrew Language Exemption Examination by the end of the first semester of their second year of studies.
Students may take the YAEL/YAELNET test an any stage during the first year in order to meet Hebrew requirements. Students that meet YAEL requirements during the semester, may choose to stop participating in the Ulpan class. They should notify the teacher and remember to update their second semester study plan.
Students accepted with level Heh Hebrew, might not be able to carry a full course load, if they need to study both Hebrew and English in their first year of undergraduate studies. Such students may need an additional year to complete their degree program.