Special education is a field that deals with theoretical, research and therapeutic aspects of processes of learning, education and development of children with special needs, while emphasizing the areas of research, development and implementation, including education, study,  prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Selected areas include sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, emotional problems and behavioral problems, learning disabilities and communication disabilities.

The B.A. in Special Education does not include a teaching certificate. A teaching certificate is needed to work in the education system, and students can study for a teaching certificate as part of their Special Education program.

General Admission Requirements:

1. Complete Matriculation Certificate/ high school diploma or an equivalent recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Education or by the Registration Department.
2. Psychometric Entrance Examination/ SAT or ACT.
3. Knowledge of English– The level of English is determined within the framework of the Psychometric Entrance Examination, the English Placement Tests (AMIR /AMIRAM) or SAT, TOFEL, IELTS, ECRL tests.
The minimum level of English required for admission to the university is Basic (a score of at least 85). Certain departments require a higher level of English.
4. Knowledge of Hebrew – Applicants who took the Psychometric Entrance Examination in a language other than Hebrew and graduated from high schools where the language of instruction was not Hebrew, must prove satisfactory knowledge of Hebrew before the beginning of the academic year by passing a Hebrew Proficiency Test (YAEL/ YAELNET/ Hebrew classification test of the University of Haifa* ). The score required for admission to the University of Haifa is a score of at least 120 on the YAEL/ YAELNET/ Hebrew classification tests.
Applicants whose scores on the YAEL/ YAELNET/Hebrew classification tests range from 90-119 and their Psychometric score was at least 500 will be conditionally admitted and will have to pass the Hebrew Proficiency Test at the required score by the end of the first year of their studies. These students also have the option of studying a Hebrew literacy course within the framework of the University of Haifa preparatory program (Mechina) . Those who meet the course requirements and their final score in the course will be 85 and above will be exempt  from the Hebrew condition.
Please note that certain departments require a higher level of Hebrew and that some departments do not approve admission with a Hebrew condition.
*The Hebrew classification test and Hebrew literacy course is valid at the University of Haifa only.
5.Departmental Entrance Examinations/Special admissions requirements– Certain departments require applicants to take a departmental Entrance Examinations and/or attend an interview or meet other departmental requirements.

For more information about the general admission requirements please read the supplement.

In addition to the general university admission requirements, the candidate must meet individual departmental admission requirements.

• A weighted grade of 630 is needed (decisions regarding applicants with a weighted score below 630 will be made by the department)
• Outstanding graduates of the University of Haifa’s pre-academic preparatory program will be accepted (GPA over 90, recommendation from the preparatory program, CV – for more information click here).
• For the calculator that rates the likelihood of your admission, click here.

Admission Requirements for Students who have a Matriculation Certificate** but have not taken the Psychometric Exam:
Holders of a matriculation certificate with average of 95 can be accepted to the pre-undergraduate track and will be required to take courses. In addition to the matriculation certificate, candidates must fill CV form (click here) and email it to the department: special-edu@edu.haifa.ac.il
If they receive the required grades in the pre-undergraduate track courses, they will be accepted to the Bachelor of Arts studies the following semester. These courses will count towards their degree.

*The University reserves the right to change or amend the admission regulations, fees and tuition at any time without prior notification.

** Matriculation certificate = Israeli matriculation certificate or equivalent

Double major.

Employment opportunities upon graduation: Graduates may continue their studies toward a teaching certificate and pursue a Master’s degree in the Special Education Department or through the Learning Disabilities and Counseling and Human Development departments.