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What is Ulpan?

Ulpan is an intensive Hebrew language instruction designed to give new immigrants maximum Hebrew proficiency within a minimum amount of time. Hebrew studies are a basic requirement for the successful absorption of olim. Studies are held at ulpanim, which are special centers for learning the Hebrew language. The Ministry of Immigrant Absorption (Misrad HaKlita) enables new immigrants to spend their first few months in the country learning Hebrew by referring them to an ulpan and offering them the sal klita, "absorption basket" which is a form of financial aid or by providing an assured income.

To verify that you are entitled to the sal klita consult with your rakaz/rakezet at the Ministry of Absorption.

For a listing of recognized Ulpanim in your area, please see the Nefesh B'Nefesh Ulpan Guide. For a listing of personal Ulpan experiences, see Personal Insights from Nefesh B'Nefesh Ulpan Participants.

Ulpan Boker is intensive in nature, lasting for 5 months and held 5 days a week, Sunday through Thursday, usually from 8:00 or 8:30 AM until 12:30 or 1:00 PM.

Ulpan Boker is recommended if you are not yet employed.
Ulpan Erev classes are suited for olim who are already employed and wish to fit in Hebrew study after work. Most Ulpan Erev courses are non-intensive, extending for a period of 10 months and held 2-3 times a week.
Funding of Ulpan Studies

Period of Eligibility
Olim are eligible to receive a subsidy of Ulpan only within the initial 18 months following the date of aliyah.

Olim who receive financial support or basic income assurance from the National Insurance Institute are entitled to an exemption from ulpan fees up to two years from the time of their aliya.

In extenuating circumstances necessitating the delay of studies, such as pregnancy, birth or sickness, one may contact the regional directors of the Ministry to receive approval for ulpan studies after the first year following aliya.

The evaluation of eligibility affects only the exemption from tuition fees.

Ulpan Registration
It is important to register at a Hebrew Ulpan as possible after obtaining oleh status in Israel. Olim are eligible to receive a subsidy of Ulpan only within the initial 18 months following the date of aliyah. Moreover, if you have not registered at an Ulpan within the first 12 months following aliyah, you may forfeit the entitlement to a subsistence allowance (havtachat kiyum).

In order to find out about ulpan see your rakezet klita at the local office of the Ministry of Absorption. S/he will confirm your eligibility for a subsidy of your ulpan study and refer you to ministry-approved ulpanim in your area.

Once you have selected an ulpan, you must obtain a signed “confirmation of registration” from the ulpan administration. The registration document must then be submitted to your rakaz/rekezet at the ministry of absorption who will then arrange for funding of your ulpan.

Ulpan for health professionals and engineering and hi-tech professionals are also available. Commencement of Ulpan Aleph for Professionals is conditioned on sufficient enrollment for the given course.

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