Hebrew Language Programs
Tel Aviv University offers Hebrew language courses, academic preparation pathways, and support options through its Hebrew Language Studies Unit and other university programs. These opportunities serve international students, new immigrants (olim), Arabic-speaking degree students, members of the TAU community, and other Hebrew learners.
Options include intensive Ulpan and semester courses, the TAKA pre-academic Hebrew program, Hebrew support through SAWA for Arabic-speaking students, the Hebrew-taught Mechina preparatory program, and Tachles Talk speaking practice.
Whether you are building Hebrew for academic study, meeting a degree requirement, or learning for personal or professional reasons, you can find an option suited to your goals, student status, and current level of Hebrew.
Placement requirements, course levels, academic credit, tuition, eligibility, and visa conditions vary by program. Visit the relevant program page for complete details.
Choosing a Hebrew Program
Which Hebrew program is right for me?
Choose based on your goals and student status:
- Intensive Hebrew Ulpan or semester courses: structured Hebrew study for international students and other learners.
- TAKA: pre-academic Hebrew preparation for eligible students planning to study in Hebrew.
- SAWA: Hebrew support for Arabic-speaking TAU degree students.
- Joint Preparatory Program (Mechina): Hebrew and academic preparation before Hebrew-taught degree studies.
- Tachles Talk: informal, non-credit speaking practice for the TAU community.
Check each program page for eligibility, dates, levels, and registration details.
What are YAEL and YAELNET and what score exempts me from the Hebrew requirement?
YAEL and YAELNET are Hebrew proficiency tests used for admission to Hebrew-taught degree programs. At TAU, a score of 132 or above grants exemption from the Hebrew language requirement.
What is TAKA?
TAKA is an intensive pre-academic Hebrew program for eligible students preparing for Hebrew-taught higher education. It is offered from March to July, for learners who want to progress quickly in a single concentrated period. See the TAKA program page for dates and applications.
Can I earn academic credit for Hebrew courses?
Some courses may carry academic credit, depending on the program and your student status. Check the relevant program page for details.
Do I need to know Hebrew to study at TAU?
No, international degree programs at Tel Aviv University are taught in English and don't require prior Hebrew. Hebrew programs are open to you alongside your studies, whether you're starting from scratch or building fluency.
Who can study Hebrew at TAU?
Programs run across all levels, from complete beginner to advanced, and are open to international students, olim, TAU students and faculty, professionals, and members of the public.
New to Hebrew and wondering what to expect? Read: Is Hebrew hard to learn?
