--- title: MA in Creative Writing in English at Bar-Ilan University | Studyil description: Bar-Ilan University’s two-year, English-taught MA in Creative Writing (Shaindy Rudoff Program): fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction or literary translation, small workshops and a mentored creative thesis. canonical: https://studyil.com/degrees/bar-ilan-university/ma-creative-writing/ last-updated: 2026-11-09 --- # Creative Writing MA **Bar-Ilan University** Ramat 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 aid Gov funding: Partial Checked against Bar-Ilan University’s official pages, September 2026 Independent listing At a glance One-on-one mentoring **Degree** MA With creative thesis **Length** 2 years Four semesters **Language** English Small workshops **Tracks** 4 Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, translation **Tuition** Ask Bar-Ilan Not on the program page **Apply** Portfolio Writing sample first Check my eligibility → ✓ **Olim benefit Student Authority aid** For olim under 30 within three years of aliyah. ~ **Government funding Partial** Student Authority aid, up to the standard state tuition. – **Masa grant Not confirmed** Not 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 Fiction Poetic Forms and Genres Autobiography as a Literary Genre The Documentary Poem Multi-Genre Hybrid Writing Thesis year ### One-on-one mentoring A full year of mentoring to complete a creative thesis in your track. **Four tracks** Literary fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction and literary translation. **Jewish literary writing** A unique part of the program. **Public events** Conferences and seminars with international writers. **Small classes** Supporting 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… My age when studies start 26 Months since aliyah (excluding army or national service) 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. See my full breakdown → **10 November** First Student Authority application, online **1 October** Renewal each following year **Under 30** MA 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 scholarships** Bar-Ilan’s international school lists scholarships for graduate students. **No FAFSA loans** Bar-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. **Tuition** Bar-Ilan doesn’t publish program tuition on the program page. Ask the international school. Ask Bar-Ilan **Payment** Six 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 sample** Fiction 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. *✓* **Recommendations** Two letters from professors, or employers if unavailable. *✓* **Transcript** Unofficial to apply; official if the program approves you. *✓* **Two-step application** Apply to the program first, then through the university’s general online application. - **Prepare your portfolio** A writing sample in your track. - **Apply to the program** Through its online portfolio system. - **Apply to the university** If the department recommends you. - **Start in the fall** Applications 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. Compare ## Other programs to consider. Master’s ### MA in Middle Eastern Religion & Politics (online) Bar-Ilan University · Tuition: ask Bar-Ilan *Read the guide →* Master’s ### MA in Jewish Studies Hebrew University of Jerusalem · $5,700 a year *Read the guide →* Bachelor’s ### BA in Liberal Arts Tel Aviv University · $15,500 a year *Read the guide →* Bachelor’s ### Communication BA $20,900 a year · 3 years *Read the guide →* [See all degrees →](https://studyil.com/programs/?type=degree) ### Sources - [Bar-Ilan University: MA in Creative Writing](https://biuinternational.com/program/ma-in-creative-writing/) - [Bar-Ilan International School: financial aid](https://biuinternational.com/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/) - [Nefesh B’Nefesh: Student Authority tuition benefits](https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/rights-and-benefits/student-authority-tuition-benefits/) Got it ### You’re all set. One of our advisors will be in touch shortly. Nothing to wait for in the meantime — here is your breakdown. A guide, not a ruling. Confirm the figures with the institution before you pay. Free, with no obligation to apply Your olim funding checked for this program You choose who contacts you [Or view the official page ↗](https://biuinternational.com/program/ma-in-creative-writing/) ## 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. [Get matched →](https://studyil.com/#match) --- Source: https://studyil.com/degrees/bar-ilan-university/ma-creative-writing/ · Published by Studyil. Cite as "Studyil" with a link to the page.