Study Arabic

Learn Arabic at the prestigious Hebrew University, an international top 100 university, through our Rothberg International School (RIS). Strengthen your Arabic language skills while interacting with native Arabic-speaking students on campus and enjoying all Jerusalem has to offer.

Why Arabic Language in Israel at HebrewU?

  • Arabic is one of Israel’s two official languages.
  • Approximately 40% of Jerusalem’s population are native Arabic speakers – and even more speak Arabic as a second language.
  • HebrewU has over 60 years of experience in teaching Arabic.
  • Our campus is located in the cultural heart of the Middle East.

Program Options

Depending on your professional pursuits, immerse yourself in the Arabic language through intensive courses with options to study Literary Arabic or Modern Standard Arabic.  Amia (Palestinian dialect) is also available in certain programs. Beginner, intermediate or advanced levels are offered year-round.

Literary and Modern Standard Arabic

Modern Standard Arabic and Literary Arabic courses are offered at the Rothberg International School. While both varieties of Arabic provide the tools for reading and understanding Arabic media and published texts, their pedagogical approaches differ slightly. Some students may prefer to study Modern Standard Arabic if this is the adopted approach at their home institution.

Literary Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic courses are open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as students who wish to take it on a stand-alone basis.

Amia Arabic (Palestinian Dialect)

Colloquial Arabic is the spoken language used at home and in daily life and is slightly different from the formal written language. As the specifics of this language vary from one location to another, emphasis will be placed on the Palestinian dialect which is characteristic of the region.
Our communicative approach fosters cultural competency and emphasizes speaking, accurate pronunciation, and listening comprehension, while relying on daily-life themes.

Course offerings:

Summer Arabic Immersion Program

Undergraduate Semester or Year Arabic Language Program

Graduate Literary Arabic Courses

Note to students of the Division of Graduate Studies:

The summer courses in Colloquial and Modern Standard Arabic are not part of Division of Graduate Studies programs. If your wish to join these courses, you may apply for them separately and pay the associated fees.

The autumn and spring courses in Colloquial and Modern Standard Arabic are provided through the Division of Undergraduate Studies. Priority is given to students enrolled in the Division of Undergraduate Studies but you can add your name to a wait list to enroll in stand-alone Colloquial and/or Modern Standard Arabic courses.

Hebrew University Quick Facts

Male and female student in conversation

We offer courses and programs in a variety of fields, with a focus on social and political sciences, Israel and the Middle East, languages, religion, fine and performing arts, business and legal studies, and STEM.

The Real Jerusalem

Live on-campus with international and Israeli students – including a staff of Israeli students who help you navigate life in Jerusalem. This vibrant city will be your second classroom, full of trips and tours.

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Apply online to begin your adventure in Jerusalem at the highest-ranked university in Israel.

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Contact Us

Rothberg International School
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Boyar Building, Mount Scopus
9190501 Jerusalem, ISRAEL 

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TrackSAT ACT Psychometric Test
(General or QE)
Business & English1310 28629
Business & Liberal Arts131028629
English & Liberal Arts102019516
Pre-Semester Program: “Encountering Jerusalem” 2023-24
Spring
Practical Hebrew Beginners 4 credits
Israeli Society3 credits
Pre-Semester Program: “Encountering Jerusalem” 2023-24
Autumn
Practical Hebrew Beginners4 credits
Modern Standard Arabic Beginners 5 credits
Jerusalem: A Journey Through Time and Space3 credits
Pre-Semester Program: “Encountering Jerusalem” 2023-24
Autumn
Practical Hebrew Beginners4 credits
Modern Standard Arabic Beginners 5 credits
Jerusalem: A Journey Through Time and Space3 credits
Pre-Semester Program: “Encountering Jerusalem” 2023-24
Spring
Practical Hebrew Beginners 4 credits
Israeli Society3 credits