Script: The Path to a Degree Goes Through English Courses
Part 1: Why Is It Mandatory?
Congratulations on starting your degree at Ono Academic College!
Now, let's get to the bottom of one of the most important topics: English courses.
It's important to understand that you cannot receive your degree without completing all your English requirements.
This isn't an elective course, but a required course that gives you practical tools for reading articles and integrating into the global workforce.
Part 2: Where Do You Start? (Screening Tests)
So how do you know what level you're at?
You are automatically enrolled in the beginner, pre-basic English level.
If you have a Psychometric or AmirNet score, your level will be determined based on the score you received on the test.
Our tip: It’s a good idea to register for the AmirNet test on your own before the semester starts. Improving your score can move you up a level, save you time, and even reduce the number of courses you’ll need to take later on.
What is this test?
AmirNet is a computer-based English proficiency test used as a screening tool by academic institutions.
Those interested in taking the Amirnet exam can register for it through the NITE website and take it at NITE testing centers throughout the country.
Please note: You may register for the test multiple times, but you must wait at least 35 days between each test.
To the National Center for Examinations and Assessment – Click here
Part 3: The Level Scale
How many English courses do you need to take for a degree?
The number of courses is determined by your English score—on the Psychometric Entrance Test or the AmirNet test.
For your degree, you'll need to take at least two English courses, and at most, up to four courses.
The program is structured like a four-step ladder:
- Pre-elementary
- Basic
- Advanced A
- Advanced Level B
Each course is a prerequisite for the next one.
You may take only one course level per semester.
The good news: The final course in the program, “Advanced B,” is an academic course, and there’s no need to register for it—you’re automatically enrolled by the Student Affairs Office, and there’s no additional cost.
So how does it work?
If you received an English score on the Psychometric Entrance Test or the Amir-Net test that places you at a lower level, start at the Pre-Basic level and progress step by step up to Advanced B. In that case, you’ll need to complete four courses.
Another example is the case of a high score—if your English level is Advanced A, you will be required to take the Advanced A and B courses.
However, if you received a very high grade—one that qualifies you for an exemption from English—you will still be required to take two English enrichment courses as part of your degree requirements.
In other words, regardless of your level of English, every undergraduate student must take at least two English courses.
Part 4: How Do You Register and Take the Course? (Online or via Zoom)
Registration for English courses is done independently, before the start of each semester.
Go to the website, and under the "Courses" category, you'll find a list of elective English courses.
You have two options to choose from:
- Online Course: Self-paced learning through the "Model" website. This course is structured around content modules and interim assignments—it is suitable for those who can manage their own time.
- Zoom Course: A weekly class with an instructor on Zoom. Great for those who need structure and interaction.
Please note: Before you register for a course—whether it’s online or via Zoom—you must verify that it fits properly into your class schedule and that there are no conflicts between the times of your English courses and their support sessions and the times of your degree courses during the semester.
For students with a valid diagnosis, the Matan Center offers a customized English course. Registration for this course is handled through the Matan Center’s website.
Part 5: Registration, Money, and Rules
Listen carefully—this is the technical part:
- Before the start of each semester and up to two weeks after the semester begins, you must log in to the website and register for the course on your own.
- As mentioned, you have a short window of opportunity at the start of the semester.
- Remember: All courses (except the last one) have a fee, and the goal is to complete them all by the end of the second year with a grade of 60 or higher.
- Another important point to note is that enrollment in each course is subject to availability—so it is your responsibility to register as soon as possible for a course that fits your schedule and class times.
Part 6: Special Case – Exemption
If you have been placed in the English exemption track, you must take two English enrichment courses— there is no additional charge for them.
Registration for these enrichment courses is handled by the Student Affairs Office; please contact them through the website to sign up for these courses.
These must be completed by the end of the degree program.
Summary and Assistance
It’s important to understand that the first three English courses are taught online, and the last course—Advanced English II—is an academic course that is integrated into the degree program’s schedule.
That is why it is important to take the Amirnet test as early as possible, so that you can be placed in courses appropriate for your level before the semester begins.
In certain tracks, the Advanced B course is offered at a fixed stage of the degree program and is part of your schedule; therefore, a delay in completing the English proficiency levels may prevent you from being placed in the Advanced B course within your track, in which case you will need to be placed in a separate course that may not necessarily be part of your regular class schedule.
We're here for you
- For help with technical issues related to registering for an online course – click here
- For general questions about Zoom or in-person courses, please contact the student affairs director.
That's it—you're all set to get started. Good luck!