Requirements of Hebrew Knowledge
This page is up to date 11.02.2024
Knowledge of Hebrew
Applicants who take the psychometric exam in a language other than Hebrew and do not have an Israeli matriculation (except for those who are exempt), or have an Israeli matriculation where the language of final examinations is not Hebrew, must take the Hebrew Language Proficiency Exam and prove satisfactory knowledge of Hebrew on an academic level before the beginning of the academic year. For those who take the psychometric exam in Israel, the Hebrew Proficiency Exam immediately follows and no separate registration is required. In this case, there is no fee for the Hebrew exam. It is advisable to take this exam after studying in an Ulpan in Israel.
Applicants for graduate studies must check if the program they want to apply to has a Hebrew knowledge requirement.
The minimum passing grade is 105 (level "gimel"). The applicants must reach exemption level till the end of the first year of studies.
Any candidate who has not written the exam, or who has not achieved a minimum of "Level Gimel" (a score of 105 points at least) will not be admitted to the University even if all other University and departmental requirements have been fulfilled. Any student who does not receive an "Exempt" on the placement exam must complete the requirement of reaching “Exempt” level till the end of the second semester of studies at the University.
Values for the Hebrew levels:
Fail - grades 1-58
Level "Aleph" - grades 59-83
Level "Bet" - grades 84-104
Level "Gimel" - grades 105-131
Ptor (exemption) - grade 132+
For examination dates and registration information see the Entrance Examinations chapter.
Exemption from the Exam
Candidates may be exempted from the Hebrew Placement Exam if they can provide documentation certifying:
- Israeli Matriculation – "Bagrut" from schools where the language of final examinations is Hebrew.
- The Psychometric Entrance Exam taken in the Hebrew language with a minimum score of 450 points.
- An academic degree from an Israeli university, or a recognized academic college in Israel (which was conducted in Hebrew).
- Completion of three years of study in an Israeli school of nursing.
- Ten consecutive years of study in Israeli schools where language of instruction was Hebrew (upon submission of a completion of tenth grade).
Courses during the academic year
The university doesn’t offer Hebrew courses, as part of the compulsory studies towards a degree. It is the student’s decision where he prefers to study Hebrew.
One of the options is courses given by “The Center of Hebrew Studies” (Registered society), to which the university has given permission to teach in its premises. Tuition fees for the courses have to be paid directly by the student to the Center. (The cost of the courses will be published in the tuition fee booklet in the TAU website).
Intensive Summer Course
The Center of Hebrew Studies (Registered Society) offers an intensive summer course (during August and September) in all levels. Students have to pay for this course. (Cost of the course will be published in May)
Registration for the summer course will start in June and will be held in the University office of the “Center of Hebrew Studies” (Registered Society).
The University does not oblige students to participate in this course.
The office of the "Center of Hebrew Studies" (Registered Society)
Tel Aviv University, 30 Chaim Levanon St. Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Room 140.
Tel: 03-6408947
Reception: Sunday-Thursday, 08:30-13:00
For those who do not need to take the psychometric exam, those who take it abroad, or those who failed the Hebrew exam previously, The Hebrew Exam will also be given separately on September 2-3, December 11,13, 2020 in Israel. A fee is required, except from those candidates who take the psychometric exam abroad.
Applicants submitting SAT/ACT scores instead of the psychometric exam and applicants for graduate studies will take the Hebrew Proficiency Examination (See examination schedule and explanation in the Entrance Examinations section).
Applicant for graduate studies must check if the program they want to apply to has a Hebrew knowledge requirement.