--- title: MA in Israel Studies in English at Hebrew University of Jerusalem | Studyil description: The Hebrew University’s one-year, English-taught MA in Israel Studies: history, politics and society, $11,400 tuition for 2026–27, admission, scholarships and olim aid. canonical: https://studyil.com/degrees/hebrew-university/ma-israel-studies/ last-updated: 2026-11-09 --- # Israel Studies MA **Hebrew University of Jerusalem** Jerusalem 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 aid Gov funding: Partial Checked against Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s official pages, September 2026 Independent listing At a glance One year **Degree** MA 36 credits **Length** 1 year October–June **Language** English Hebrew optional **Where** Jerusalem Mount Scopus **Tuition 2026–27** $11,400 ₪33,217 for Israeli citizens **Admission** B average 85/100 or equivalent Check my eligibility → ✓ **Olim benefit Student Authority aid** For olim under 30 within three years of aliyah. The grant goes to your bank account; you pay tuition in full. ~ **Government funding Partial** Student Authority aid, up to the standard state tuition. – **Masa grant Not confirmed** HUJI’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 outlook** Foreign affairs, NGOs, journalism and academia. **Student life** Tours, social and cultural events and lectures through RIS. **Faculty** Researchers in political science, sociology, international relations, communications and Middle East studies. **Hebrew level** HUJI 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… 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 the Hebrew University’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 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 scholarships** For international students who apply early and pay 20–40% of tuition up front: $2,000 to $5,000 off (2026–27 intake). **RIS Merit Scholarships** Worth full MA tuition for top candidates with a GPA of 3.8 or more. The 2026–27 deadline was 15 April. **Other scholarships** Rothberg 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. **Tuition** Program tuition, 2026–27. $11,400 **Israeli citizens, including olim** Pay 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 insurance** 2026–27. $760 **Student Village housing** Optional, 2026–27. $7,180 **Modern Hebrew** Optional 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 degree** From an accredited institution recognized by the Hebrew University, with at least a B average (85/100). *✓* **English** TOEFL 80+, IELTS 6+ or Amiram 120+, unless your degree was taught entirely in English. *✓* **Documents** Transcripts, a CV and statement of purpose, two academic recommendations and a passport copy. *✓* **Dates** For 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. - **Check your fit** See your olim eligibility and this program’s numbers on Studyil. - **Apply early** Early applicants who pay part of tuition get the biggest scholarships. - **Pay tuition** Within three weeks of acceptance, or by the early-admissions dates. - **File with the Student Authority** Olim: 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. Compare ## Other programs to consider. Master’s ### MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies Hebrew University of Jerusalem · $11,400 *Read the guide →* Master’s ### MA in Jewish Studies Hebrew University of Jerusalem · $5,700 a year *Read the guide →* Master’s ### MA in Security & Diplomacy Tel Aviv University · $16,900 *Read the guide →* Master’s ### Glocal MA in International Development Hebrew University of Jerusalem · $11,000 *Read the guide →* [See all degrees →](https://studyil.com/programs/?type=degree) ### Sources - [Hebrew University: MA in Israel Studies](https://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics/international-graduate-programs/masters-programs/ma-in-israel-studies/) - [Hebrew University: RIS financial guide 2026–27](https://overseas.huji.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/financial-Guide-26-27-1.pdf) - [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://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics/international-graduate-programs/masters-programs/ma-in-israel-studies/) ## 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/hebrew-university/ma-israel-studies/ · Published by Studyil. Cite as "Studyil" with a link to the page.