The Near Eastern Languages One-Year Program offers an intensive and full-immersion introduction to both modern and ancient languages of the region, with core courses in Arabic and Hebrew, alongside introductory classes in the history, philosophy, and literature of the ancient and contemporary Near East. While one year is not sufficient for complete beginners to reach a high level, it provides a strong foundation in the languages and prepares motivated students to continue developing their skills. Students who successfully complete the program may use it as an entry pathway into the Certificate in Near Eastern Languages, which is accredited as an MA by the International University of Catalonia.
This Near Eastern Languages One-Year Program program is ideal for people interested in a career in Semitic philology, journalism, history, languages, or the study of the history of the Near East, Eastern Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. The program is also ideal for students interested in the fields of the Hebrew Bible, Arabic heritage, and manuscript studies.
Graduates of this program, or students registered in the second year, may apply to be streamed into the one-year Emphasis in Teaching Ancient & Modern Languages track, which focuses on preparing the student for a career in teaching languages in an immersive setting. Students gain first-hand experience teaching as well as participating in methodological courses and workshops. This track grants an additional 8.5ECTS credits free of charge.
Not sure if you want to do one or two years? No problem! If you start the one-year program you can always get your courses accredited and continue onto the Certificate in Near Eastern Languages for the following year!
The application form is available online. Scholarships are also available for this program.
Open
Sep 1, 2026 – Jun 24, 2027
1 Year
Jerusalem
Please prepare the following documents in order to apply. Application can be submitted online or by mail.
All documents must be submitted as PDF. Files should include the candidate’s family name followed by the item name (ex: Rodriguez passport copy). Documents can be sent individually.
Applications are examined by the Academic Board, which decides on the admission in the weeks following the submission of the full application.
Hierosolyma is a 13,000 NIS scholarship in the form of a tuition discount for one academic year. Students who receive this grant will be required to fulfill 10 hours of volunteer work per week during the academic year.
Prerequisites: All applicants should be students of the Two Year, One Year, or Fluency program at Polis or have begun the application process for the program. All applicants will be required to submit a writing sample once the application form and other documents have been submitted.
NB: This grant is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Hierosolyma scholarship agreement.
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Origen is a 7,500 NIS scholarship in the form of a tuition discount for one academic year. Students who receive this grant will be required to fulfill 7 hours of volunteer work per week during the academic year.
Prerequisites: All applicants should be students of the Two Year, One Year, or Fluency program at Polis or have begun the application process for the program. All applicants will be required to submit a writing sample once the application form and other documents have been submitted.
NB: This grant is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Origen scholarship agreement.
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Plato is an 18,000 NIS scholarship in the form of a tuition discount for one academic year. Students who receive this grant will be required to fulfill 12 hours of volunteer work per week during the academic year.
Prerequisites: All applicants should be students of the Two Year, One Year, or Fluency program at Polis or have initiated the application process for the program. All applicants will be required to submit a writing sample once the application form and other documents have been submitted. Priority will be given to students applying for Two-year or complete Fluency programs.
NB: This grant is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the Plato scholarship agreement.
Deadline: April 15, 2026
For processing the application
For language courses: To book a seat in the course, the student needs to pay the full tuition or the registration fee.
For academic programs: Students who have been accepted to a program will be asked to confirm their attendance by paying the registration fee which is part of the total tuition fee for the academic year when they begin their studies.
Discount is available for students who are financing their studies from their own resources or loans or their close family.
Discount is available for students who register and pay in full by June 1, 2026.
Students who successfully complete this program will receive a certificate from the Polis Institute.
ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System
1 ECTS = 10 academic hours
Ancient Greek
Biblical Hebrew
Latin
Classical Syriac
Coptic
Modern Hebrew
Modern Standard Arabic
Spoken Arabic
Akkadian
Ancient Egyptian
Eblaite
Elamite
Ge'ez
Hurrian