Language Requirements for IB Students in Israeli Universities.

Language Requirements for IB Students in Israeli Universities.

Israel has a strong higher education system with globally recognised universities. The IB Diploma is accepted for admission, but language requirements are a key factor in eligibility.

Because undergraduate programs are offered in both Hebrew and English, IB students must meet specific language criteria depending on the program track.

This guide explains how Israeli universities evaluate language qualifications for IB students.

Language Requirement Snapshot (Israel)

Program Language	Requirement for IB Students
Hebrew-taught programs	Hebrew proficiency required
English-taught programs	English proficiency required
IB English A	Often sufficient for English-medium
IB English B	Sometimes accepted (score-dependent)
Hebrew Certification	Usually mandatory for Hebrew-track

1. Main Universities in Israel

Leading Israeli institutions include:

• Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Tel Aviv University

• Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

• Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

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Each institution sets its own language policy, but general patterns apply nationwide.

2. Hebrew Language Requirements

Most undergraduate programs in Israel are taught in Hebrew.

For Hebrew-track programs, IB students must demonstrate:

• Advanced Hebrew proficiency

• Often via the Yael Hebrew proficiency test

• Or recognised Hebrew matriculation-level equivalency

IB Hebrew A does not automatically guarantee exemption; universities may still require formal proof of proficiency.

Without Hebrew fluency, admission to Hebrew-taught programs is typically not possible.

3. English-Taught Programs

Some universities offer full English-medium undergraduate degrees, especially in:

• Engineering

• Business

• International Relations

For example:

• Tel Aviv University offers select English-track programs

• Technion – Israel Institute of Technology has international engineering tracks

For English-medium programs, IB students must demonstrate English proficiency.

4. IB English A vs English B

IB English A (Language & Literature or Literature)

• Often accepted as proof of English proficiency

• Minimum grade requirements may apply (e.g., 4 or 5+)

IB English B

• May be accepted with higher grades (e.g., 5–7)

• Some universities may still request IELTS or TOEFL

Policies vary by institution and program competitiveness.

5. When Is IELTS/TOEFL Required?

Additional English tests may be required if:

• IB English was taken at SL with lower grade

• The student’s prior schooling was not in English

• The program is highly competitive

For Engineering programs at institutions like Technion – Israel Institute of

Technology, English proficiency standards can be strict for international tracks.

6. Medicine and Language Requirements

Medicine programs in Israel are:

• Highly competitive

• Primarily taught in Hebrew

International English-language Medicine programs are limited and highly selective.

For Medicine at:

• Hebrew University of Jerusalem

strong Hebrew proficiency is generally required unless applying to a specific international track.

7. Engineering and STEM Programs

Engineering programs:

• Mostly Hebrew-medium

• Some international English tracks available

If applying to Hebrew programs:

• Hebrew fluency is mandatory

If applying to English programs:

• English proficiency documentation required

• Hebrew may still be useful for campus integration

8. Bilingual Considerations

Even in English-taught programs:

• Administrative communication may occur in Hebrew

• Some electives may be offered in Hebrew

• Campus life functions largely in Hebrew

Students without Hebrew proficiency may prefer fully international programs.

9. Common Misconceptions

• “IB English automatically guarantees admission.”

• “Hebrew is optional for all programs.”

• “English-taught programs have no language checks.”

• “IB Diploma overrides language requirements.”

In reality:

Language requirements are separate from academic qualification recognition.

10. Practical Strategy for IB Students

If applying to Israeli universities:

1. Confirm program language (Hebrew vs English)

2. If Hebrew-track: prepare for official Hebrew proficiency exams

3. If English-track: aim for strong IB English grades

4. Check minimum English score requirements

5. Verify whether IELTS/TOEFL exemption applies

Language readiness is often as important as academic performance.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

1. Is Hebrew required?

Yes, for most undergraduate programs.

2. Is IB English A sufficient for English-taught programs?

Often yes, but minimum grades apply.

3. Is IELTS always required?

Not always—depends on IB English grade and program.

4. Are there fully English undergraduate degrees?

Yes, but limited.

5. Does IB Diploma waive language requirements?

No. Language proficiency must be demonstrated separately.

Final Takeaway

Israeli universities recognise the IB Diploma academically, but language requirements depend on program medium.

Institutions such as Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Technion – Israel Institute of Technology require Hebrew proficiency for Hebrew-taught degrees, while English-taught programs require proof of English proficiency.