Frequently Asked Questions
First, we encourage our students to familiarize themselves with the website as much as possible, as many of your questions might be answered on the various pages of our site. Once you are ready to begin the application process, click on the "Online Registration" button that can be found on the right side of every page. The Online Registration is the preliminary step in completing the application process. After you submit the Online Registration, you will receive an email explaining what you need to do next in order to complete your application for admission.
How many classes will I need to take?
We expect all full-time International School students to enroll in 12-18 credits, or 3-5 classes, per semester. When choosing your courses you should check the number of credits offered in each of your desired courses as each course offers a different number of credits. Full-time students in the International School must take a minimum of 12 credits, but is the home university of each individual student that will determine how many credits will count towards the degree at the home university abroad.
What is the difference between full-time and part-time students?
A full-time student will enroll in 12-18 credits, or 3-5 classes per semester. This student will be eligible to live in the dorms on campus, assuming there is space available. Our Social Activities Coordinators organize a schedule of trips and tours for our full-time students to enjoy during their semester at the International School. Students on our summer programs are considered full-time students for the duration of their studies at the University of Haifa.
A part-time student will enroll in one or two classes per semester. This student will not be eligible to live in the dorms on campus and will need to arrange his or her own housing off campus. Part-time students are not able to participate in the trips and tours organized by the Social Activities Coordinators.
What type of visa will I need?
Most summer students enter Israel on tourist visas, which are valid for three months. Many semester and year students also enter Israel on tourist visas and extend their visas at the Israeli Ministry of Interior once they are in Israel. Since the process for obtaining a student visa varies based on your nationality, we advise you to check with the Israeli Embassy nearest you to see what type of visa you will need and how to obtain one.
Are there any scholarships or financial aid opportunities?
There are a variety of financial aid opportunities available to students who are interested in studying in the International School at the University of Haifa. For a complete list, please look under the "Finances" tab that you will find on the left side of every page of our website. Click on "Financial Aid" and a full list of potential scholarships will open. Scholarship eligibility considers factors such as length of program, merit, financial need, and nationality, so you will need to review the list to determine for which scholarships you are eligible.
If I want to stay for a full year, do I have to start in the fall?
Students who wish to study for two semesters may start their program of study in the fall or in the spring. Please note, however, that spring semester students who wish to continue to the fall semester must enroll in our summer programs in order to be able to stay in the dorms on campus throughout the summer.
What is the language of instruction at the International School?
All of our courses are taught in English, with the exception of our Hebrew and Arabic Language courses. While English is used in these language courses, the amount of English that will be used decreases as the student progresses in the course.
How much Hebrew will I need to know before I apply for a Hebrew Ulpan?
We offer the Intensive Hebrew Ulpan (summer and winter) and the Semester Ulpan (fall and spring) on all levels: from absolute beginner through very advanced. All students will take a Hebrew Placement Exam to determine their Hebrew level and will be placed in the appropriate level. If you do not know any Hebrew before you join us, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Hebrew alphabet before you arrive to campus. Otherwise, no further preparation is required.
Will I receive credits for the courses I take at the International School?
The University of Haifa is an accredited university under the auspices of Israel's Ministry of Education and the Israeli Council for Higher Education. The credits you earn while studying in the International School are transferable back to your home university. Keep in mind that it is ultimately the decision of your home university whether or not your credits will be counted towards your degree. Therefore, we advise you to consult with your home university if they will accept the credits you receive from the University of Haifa.
Will I receive a degree at the end of the program?
In the International School at the University of Haifa, we only work with foreign students who want to study for a semester or year and then return to their home university to complete their degree. We do not work with students looking to complete a degree at the University of Haifa. Students who join us for an academic semester or a summer program will receive an official University of Haifa transcript at the completion of their studies. Students who would like to complete a full degree at the University of Haifa should contact the general Admissions Office at +972 8240324.