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Ulpan · Live and work on a kibbutz

Kibbutz Ulpan

Kibbutz UlpanKibbutzim across Israel

Sde Eliyahu, Ma’agan Michael, Etzion Tzuba and Ein Hashofet

The short answer

A five-month Hebrew program where you live on a kibbutz, study Hebrew 18 to 24 hours a week and work alongside kibbutz members. It costs $7,000 including housing and meals ($7,500 at Kibbutz Etzion Tzuba, which adds internships), and Masa grants can cover up to half for eligible participants aged 18–35. New olim can join within a year of aliyah by applying through the Jewish Agency.

Olim: Open to new olim✓ Masa: Up to 50%
Checked against Kibbutz Ulpan’s official pages, September 2026Independent listing
~Olim benefit Open to new olimNew olim can join within a year of aliyah, applying through the Jewish Agency.
–Government funding Not listedThe ulpan is recognized by the Ministry of Education, but no funding is listed.
✓Masa grant Up to 50%A Masa grant may cover up to half the cost for eligible participants.
Overview

What is Kibbutz Ulpan?

Kibbutz Ulpan combines Hebrew study with kibbutz life. Classes of 20 to 25 students meet 18 to 24 academic hours a week, and you work up to 24 hours a week wherever the kibbutz needs help, from gardens and dairies to kitchens and kindergartens. The program includes lectures on Israel and Judaism, seminars and guided trips, and it’s recognized by the Ministry of Education, with a certificate at the end. Tourists and new olim study together.

✓A good fit if you…

  • Are 18–35 and want to learn Hebrew while living in Israel
  • Are thinking about aliyah and want to try Israeli life first
  • Don’t mind physical work and like community life
  • Can use a Masa grant to cut the cost

!Think twice if you…

  • Have children. It’s for single people or couples without children.
  • Want career experience rather than kibbutz work. Look at the Etzion Tzuba internship track.
  • Want a part-time course in a city. See the online or urban ulpanim.
How it works

How it works.

A week of study and work, the trips, and the choice of kibbutz.

Every week

Study and work

Hebrew18–24 academic hours a week in classes of 20–25. Most kibbutzim teach the first two levels; some go up to four.
WorkUp to 24 hours a week wherever the kibbutz needs help, rotated when possible.
Throughout

Trips, lectures and kibbutz life

Lectures on Israel and Judaism, one-day seminars on current events, and 3–4 guided tours per ulpan. You join kibbutz holidays and activities.

Choose

Pick your kibbutz

The kibbutzim differ in size, location and character; the program is the same.

Sde EliyahuMa’agan MichaelEtzion TzubaEin Hashofet
Tzuba option

Internships near Jerusalem

At Kibbutz Etzion Tzuba, for 22–35-year-olds with a degree or professional diploma, you study three days a week and can take an internship near Jerusalem instead of kibbutz work. Internship placement costs extra.

CertificateRecognized by the Ministry of Education’s adult education department.
Medical insuranceIncluded for the whole program.
Housing and mealsIncluded in the fee.
Mixed groupsTourists and new olim learn side by side.
Funding

Funding and olim benefits.

Most participants cut the cost with a Masa grant.

Masa grantBased on country, program, age and need. Apply to Masa at the same time as the program; the grant is paid to the program, not to you.
New olimApply through the Jewish Agency within a year of aliyah, not through the program’s own site.

A guide, not a ruling. Confirm your eligibility with the provider and the relevant ministry or funding body before you pay.

Costs

What it costs.

As published by Kibbutz Ulpan. Prices can change.

Program feeFive months, including classes, housing, meals, tours and activities.$7,000
Kibbutz Etzion TzubaWith the internship option.$7,500
Masa grantMay cover up to half for eligible participants.Up to 50% off
Not includedFlights, airport transfers and personal spending.Extra
!

Apply to Masa early. Kibbutz Ulpan recommends applying for the grant as early as you can, alongside your program application, because processing takes time.

How to join

How to get started.

✓
Age 18–35Tzuba accepts 22–35 with a college degree or professional diploma.
✓
HealthGood physical and mental health, and all medical information disclosed.
✓
FamilySingle, or married without children.
✓
StatusTourists apply through Kibbutz Ulpan. New olim apply through the Jewish Agency within a year of aliyah.
  1. Pick a kibbutzCompare start dates and locations.
  2. ApplyThrough Kibbutz Ulpan, or the Jewish Agency if you’re an oleh.
  3. Apply to MasaAt the same time, if you’re eligible.
  4. ArriveUp to two or three days before the start.
FAQ

Questions about this program.

How much does Kibbutz Ulpan cost?

$7,000 for five months at most kibbutzim, and $7,500 at Kibbutz Etzion Tzuba. That includes classes, housing, meals and trips. A Masa grant may cover up to half.

How long is Kibbutz Ulpan?

Five months, 155 days.

Can new olim join?

Yes, within a year of aliyah, but they apply through the Jewish Agency rather than the program’s website.

Do you have to work?

Yes. You work up to 24 hours a week on the kibbutz, except at Etzion Tzuba, where you can take an internship instead.

Who can apply?

People aged 18–35 who are single or married without children and in good health. Etzion Tzuba takes 22–35-year-olds with a degree or professional diploma.

Not sure it’s the right program?

Answer three questions and we’ll match you with English-taught options across Israel, with your olim funding on each.

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