Overview and General Information

Inbound Students

See International Programs.

Outbound Students

The Hebrew University and the Faculty of Humanities, through its various departments, offer students a wide range of opportunities for studying abroad and strongly encourage them to participate. Studying at a university abroad enriches academic knowledge, provides exposure to new intellectual environments, offers the chance to learn from leading scholars in the field, and enables students to connect with peers from around the world. These programs typically last for one semester during the academic year and, in some cases, take place over the summer.

There are three main pathways available:

1. Graduate Research and Doctoral Students – A semester-long (and in special cases, full-year) study abroad program at top-tier universities in North America and the United Kingdom.
2. Erasmus+ Agreements for Undergraduate and Graduate Students – A semester-long study program at partner institutions across Europe. Some opportunities fall under university-wide agreements (published by Hebrew University’s International Office), while others are based on exclusive agreements through the Faculty of Humanities.
3. Undergraduate Program on the Israeli-Arab Conflict – A specialized track for undergraduate students, which includes a semester of study in the United States.

Full details about the programs, along with required application materials, are available under the “International Programs, Agreements, and Calls for Applications” tab. Interested students must review Hebrew University’s Student Exchange Regulations before applying.

Note: Undergraduate students with a second major in another faculty must obtain approval to participate from both faculties.

Questions to Consider Before Applying

Key Factors in Student Exchange Participation

Participating in a student exchange program involves a range of considerations—personal, family-related, financial, and academic. When it comes to academics, it’s important to weigh the following factors before submitting an application:

 - Extended Time to Degree Completion: Although Hebrew University and the Faculty of Humanities make every effort to help students complete their studies on time, please be aware that extending studies beyond the standard duration may be unavoidable. To plan accordingly, it is strongly recommended that students consult with the International Programs Coordinator at the faculty before applying.

 - Relevance to Your Field of Study: The university’s International Office and the Faculty of Humanities offer a wide range of exchange opportunities. Before applying, students should ensure that their preferred program offers courses relevant to their academic focus. Faculty of Humanities students are expected to prioritize programs that align with their field of study. Be sure to review the course structure and offerings at the host institution, as they may be limited or highly specialized.

 - Programs Tailored to a Single Discipline: Most undergraduate students are enrolled in dual-major programs. While students may apply to a program related to only one of their majors, they are required to notify both departments of their intent. This will help assess the impact that spending a semester focused on one field of study may have on fulfilling requirements for the second major.

I’ve Been Accepted—What’s Next?

Getting Started

Once your application has been reviewed by the Faculty Admissions Committee—and, in some cases, after a personal interview—you will receive a notification from the Faculty’s International Office. Please note that this notification does not constitute final approval to participate in the exchange program. After receiving the initial confirmation from the International Office, you must contact the International Office Coordinator at the faculty to review and receive preliminary approval for your proposed study plan abroad.

As per university policy, all students planning to study abroad—without exception—must obtain this approval prior to departure. In some cases, additional requirements may apply, such as approval from the host institution or demonstrating proficiency in the local language.

 

Course Credit Recognition

During a semester abroad, undergraduate students are generally expected to complete between 10 and 20 credits, while graduate students are expected to complete between 6 and 10. Courses taken abroad may count toward elective requirements (including Cornerstones courses), core courses, or language requirements, as outlined in the Student Exchange Regulations.

Please note: Seminar papers may not be submitted as part of studies completed abroad.

 

Before Going Abroad

Before traveling abroad, students must contact the faculty’s International Programs Coordinator to obtain preliminary approval for the courses they plan to take. Students enrolled in two different faculties should contact the coordinator from their primary (home) faculty only. Next, students must complete the “Course Recognition Request Form for Student Exchange Programs”(Hebrew only, otherwise press here). A syllabus in English must be submitted for each course the student intends to take abroad. Students who fail to obtain preliminary approval may be denied participation in the exchange program, even if they have already received an acceptance letter from the International Office.

Once approval is granted and course registration at Hebrew University opens at the start of the academic year, students must register for one of the following “Student Exchange Program” courses:

• Course 74101 – for one semester abroad
• Course 74100 – for a full academic year abroad

Note: Courses taken abroad will count toward the degree’s credit requirements, but the grades earned will not be calculated in the GPA for the degree.

 

While Studying Abroad

In exceptional cases, courses that were pre-approved may prove to be unsuitable upon arrival at the host institution. If this occurs, students must promptly submit a revised course plan for approval by their academic advisor in Israel and notify the Faculty of Humanities International Programs Coordinator.

While studying abroad, students may not be registered for or attend courses offered at Hebrew University. Additionally, students participating in a one-semester exchange program may not enroll in year-long courses in Israel and join them for a single semester.

 

After Returning from Abroad

Within two weeks of returning, students must complete the post-exchange Course Recognition Request Form (Hebrew only). The form must be submitted together with syllabi and an official transcript.