Education and Hebrew Studies

Learning Hebrew in an Ulpan

Ulpanim (plural of Ulpan) are Hebrew language learning centers operated by the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and the Jewish Agency. They are spread throughout Israel in absorption centers and additional facilities designed for new immigrants.

The Ulpan Department in the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, provides new immigrants with counseling on the choice of a suitable Ulpan, as well as on funding of Ulpan studies.

A five-month Ulpan is compulsory for all absorption center residents. All absorption centers either hold Ulpan classes or are associated with nearby Ulpanim.

New immigrants are exempted from Ulpan tuition fees for their first 18 months in Israel, or 24 months if they rely on income insurance. Travel costs are refundable if immigrant is not eligible to the Absorption Basket and if the Ulpan is away from his residential area.

Second chance Ulpanim are designed for immigrants who came to Israel in the years 1989-1997 and have not completed their Hebrew language studies, for any reason.

What is an Ulpan?

A Guide to Ulpan Study

Ulpanim's List

Learning Hebrew Online

Absorption Programs

Children and Youth

The Israeli schooling system generally comprises of four stages:

Preschool

Elementary school

Middle school

High school

Most schools and educational institutions are operated by the local authorities, and offer immigrant students various types of assistance to ease their absorption.

Regular Ulpanim hold children and youth Hebrew classes, and some Ulpanim are designed especially for children and youth ages 10-18 and include social and cultural activities.

The Jerusalem Ulpan for immigrant high school students

Short guide for immigrant students

Detailed guide for immigrant students

Pre Academic Programs

A number of pre-academic options are available to those who require preparation for higher academic education in Israel. Read more in the Studying in Israel guide.

Studying in Israel

Scholarships and Housing

Academic Summer programs at Ulpanim

Army Mechinot

Higher Education in Israel

Quite a few study programs are available for foreign students in Israel. Some are short term, intended for visiting students; others are long term designed for immigrant students, foreign students, researchers and scholars. Read more in the Studying in Israel guide.

Studying in Israel

Scholarships and Housing

Students who are Returning Minors or Citizens Born Abroad

Making Aliyah

Towards Aliyah

Absorption Programs

Benefits

Education and Hebrew Studies

Employment

Housing

Military Service

Aids and Resources