Ulpan Programs
Comprehensive Guide to Ulpan Programs in
Israel
Table of Contents
- Government-Subsidized Programs for New Immigrants
- University Ulpan Programs
- Kibbutz Ulpan Programs
- Private Ulpan Programs by City
- Online Ulpan Options
- Specialized & Religious Programs
- How to Get Started
Government-Subsidized Programs for New Immigrants
{#government-programs}
Ministry of Absorption Free Ulpan
**Eligibility: **New immigrants (olim) within 10 years of Aliyah
ï **Duration: **5 months (up to 500 hours of Hebrew instruction)
ï **Cost: **FREE with voucher from Ministry of Absorption (Misrad Haklita)
ï **How to Apply: **Contact your local Ministry of Absorption office to obtain a voucher
ï **Website: **Gov.il - Ulpan Programs
ï **Info: **Call 1599-500905 (Ministry of Absorption hotline)
Jewish Agency Ulpan Programs
Ulpan Etzion
Multiple campuses for college-educated olim aged 22-35
ï **Jerusalem (Beit Canada): **27 David Raziel St., Talpiot Mizrach
◦ Phone: 02-6367326
◦ **Website: **Ulpan Etzion Jerusalem
ï **Haifa: **Port Campus, 65 Hanamal St.
◦ Modern apartments with sea views
◦ **Website: **Ulpan Etzion Haifa
ï **Raanana: **Includes Etzion Plus (optional 3 extra months)
ï **Ramle: **Free gym and swimming pool access
ï **Be'er Sheva: **Gateway to the Negev
ï **Kibbutz Tzuba: **Academic focus with internship opportunities
◦ **Website: **Ulpan Etzion Tzuba
**Features: **5-month intensive program, accommodation, cultural activities, employment guidance
**Cost: **7,400 NIS singles / 14,800 NIS couples (subsidized for olim)
Beit Brodetsky (Tel Aviv)
ï **Target: **Ages 21-31, high school graduates
ï **Duration: **5 months
ï **Capacity: **~500 olim annually
ï **Features: **Residential, full cultural immersion in Tel Aviv
Ulpan Kinneret (Tiberias)
ï **Target: **Ages 18-30 with high school diploma
ï **Focus: **Preparation for IDF service or employment
University Ulpan Programs {#university-programs}
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
**Website: **Hebrew University Ulpan
ï **Summer Ulpan: **August-September (6 weeks)
◦ Cost: ~$2,970 + housing ($2,880)
◦ 5 hours daily, Sun-Thu
ï **Winter Ulpan: **January (4 weeks intensive)
ï **Semester Programs: **October-January, February-May
◦ 3 mornings/week, 10 weekly hours
◦ Cost: ~$2,600
ï **Hebrew Immersion Program: **5 months (January-May)
◦ Includes 4-week ulpan, cultural activities, internships
ï **Contact: **Mount Scopus Campus, 02-588-2621
Tel Aviv University
**Website: **TAU International Hebrew
ï **Intensive Programs: **July, August, January (4 weeks each)
ï **Semester Programs: **Fall & Spring (10 weeks)
ï **Credits: **5-6 academic credits per course
ï **Levels: **Aleph through Chet (8 levels)
ï **Features: **Placement exam required, exemption at Level 8+
ï **Notable: **Winter Ulpan is one of few intensive winter programs in Israel
University of Haifa
**Website: **Haifa International School
ï **Intensive Summer Ulpan: **Two 4-week sessions (July-August)
◦ 5 hours daily, 100 hours total
◦ 5 academic credits
ï **Intensive Winter Ulpan: **January-February
ï **Semester Ulpan: **Fall & Spring
◦ 4 days/week, 2 hours/morning (less intensive)
ï **Contact: **04-828-8729, info@mail.uhaifa.org
ï **Location: **Carmel campus overlooking Mediterranean
Ben-Gurion University (Be'er Sheva)
**Website: **BGU Ulpan Programs
ï Intensive Hebrew Ulpan
ï **Olim L'Academia Program: **English courses + Ulpan in first year
ï **Target: **International students and olim
ï **Features: **Progress toward Hebrew exemption (Yael Test)
ï **Contact: **WSISIP program office
Bar-Ilan University
ï Offers Hebrew courses for international students
ï Levels: Aleph through Vav
ï Semester and intensive tracks available
Kibbutz Ulpan Programs {#kibbutz-programs}
Overview
5-month programs combining Hebrew study with kibbutz work/volunteering. Study 3-4 days/week, work 2 days/week.
**General Info Website: **Kibbutz Ulpan Organization
Pricing:
ï Most kibbutzim: $7,000 for 5 months
ï Kibbutz Tzuba: $7,500
ï Masa Israel grants may cover up to 50% for eligible participants
**Eligibility: **Ages 18-35 (some 18-30), singles or couples without children
Individual Kibbutz Programs
**Kibbutz Etzion Tzuba Website: **Kibbutz Tzuba
ï **Location: **Near Jerusalem (20 min by bus)
ï **Special Feature: **Academic ulpan with internship opportunities
ï **Requirements: **Ages 22-35, college degree or professional diploma
ï **Sessions: **April-September, September-February
ï **Accommodation: **Studio apartments, swimming pool, pub
ï **Unique: **Only kibbutz offering internships instead of work
**Kibbutz Ma'agan Michael Website: **Ma'agan Info
ï **Location: **30 km south of Haifa on Mediterranean coast
ï **Distinction: **Largest kibbutz in Israel (1,400+ residents)
ï **Notable Alumni: **Stanley Fischer (former Bank of Israel Governor)
ï **Reputation: **Consistently rated among best ulpanim in Israel
Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu
ï **Location: **Bet She'an Valley near Jordanian border
ï **Type: **Modern Orthodox/Religious kibbutz
ï **Features: **Kosher food, religious environment
ï **Target: **Religious Jews or those interested in religious community
Kibbutz Ein HaShofet
ï **Location: **Northern Israel, 30 minutes from Haifa
ï **Schedule: **Study 3 days/week, work 2 days/week
ï **Features: **Tours throughout Israel, seminars, lectures
Kibbutz Yagur
ï **Location: **Base of Mount Carmel, 10 minutes from Haifa
ï **Distinction: **One of Israel's largest kibbutzim
ï **Industries: **Multiple (industrial, agricultural)
Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek
ï **Location: **Northern Israel near Afula
ï **Type: **Fully communal and collective
ï **Capacity: **Maximum 25 students per session
ï **Age Range: **18-30
Kibbutz Naan
ï **Location: **Central Israel near Rehovot
ï **Features: **Kosher food, central location
ï **Advantage: **Easy access to all parts of Israel
Kibbutz Mishmar HaSharon
ï **Location: **Central Israel
ï **Age Range: **18-28
ï **Features: **Kosher food
Contact for Kibbutz Programs:
ï Email: info@kibbutzulpan.org
ï Organization: PZC Hagshama, Seminar Efal, Ramat Gan
Private Ulpan Programs by City {#private-programs}
TEL AVIV & SURROUNDING AREA
Ulpan Gordon
**Location: **Municipality, 69 Eben Gavirol St.
ï **Phone: **03-724-0875, 054-559-7718
ï **Schedule: **Morning + evening classes
ï **Target: **Olim + tourists, beginners + advanced
ï **Note: **Most popular ulpan in Tel Aviv (large classes)
ï **Features: **Subsidized for olim with voucher
Ulpan Diganya (Tel Aviv)
**Location: **Same as Gordon - Municipality building
ï **Phone: **03-724-0875
ï **Schedule: **Morning + evening
ï **Features: **Multiple levels available
**Citizen Café TLV Website: **Citizen Café
ï **Location: **45 Rothschild Blvd. (Mindspace)
ï **Phone: **+972-50-751-6400, US Toll Free: +1-888-808-0334
ï **Duration: **10-week courses
ï **Method: **Fun, fast-paced, interactive
ï **Features: **All levels, focus on conversation and texting in Hebrew
ï **Email: hello@citizencafetlv.com
ï **Note: **Private (non-subsidized), higher cost but highly recommended
**Lilienblum 7 - Hebrew Boutique Website: **Lilienblum 7
ï **Location: **7 Lilienblum St., Neve Tzedek
ï **Phone: **073-384-4050, 052-906-0804
ï **Email: lilienblum7@mail.tel-aviv.gov.il
ï **Features: **Small classes (under 15 students), boutique atmosphere
ï **Focus: **Speaking, reading, writing + Israeli cinema & culture
ï **Duration: **5-month courses starting May & October
ï **Cost: **~7,550 NIS for 5 months
**Ulpan La-Inyan Website: **Ulpan La-Inyan
ï **Location: **Multiple locations in Tel Aviv
ï **Phone: **076-599-1122, 058-796-4586 (WhatsApp)
ï **Method: **Based on Dr. Paul Pimsleur's method
ï **Schedule: **3-4 days/week, 1.5 hours/session
ï **Sessions: **Morning, afternoon, evening options
ï **Features: **Accepts vouchers for new olim
ï **Founded: **2008
**Ulpan Aviv (Tel Aviv) Website: **Ulpan Aviv
ï **Type: **Private, one-on-one instruction
ï **Location: **Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, other cities
ï **Also: **Online lessons available worldwide
ï **Method: **Tailor-made programs for each student
ï **Features: **Intensive lessons, profession-oriented, 10-day immersive programs
ï **Speciality: **Flexible, personalized approach
Milhauz Ulpan
ï **Location 1: **Ramat Gan, Bialik 47 Alef
ï **Location 2: **Petah Tikva, Abba Hillel 7
ï **Phone: **072-240-5538
ï **Email: ulpan@milhauz.org
ï **Type: **Boutique ulpan
JERUSALEM
**Ulpan Beit Ha'am (Gerard Behar Center) Location: **Rechov Bezalel 11
ï **Phone: **02-625-4156/7
ï **Fax: **02-623-4654
ï **Type: **City Ulpan
**Ulpan New Milah Location: **5 Hahistadrut St.
ï **Levels: **Aleph through Vav (6 levels)
ï **Schedule: **Morning (9:00-12:00) and Evening (17:30-20:30)
ï **Duration: **4 months per semester
ï **Start dates: **April, June, October
ï **Cost: **2,760-4,290 NIS for Alef level
ï **Note: **No housing provided
**Ulpan Or Website: **Ulpan-Or
ï **Location: **43a Emek Refaim St., German Colony
ï **Phone: **02-656-4834
ï **Method: **RLA (Rapid Language Acquisition) concept
ï **Options: **Individual courses, hybrid courses, online
ï **Programs: **1 day to 2 weeks, custom programs
ï **Features: **Partnerships with Abraham Hostel
ï **2-week programs: **$1,290-$1,430 (includes tours)
Ulpan Morasha
ï **Location: **Jerusalem
ï **Phone: **02-628-1032, 053-528-2955 (WhatsApp)
ï **Email: morasha.ulpan@gmail.com
ï **Website: www.ulpanmorasha.com
ï **Languages: **English, Russian, French speakers
ï **Levels: **Aleph-Dalet
ï **Schedule: **Morning (8:30-12:45) 5 days/week OR Evening (17:30-20:30) Sun/Tue/Thu
ï **Cost: **850 NIS/month morning, 650 NIS/month evening
Conservative Yeshiva
**Location: **Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, 8 Agron St.
ï **Sessions: **3-week summer programs (late June or July)
ï **Schedule: **5 days/week, 9:00-12:30
ï **Features: **Optional afternoon Jewish studies or volunteer work
ï **Cost: **$720 for levels Alef-Hey
ï **Housing: **Available on-site in central Jerusalem
Ulpan La-Inyan Jerusalem
ï **Location: **32 Pierre Koenig St. (across from Pardes)
ï **Phone: **076-599-1122, 058-796-4586
ï **Features: **Same method as Tel Aviv location
Machon Meir
**Location: **2 Sderot Hameiri
ï **Phone: **02-652-5997
ï **Target: **Men only, yeshiva setting
ï **Type: **Religious ulpan
HAIFA
**Municipal Ulpan Beit Erdshtein Location: **20 Y.L. Peretz St., Hadar
ï **Phone: **04-911-1403, 050-957-1771
ï **Morning Ulpan: **Ages 60+, 3x/week, 9:00-12:30 (10 months)
ï **Evening Ulpan: **Ages 17-59, 4x/week, 17:00-20:15 (7 months)
ï **Cost: **FREE for olim within 10 years with Ministry voucher
ï **Features: **Unique format, one of three in Israel
Ulpan Bet Aba Hushi
**Location: **Rechov Hamaginim 131
ï **Phone: **04-856-7602
Ulpan Rambam
**Location: **Rechov HaTichon 39, Neve Sha'anan
ï **Phone: **050-220-0755
NETANYA
**Ulpan Israeli Website: **Ulpan Israeli
ï **Location: **Netanya Academic College
ï **Phone: **Contact via website
ï **Programs: **Face-to-face and online
ï **Schedule: **Mon-Thu, 9:00-12:30 (4 days/week)
ï **Start Date: **November 2025 for academic year
ï **Levels: **Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced
ï **Summer: **July-August intensive courses
ï **Features: **Innovative program with cultural exposure, songs, virtual trips
ï **Note: **Successor to famous Ulpan Akiva (closed 2009)
**Netanya AACI Website: **Netanya AACI
ï **Courses: **Taught by experienced teacher Tamar Halperin
ï **Special: **10-day intensive courses
ï **Note: **Must contact about eligibility for free ulpan through Ministry
BE'ER SHEVA
Ben-Gurion University Ulpan
ï See University Programs section above
OTHER CITIES
Afula
ï WIZO Community Center
ï Address: 5 Rehov Omer, Afula
ï Phone: 04-659-1325
Akko (Acre)
ï Beit Heiman
ï Address: 16 Rehov Herzog
ï Phone: 04-981-2822, 050-845-3762
Ariel
ï Ulpan Ariel
ï Address: 3 Rehov Ha'atzmaut
ï Phone: 03-906-1809, 054-569-1273
Ashdod
ï Ulpan Mercazit Ashdod
ï Address: 54 Rehov Ha'atzmaut
ï Phone: 08-855-9882
ï **Also: **Municipality Ulpan Division: 08-854-5394
Ashkelon
ï Beit Vosk Community Center
ï Address: 3 Johanessberg
ï Phone: 08-679-2321
ï **Ulpan Kalanit: **307 Berger St., Phone: 08-673-6317
Bat Yam
ï Ulpan Sharett
ï Address: 1 Rehov Haviva Reich
ï Phone: 03-551-9959
Beit Shemesh
ï WIZO Community Center
ï Address: 7 Simtat Zinman
ï Phone: 02-991-0621
ï **Matnas Community Center: **16 Dolev, Ramat Beit Shemesh
Carmiel
ï Carmiel Community Center
ï Address: 200 Hativat Yiftach
ï Phone: 04-908-8274
Hadera
ï Ulpan Hadera
ï Address: 84 HaGiborim
ï Phone: 04-634-5975
Katzrin (Golan Heights)
ï Katzrin Community Center
ï Phone: 04-696-4111 ext. 4
Kfar Saba
ï Ulpan Kfar Saba
ï Address: 4 Rehov Geller
ï Phone: 09-764-0701
Tiberias
ï Beit Ginzburg Fanny Kaplan Community Center
ï Phone: 057-351-2210, 057-351-2930
Tzemach
ï Jordan Valley College
ï Address: Tzemach 15132
ï Phone: 04-665-3610
Tzfat (Safed)
ï Bloom Community Center
ï Address: 15 Rehov Herzel
ï Phone: 050-838-1370, 052-445-4060
Online Ulpan Options {#online-options}
Ulpan Sheli
**Website: **Oulpan Sheli
ï **Presence: **7 cities across Israel
ï **Phone/WhatsApp: **058-778-0397
ï **Email: moked-en@oulpansheli.org
ï **Features: **100% reimbursable for eligible olim with Ministry voucher
ï **Duration: **1-5 months, 2 hours/week
ï **Method: **Dynamic, adapted to online format
ï **Languages: **French, English
Ulpan Or Online
**Website: **Ulpan-Or Online
ï **Method: **RLA (Rapid Language Acquisition)
ï **Options: **Individual + Hybrid courses
ï **Format: **Live lessons via Zoom
ï **Features: **Personal native-Israeli teacher
ï **Levels: **Total beginner to very advanced
Ulpan Israeli Online
**Website: **Ulpan Israeli
ï **Format: **Group online classes via Zoom
ï **Levels: **Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced
ï **Method: **Interactive, cultural immersion
ï **Features: **Innovative program with songs, virtual trips
ï **Schedule: **Ongoing classes you can join anytime
Ulpan Aviv Online
**Website: **Ulpan Aviv
ï **Format: **One-on-one online lessons
ï **Features: **Tailor-made programs, flexible scheduling
ï **Available: **Worldwide
ï **Time needed: **~80 hours to reach comfort level
Home Ulpan
**Website: **Home Ulpan
ï **Unique Feature: **Live-in program with Israeli families
ï **Also offers: **Online Hebrew courses
ï **Format: **Small classes (6 or fewer students)
ï **Duration: **Short periods to full programs
ï **Includes: **Accommodation, meals, full Hebrew immersion
Specialized & Religious Programs {#specialized-programs}
Tech & The City
**Provider: **Jewish Agency + Technion
ï **Target: **Young high-tech professionals with academic degrees
ï **Duration: **5 months
ï **Includes: **Hebrew ulpan, entrepreneurship course, housing near Technion
ï **Capacity: **~60 olim/year
ï **Location: **Haifa
Israel Tech Challenge (ITC)
**Website: **Jewish Agency ITC
ï **Founded: **2014
ï **Partners: **Jewish Agency, National Cyber Bureau, industry partners
ï **Focus: **Technology sector integration
Pardes Institute (Jerusalem)
**Website: **Pardes Hebrew Study
ï **Type: **Jewish studies with Hebrew component
ï **Requirement: **At least 1 month Hebrew study before Pardes
ï **Provides: **List of recommended ulpanim
ï **Target: **Students interested in Jewish text study
Yeshiva/Religious Programs
ï **Machon Meir **(Jerusalem) - Men only
ï **Ulpan Beit Ulpana **(Har Nof) - Gender-separate classes
ï **Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu **- Modern Orthodox
ï **Migdal Oz **- Women's programs
Masa Israel Journey Programs
**Website: **Masa Israel
ï **Grants: **Up to 50% off program costs
ï **Eligibility: **Jewish participants aged 18-35
ï **Programs: **Kibbutz ulpan, internships, study programs
ï **Duration: **1-12 months
Getting Started {#getting-started}
For New Immigrants (Olim)
Step 1: Contact Ministry of Absorption
ï Call: 1599-500905
ï Visit your local absorption center
ï Request ulpan voucher
Step 2: Choose Your Program Type
ï **Government/Subsidized: **Use voucher at approved ulpanim
ï **University: **Apply directly, may get academic credit
ï **Kibbutz: **Apply through Kibbutz Ulpan or Jewish Agency
ï **Private: **Contact ulpan directly
Step 3: Take Placement Test
ï Most ulpanim require assessment
ï Determines appropriate level (Aleph-Vav)
Step 4: Register
ï Submit documents, ID, proof of eligibility
ï Pay fees if applicable (or submit voucher)
For Tourists & Non-Olim
Options Available:
ï University programs (summer/winter/semester)
ï Private ulpanim (all levels)
ï Kibbutz ulpan (5 months)
ï Online courses
Requirements:
ï Valid visa or ETA-IL (as of January 2025)
ï Payment (programs not subsidized)
ï Placement test
Cost Guide
Free/Subsidized (Olim with voucher):
ï Ministry-approved ulpanim: FREE
ï Ulpan Etzion: 7,400-14,800 NIS (subsidized)
University Programs:
ï 4-week intensive: $2,500-3,000
ï Semester: $2,600-4,000
ï Housing: Additional $2,000-3,000
Kibbutz Ulpan:
ï $7,000-7,500 for 5 months (all-inclusive)
ï Masa grants available (up to 50% off)
Private Ulpanim:
ï Monthly: 650-850 NIS per month
ï 5-month program: 2,760-7,550 NIS
ï Boutique/intensive: Higher rates
Online:
ï Varies widely: $100-500/month
ï Some reimbursable for olim
Important Resources
Government:
ï Ministry of Aliyah & Integration: www.gov.il
ï Nefesh B'Nefesh: www.nbn.org.il
General Information:
ï Hebrew Language Study: www.study.co.il/Hebrew-Ulpan-in-Israel
ï Masa Israel: www.masaisrael.org
ï Jewish Agency: www.jewishagency.org
Community:
ï Secret Tel Aviv Ulpan Guide: www.secrettelaviv.com
ï Olim Haifa: www.olimhaifa.co.il
Tips for Success
**1. Start early: **Popular programs fill up months in advance
**2. Consider location: **Tel Aviv vs Jerusalem vs kibbutz - different experiences
**3. Know your learning style: **Intensive vs semester, large class vs boutique
**4. Practice outside class: **Hebrew is everywhere in Israel - use it!
**5. Make Israeli friends: **Best way to improve conversation skills
**6. Be patient: **Hebrew is challenging but rewarding
**7. Do homework: **Even best ulpan won't work without personal effort
**8. Consider housing: **Some programs include it, others don't
**9. Check seasons: **Summer programs are popular and competitive
**10. Explore options: **Don't just pick the closest/cheapest - find the right fit
**Last Updated: **October 2025
Note: Prices, schedules, and contact information subject to change. Always verify details directly with the ulpan before registering.
Updated on: 02/02/2026
Thank you!