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  4. MA in Jewish Studies
Master’s degree · Taught in English

Jewish Studies MA

Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalem

Rothberg International School with the Mandel Institute of Jewish Studies

The short answer

A two-year, English-taught MA from the Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School and Mandel Institute of Jewish Studies, covering Jewish history, literature, philosophy and culture from ancient times to today. Tuition is $5,700 a year for 2026–27, and you reach intermediate Modern Hebrew (level Gimmel) by the end.

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 Jewish Studies?

The program prepares students for advanced academic work in Jewish studies, in small classes taught by experts. It’s divided into two periods, Ancient to Early Medieval and Late Medieval to Modern; you take courses from all periods and specialize in one. Many electives let you shape it, including courses cross-listed with HUJI’s Bible, Israel Studies and Islamic Studies MAs. It’s run with the Mandel Institute, home to over 20 research institutes, and students can use the National Library of Israel.

✓A good fit if you…

  • Plan a PhD or academic career in Jewish studies
  • Want to study Jewish texts and history in Jerusalem
  • Want to build real Modern Hebrew alongside your degree
  • Are an oleh or olah under 30 within three years of aliyah

!Think twice if you…

  • Want a one-year degree. This one takes two.
  • Don’t want to study Hebrew. Level Gimmel is required.
  • Have below a B average.
What you learn

What you’ll learn.

Two years of courses across Jewish history, with a period specialization.

Years 1–2

Courses across the periods

Required and elective courses over four semesters. You specialize in either Ancient to Early Medieval or Late Medieval to Modern.

Electives

Shape your program

Cross-listed courses from HUJI’s Bible, Israel Studies and Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies MAs, plus English-taught Humanities courses, and Hebrew-taught courses once your Hebrew allows.

Languages

Modern Hebrew to level Gimmel

Required by graduation. Hebrew courses up to Gimmel are included in tuition. Biblical Hebrew and Akkadian are also offered in English.

Writing

Seminar papers

At least two seminar papers, required to graduate.

Mandel InstituteOversees HUJI’s Jewish studies research since 1924.
Research centersIncluding the Orion Center for the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Spielberg Jewish Film Archive.
National LibraryOn HUJI’s Givat Ram campus.
Career outlookAcademia, community and religious leadership, nonprofits, museums and archives.
Funding

Can olim get funding for this degree?

Tuition is among the lowest of HUJI’s international MAs, and scholarships can reduce it further.

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.

TuitionPer year, 2026–27. The degree is conferred after two full years of tuition.$5,700
Israeli students, including olimPer year, 2026–27.₪16,609
Application fee$250 in the late admissions period. Israeli citizens: ₪430.$120
Health insurancePer year, 2026–27.$760
Student Village housingOptional, per year.$7,180
Hebrew above GimmelHebrew courses up to level Gimmel are included; higher levels and the Summer Ulpan cost extra.Extra
!

Olim, you pay the shekel rate, up front. HUJI’s 2026–27 guide lists ₪16,609 a year for Israeli students in this program. 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.
✓
Hebrew placementA Modern Hebrew placement exam; below Gimmel, you take Hebrew during the program.
  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 Jewish Studies?

Two years, four semesters, each year running October to June.

How much does it cost?

$5,700 a year for 2026–27 (₪16,609 a year for Israeli students), with the degree conferred after two full years of tuition. Health insurance is $760 and housing $7,180 a year.

Do I need to know Hebrew?

You need to reach level Gimmel (lower intermediate) by the end. Hebrew courses up to Gimmel are included in tuition.

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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