Ben-Gurion University of the Negev hosts 20,000 students across six academic faculties and over 60 research hubs. The university is known for its cutting-edge research in fields such as engineering, health sciences, natural sciences, humanities, business, brain sciences, sustainability, and desert studies.
​​​​​The BA program in English Literature introduces students to the major traditions and texts of literatures in English, primarily British literature and American literature, while helping students develop their analytical skills and improve their proficiency in Engish. First-year courses focus on the conventions of literary genres; second- and third-year courses explore the history and development of Engish and American literatures and offer a solid foundation in the study ​​​​of literary and critical theories.
*Students study Engineering and Exact Sciences in English in their first year, as part of the Olim L'Academia program, which includes Ulpan (Hebrew language) classes. Then students transition into Hebrew-language tracks, including: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Management, Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering, Software and Information Systems Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering
*Students study Natural Sciences in English in their first year, as part of the Olim L'Academia program, which includes Ulpan (Hebrew language) classes. Then students transition into Hebrew-language tracks, including: Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth & Environmental Sciences
*Students study Psychology in English in their first year, as part of the Olim L'Academia program, which includes Ulpan (Hebrew language) classes. After that, students transition in the Hebrew-language program.
Rabbi Idan and Prielle Rakovsky will lead the new JLIC program at Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva this fall. Rabbi Rakovsky, from Givat Shmuel, studied at Yeshivat Givat Shmuel, Ma’ale Gilboa, and Beit Midrash Zichdon Dov. He served as a Torah MiTzion shaliach in Toronto, assistant rabbi at Shaarei Tefillah, and teacher at Yeshivat Or Chaim and Ulpanat Orot. He has over 200 recorded shiurim and hosted the Toronto Torah Parshah Podcast. Prielle, from Kibbutz Massuot Yitzhak, directed informal Judaic studies at Ulpanat Orot and has been involved in Jewish education and leadership in Canada. She is a certified Kallah teacher and has studied at Beit Midrash Migdal Oz.
1. Academic Credit – Courses taken in the Mechina program do not count toward a BA degree. In contrast, all courses in the Olim La’Academia program count as part of your BA degree.
2. Entrance Exams – Olim La’Academia students are required to take and pass an internal math test, but are not required to take the Psychometric exam, whereas Mechina students typically must.
3. Hebrew Proficiency – The Mechina program requires students to have some knowledge of Hebrew before beginning their studies. Olim La’Academia students can start with zero Hebrew knowledge and take Hebrew classes (Ulpan) alongside their degree studies.
Students in the Olim La’Academia program can currently enroll in courses from the following fields:
No. Unlike other BGU programs that require a minimum level of Hebrew proficiency, students applying through Olim La’Academia do not need any prior knowledge of Hebrew.
As part of the program, students take Hebrew Ulpan courses, starting from the beginner level and progressing towards the university’s exemption level (Level 5).
To be exempt from further Hebrew studies, students must pass the Yael Test, the standardized Hebrew proficiency exam at BGU. Passing qualifications for Hebrew Exemption are:
 In addition, non-native English speakers must also take the Amir Test to ensure your English is proficient enough to study in our courses. (Usually Introductory or Advanced Level 1 is sufficient.) Passing qualifications for the Amir exemption:
The Olim La’Academia program is part of BGU’s general undergraduate program, so you must follow the standard university application process. However, since the application is in Hebrew, the Olim La’Acadmeica team team will assist you throughout the process to ensure a smooth experience.
To begin, email Aliyah@bgu.ac.il. You will need to submit a few documents, including your diploma and any relevant materials. After reviewing your request, we will guide you through the formal university application process.
*Important: While students accepted into the Olim La’Academia program are typically admitted to the general BGU undergraduate program, acceptance is not guaranteed. The university makes final admission decisions.
Olim La’Academia applicants do not need SATs, APs, or the Psychometric exam. While general BGU applicants must provide APs and SAT scores.
Once enrolled, students are not required to take these exams to continue their degree.
Some credits from other universities may transfer, but this depends on the institution and coursework. You will need to check on a case-by-case basis.
After completing two semesters in the Olim La’Academia program, students typically earn approximately 25 credits.
*Note: Not all departments recognize all pre-academic courses. Depending on your future degree track, some courses may need to be retaken.
Tuition: Approximately 20,000 NIS per year (before scholarships)
Dormitory Costs: Approximately 1,400 NIS per month
Yes. Eligible students may qualify for:
It is not recommended. The Olim La’Academia program is academically demanding and typically does not leave much time for a job.
BGU is fully immersive, Israeli and international students participate in the same classes, campus activities and events. There isn’t a separate international school for international students.
The specific needs are taken into consideration when placing roommates in the dormitory apartments.
See explanation of accommodations here.
