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  4. MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies
Master’s degree · Taught in English

Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies MA

Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalem

Rothberg International School, Mount Scopus

The short answer

A one-year, three-semester MA at the Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School on the religions, politics, histories and cultures of the modern Middle East, taught in English with up to 12 hours a week of Modern Standard Arabic. It runs October to August and costs $11,400 for 2026–27.

Taught in English✓ Olim: Student Authority aidGov funding: Partial
Checked against Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s official pages, September 2026Independent listing
✓Olim benefit Student Authority aidFor olim under 30 within three years of aliyah. The grant goes to your bank account; you pay tuition in full.
~Government funding PartialStudent Authority aid, up to the standard state tuition.
–Masa grant Not confirmedHUJI’s guide doesn’t list Masa for this program. Ask us to check.
Overview

What is the MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies?

Run with the Department of Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies, the program is an intensive, interdisciplinary look at a region whose events are felt worldwide. Alongside required and elective courses you study Modern Standard Arabic up to 12 hours a week, and completing the advanced Arabic course is a graduation requirement. Other regional languages such as Modern and Ottoman Turkish and Persian are available through the Faculty of Humanities, taught in Hebrew.

✓A good fit if you…

  • Want to understand the modern Middle East in depth
  • Want to learn Arabic seriously alongside your MA
  • Are heading for foreign affairs, government, NGOs, journalism or academia
  • Are an oleh or olah under 30 within three years of aliyah

!Think twice if you…

  • Don’t want intensive language study. Advanced Arabic is required.
  • Want a policy or security focus. See the security and diplomacy MAs.
  • Have below a B average.
What you learn

What you’ll learn.

Three semesters of courses with intensive Arabic.

October–August

Required and elective courses

36 credits over three semesters on the religions, politics, histories and cultures of the modern Middle East.

All year

Modern Standard Arabic

Up to 12 hours a week depending on your level, after a placement exam. Advanced Arabic is required and counts for 6 credits. Beginners start in September.

Writing

Seminar papers

At least two seminar papers, required to graduate.

Career outlookForeign affairs, government, NGOs, journalism and academia.
More languagesModern Turkish, Ottoman Turkish and Persian, taught in Hebrew.
FacultyScholars from around the world in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies.
HebrewOptional practical Hebrew and Summer Ulpan, for an extra fee.
Funding

Can olim get funding for this degree?

HUJI’s international programs cost more than standard tuition, but there are several scholarships.

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 the Hebrew University’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 the Hebrew University’s tuition office so it can revise your payment plan.

Student Authority (olim)Olim in RIS MA programs can get Student Authority grants, deposited into their own bank account, so they pay HUJI’s tuition in full.
Early-bird scholarshipsFor international students who apply early and pay 20–40% of tuition up front: $2,000 to $5,000 off (2026–27 intake).
RIS Merit ScholarshipsWorth full MA tuition for top candidates with a GPA of 3.8 or more. The 2026–27 deadline was 15 April.
Other scholarshipsRothberg Family Fund aid for students from outside the US and Canada, and Israeli government scholarships for citizens of some countries.

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 Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prices can change.

TuitionProgram tuition, 2026–27.$11,400
Israeli citizens, including olimPay the shekel rate for RIS programs, 2026–27, including the security fee.₪33,217
Application fee$250 in the late admissions period. Israeli citizens: ₪430.$120
Health insurance2026–27.$830
Student Village housingOptional, 2026–27.$7,880
Modern HebrewOptional courses and the Summer Ulpan cost extra.Extra
!

Olim, you pay the shekel rate, up front. Israeli citizens, including olim, pay ₪33,217 for RIS master’s programs in 2026–27 instead of the dollar price. The Student Authority grant goes into your bank account rather than to the university, so budget to pay the full tuition first.

How to join

How to get started.

✓
Bachelor’s degreeFrom an accredited institution recognized by the Hebrew University, with at least a B average (85/100).
✓
EnglishTOEFL 80+, IELTS 6+ or Amiram 120+, unless your degree was taught entirely in English.
✓
DocumentsTranscripts, a CV and statement of purpose, two academic recommendations and a passport copy.
✓
DatesFor 2026–27: early admissions 24 Nov–31 Dec 2025, regular to 1 June 2026, late to 1 August 2026. Check HUJI for the next cycle.
✓
Arabic placementYou take a Modern Standard Arabic placement exam as part of your application.
  1. Check your fitGet the guide and your olim eligibility from Studyil.
  2. Apply earlyEarly applicants who pay part of tuition get the biggest scholarships.
  3. Pay tuitionWithin three weeks of acceptance, or by the early-admissions dates.
  4. File with the Student AuthorityOlim: the grant is paid into your account.
FAQ

Questions about this program.

How long is the MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies?

Three semesters, October to August. Students starting Arabic from scratch begin in September.

Do I need to know Arabic?

No, but you study it intensively, and completing the advanced Modern Standard Arabic course is required to graduate.

How much does it cost?

$11,400 for 2026–27, or ₪33,217 for Israeli citizens including olim, plus health insurance ($830) and optional housing ($7,880).

Can olim get funding?

Yes, olim under 30 within three years of aliyah can get Student Authority grants, paid into their bank account.

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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