Get the guide →
  1. Studyil
  2. Degrees
  3. Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  4. MA in Israel Studies
Master’s degree · Taught in English

Israel Studies MA

Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalem

Rothberg International School, Mount Scopus

The short answer

A one-year, English-taught MA at the Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School on Israeli history, politics, society and culture, drawing on political science, sociology, international relations and more. It runs October to June and costs $11,400 for 2026–27, with early-bird scholarships for international students.

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 Israel Studies?

The program examines the historical processes behind contemporary Israeli society and politics and its relationships with its neighbors and the wider world, through history, sociology, anthropology, political science, international relations, economics and religious studies. It’s run with the Departments of Political Science and of Sociology and Anthropology, and includes hands-on engagement with Israeli politics, media and geography. The academic head is Prof. Gadi Heimann of the Department of International Relations.

✓A good fit if you…

  • Want a one-year MA about Israel, studied in Jerusalem
  • Are heading for foreign affairs, NGOs, journalism or academia
  • Want the option of intensive Modern Hebrew alongside
  • Are an oleh or olah under 30 within three years of aliyah

!Think twice if you…

  • Want a professional or technical master’s.
  • Have below a B average.
  • Want Hebrew included in tuition. It costs extra.
What you learn

What you’ll learn.

Two semesters of required and elective courses, plus seminar papers.

October–June

Required and elective courses

36 credits over two semesters, across history, sociology, anthropology, political science, international relations, economics and religious studies.

Writing

Seminar papers

At least two seminar papers, worth 8 of the 36 credits.

Optional

Modern Hebrew

About 14 hours a week of Modern Hebrew in the autumn and spring, and a Summer Ulpan before the program, both for an extra fee. With good Hebrew you can take graduate courses taught in Hebrew.

Career outlookForeign affairs, NGOs, journalism and academia.
Student lifeTours, social and cultural events and lectures through RIS.
FacultyResearchers in political science, sociology, international relations, communications and Middle East studies.
Hebrew levelHUJI encourages reaching level Gimmel by the end.
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.$760
Student Village housingOptional, 2026–27.$7,180
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.
  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 Israel Studies?

One year, two semesters, from October to June.

How much does it cost?

$11,400 for 2026–27, or ₪33,217 for Israeli citizens including olim, plus health insurance ($760) and optional housing ($7,180). Early-bird scholarships of $2,000–5,000 are available to international students.

Do I need Hebrew?

No. It’s taught in English, and Modern Hebrew is optional at extra cost.

What are the requirements?

An accredited bachelor’s with at least a B average, and TOEFL 80, IELTS 6 or Amiram 120 unless your degree was taught in English.

Can olim get funding?

Yes, olim under 30 within three years of aliyah can get Student Authority grants, paid into their bank account, so they pay tuition in full first.

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 →