Studies at the institutions of higher education in Israel are held in Hebrew: lectures, papers, exams and some of the reading material are in Hebrew. (A large amount of the professional reading material is in English and other languages.)
Hebrew studies are usually held on several levels:
Level A is the basic level which gives students simple lessons in speech, writing and understanding. This level does not enable students to take an active part in academic studies. Level A usually lasts five months at Hebrew ulpan, including about 25 hours a week.
Where can one learn?
Kibbutz Ulpan
Kibbutz ulpan combines academic studies with work in the various sections of the kibbutz, which do not generally involve any knowledge or specialization. The ulpan lasts five months, 20-25 hours a week. The student has to pay a fee to the Jewish Agency for his stay at the kibbutz.
Kibbutz Ulpan for Students
There are two unique kibbutz ulpanim for students, which accept candidates of higher education. This program is suited to academic requirements and is run according to the academic school year.
Kibbutz ulpan for students begins twice a year:
September/October
February/March.
Duration of studies: five months
Ulpanim are run in cooperation with the Student Authority.
Academic Summer Ulpan
Immigrant students who are accepted directly to regular M.A. and Ph.D. studies , may participate in a summer ulpan at any of the universities around the country.
Duration of studies: 6-8 weeks, total of 150-200 hours. The academic summer ulpan is recommended after level A of the regular five-month ulpan, in order to improve the student's academic involvement during his studies.
The summer ulpan is funded by the Student Authority to eligible students accepted for studies in the regular program.
Students at TAKAH or mechina programs are not entitled to an academic summer ulpan as they study Hebrew within these programs.
Advanced Ulpan
For details on advanced ulpanim see chapter on "Hebrew Studies", Other Types of Ulpanim.