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Master’s degree · Taught in English

Creative Writing MA

Bar-Ilan UniversityRamat Gan

Department of English Literature and Linguistics, Bar-Ilan University

The short answer

The Shaindy Rudoff Graduate Program in Creative Writing at Bar-Ilan University: a two-year, English-taught MA with tracks in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and literary translation, small workshops with published faculty, and a full year of one-on-one mentoring toward a creative thesis. Bar-Ilan says it’s the only English-language creative writing program in Israel and the only one anywhere that also introduces Jewish literary writing.

Taught in English✓ Olim: Student Authority aidGov funding: Partial
Checked against Bar-Ilan University’s official pages, September 2026Independent listing
✓Olim benefit Student Authority aidFor olim under 30 within three years of aliyah.
~Government funding PartialStudent Authority aid, up to the standard state tuition.
–Masa grant Not confirmedNot listed on the program page.
Overview

What is the MA in Creative Writing?

Bar-Ilan describes the program as a magnet for emerging writers from all backgrounds. You take graduate literature seminars and creative writing workshops, join a Jewish Arts Seminar in the first year, and spend a year writing a creative thesis with one-on-one mentoring. The program also runs public conferences and seminars featuring international writers.

✓A good fit if you…

  • Want to write a book-length creative thesis with a mentor
  • Write fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction or literary translation
  • Want small, focused workshops with published writers
  • Are an oleh or olah under 30 within three years of aliyah

!Think twice if you…

  • Want a one-year degree. This takes two years.
  • Want a professional writing or journalism degree.
  • Need FAFSA Direct Loans. Bar-Ilan no longer processes them.
What you learn

What you’ll learn.

Seminars, workshops and a mentored creative thesis.

Courses

Seminars and workshops

Three graduate literature seminars, three to four creative writing workshops, a Jewish Arts Seminar in the first year and one or two Jewish Studies or general electives. Sample courses:

Crafting FictionPoetic Forms and GenresAutobiography as a Literary GenreThe Documentary PoemMulti-Genre Hybrid Writing
Thesis year

One-on-one mentoring

A full year of mentoring to complete a creative thesis in your track.

Four tracksLiterary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and literary translation.
Jewish literary writingA unique part of the program.
Public eventsConferences and seminars with international writers.
Small classesSupporting close mentoring bonds.
Funding

Can olim get funding for this degree?

Bar-Ilan doesn’t publish tuition per program. These are the funding options it lists.

I am…
26
10
✓

Likely eligible for Student Authority aid

You’re under 30 with 26 months left to start. The grant covers up to the standard state tuition, so expect to pay the rest of Bar-Ilan’s fee.

Email me my eligibility breakdown →
10 NovemberFirst Student Authority application, online
1 OctoberRenewal each following year
Under 30MA age limit (in some cases 35), within 3 years of aliyah

A guide, not a ruling. The program must be recognized by the Student Authority. The 3-year window doesn’t count regular army service, national service or Masa programs. If you get any grant, tell Bar-Ilan’s tuition office so it can revise your payment plan.

Student Authority (olim)Olim under 30 within three years of aliyah can get aid up to the standard state tuition. At universities it’s reimbursed after proof of payment.
Bar-Ilan scholarshipsBar-Ilan’s international school lists scholarships for graduate students.
No FAFSA loansBar-Ilan has withdrawn from US Title IV programs, so it can’t process Direct Loans.

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 Bar-Ilan University. Prices can change.

TuitionBar-Ilan doesn’t publish program tuition on the program page. Ask the international school.Ask Bar-Ilan
PaymentSix installments: a down payment before course registration, then five during the year.6 installments
!

Ask for the full cost. Bar-Ilan points to its tuition handbook rather than listing a price per program, so ask the international school for your total, including the social services fee.

How to join

How to get started.

✓
Writing sampleFiction or nonfiction: 4,000–5,000 words. Poetry: 10–15 poems. Translation: 2,500–3,000 words of prose or 15–20 poems with the original and a short explanation.
✓
RecommendationsTwo letters from professors, or employers if unavailable.
✓
TranscriptUnofficial to apply; official if the program approves you.
✓
Two-step applicationApply to the program first, then through the university’s general online application.
  1. Prepare your portfolioA writing sample in your track.
  2. Apply to the programThrough its online portfolio system.
  3. Apply to the universityIf the department recommends you.
  4. Start in the fallApplications typically run February to September.
FAQ

Questions about this program.

How long is Bar-Ilan’s MA in Creative Writing?

Two academic years (four semesters), including a thesis year with one-on-one mentoring.

Which tracks can I choose?

Literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and literary translation.

What do I submit to apply?

A writing sample in your track, two recommendation letters and a transcript, then a university application if the program recommends you.

How much does it cost?

Bar-Ilan doesn’t publish the tuition on the program page, so ask its international school.

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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