This program is designed for complete beginners or early learners who wish to begin the study of Biblical languages through Polis’s immersive methodology but are unable to attend the in-person programs in Jerusalem. It is particularly suitable for students interested in biblical studies, theology, philology, ancient history, religious studies, or classical languages, as well as for independent learners seeking a structured introduction to Ancient Greek and Biblical Hebrew.
The program is also appropriate for students who are considering to continue onto one of the Fluency programs offered in Jerusalem for the second year.
Learning Objectives:
Program Description
The Online Program in Biblical Languages (Beginner Level) offers a structured introduction to the principal languages necessary for the study of biblical and early Christian texts. Through a combination of Ancient Greek and Biblical Hebrew courses, students progressively acquire the grammatical foundations and vocabulary necessary to begin reading primary sources.
The program also includes a language track, allowing students to complement their studies with either Western classical languages (Latin) or Eastern Christian languages (Classical Syriac and Coptic), thereby expanding their linguistic and cultural perspective on the biblical world.
While the online format provides an accessible entry point for students around the world, the program maintains the core pedagogical principles of the Polis Institute, emphasizing active engagement with the language and gradual immersion in authentic texts.
Students who successfully complete this program may use it as a pathway toward further studies at Polis. In particular, the program may serve as a ladder toward the second year of the Fluency programs in Ancient Greek or in Hebrew (Biblical Hebrew track). Students wishing to pursue this option may apply to continue their studies in person in Jerusalem, after completing the necessary language assessment to confirm their level.
The application form is available online.
Nota: For the 2026–2027 academic year, only the Western track will be offered.
Open
Sep 1, 2026 – Jun 24, 2027
1 Year
Online
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.
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 July 31, 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