ShareUMD Exchange: Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel)
All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.
Host Institution
Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier university as well as its leading research institution. The university is ranked internationally and is ranked first among Israeli universities. A wide array of study opportunities are offered in the humanities, social sciences, sciences, and medicine. HUJI is actively engaged in international cooperation for research and teaching.
The recognition the Hebrew University has attained confirms its reputation for excellence and its leading role in the scientific community. It stresses excellence and offers a wide array of study opportunities in the humanities, social sciences, exact sciences and medicine. The university encourages multi-disciplinary activities in Israel and overseas and serves as a bridge between academic research and its social and industrial applications.
The Hebrew University has set as its goals the training of public, scientific, educational and professional leadership; the preservation of and research into Jewish, cultural, spiritual and intellectual traditions; and the expansion of the boundaries of knowledge for the benefit of all humanity.
Host City
In Jerusalem, the university maintains three campuses: the Mount Scopus campus for the humanities and social sciences; the Edmond J. Safra Campus for exact sciences; and the Ein Karem Campus for medical sciences. Jerusalem is a city of overwhelming emotions, a city that promises excitement and pleasure, interesting tours and entertaining adventures. Here, alongside Jerusalem’s fascinating historic and archeological sites, there are amazingly modern tourist attractions for all lovers of culture, the arts, theater and music, architecture and gastronomic delights.
Jerusalem is a city suspended between heaven and earth, East and West, past and present—parallel universes of flowing caftans and trendy coffee shops. For some people, Jerusalem is a condition, like being in love; for others, it is a state of mind, a constant tension between rival flags and faiths, or members of the same faith. You may feel moved, energized, or swept into the maelstrom of contemporary issues—but the city will not leave you unaffected.
Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:
- 3.0 GPA
- Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.
Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.
- Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
- Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program.
- After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
- If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
- Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.
Academic Planning
Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:
- Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
- Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
- Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record
Coursework
The language of instruction at Hebrew University is Hebrew. Students who wish to take courses in Hebrew should have the appropriate language level, Ulpan level Gimel is recommended. There are a limited number of courses in English offered each semester. Courses are offered in business, international relations, Jewish and Israeli studies, religious studies, philosophy, and history. A full time credit load at Hebrew University is 20 credits per semester.
Most courses are open to exchange students but department permission may be required. The Faculty of Social Sciences accepts exchange students in elective courses only. Additionally, Hebrew University does offer some pre-semester Hebrew courses for a fee.
There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD). If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
Credit
All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit on your UMD transcript. UMD uses the following conversion to assess how many credits you will get from this program:
| Hebrew University Credit | UMD Credit |
|---|---|
| 1 Hebrew University credit | 1 UMD credit |
| 3 Hebrew University credits | 3 UMD credits |
The chart above was last approved by the UMD Study Abroad Transfer Credit Committee on December 15, 2016.
Grading
Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.
| Hebrew University Grade | UMD Grade |
|---|---|
| C- or 65 | C - |
Housing is not guaranteed but there is on-campus housing offered by the University and it is available to exchange students. Hebrew University provides resources on their website.
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.
You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.
Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
- Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)
Additional Financial Resources
Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are many events during the year that take place for students to attend if they seek social, cultural, artistic and spiritual opportunities.
International Welcome/Orientation
The Hebrew University offers orientation and welcome events as well as extracurricular activities throughout the semester; these events allow you to make friends and experience Israel on a personal level.
Counseling & Health Services
The Hebrew University offers Student Counseling Services and although it does not offer health services, there are many medical clinics located close to campus.
Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*
Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Identities*
*These resource guides provide general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year (Fall-Spring) | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 | 10/15/2023 | 07/01/2024 |
| Fall | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 | ||
| Spring | 2024 | 10/01/2023 | 10/11/2023 |