Cyber Politics & Government MA
Lowy International School, Tel Aviv University
A one-year, English-taught MA at Tel Aviv University on how governments, organizations and societies make decisions about cyber and digital technology: policy, strategy, ethics and geopolitics rather than programming. It’s headed by the founder of Israel’s National Cyber Directorate, meets twice a week and costs $12,640 for 2026–27.
What is the MA in Cyber Politics & Government?
The program looks at cyber from strategic, political and societal angles: the international cyber system, elections and government in the cyber era, and Israel’s cyber ecosystem, along with how leaders weigh risk, compliance, budget, reputation and strategy. It’s headed by Prof. Eviatar Matania, founder and former Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate. No technical background is needed.
✓A good fit if you…
- Want a career in cyber or technology policy, strategy or governance
- Come from any field. No technical background is needed.
- Want classes twice a week so you can keep working
- Are an oleh or olah under 30 within three years of aliyah
!Think twice if you…
- Want hands-on cybersecurity or coding. This is a policy degree.
- Need an online or part-time program. It’s on campus only.
- Have a GPA under 82.
What you’ll learn.
One year of cyber policy and strategy, with an optional thesis track.
The cyber world from the top
The international cyber system, elections and government in the cyber era, and Israel’s cyber ecosystem, plus how leaders weigh risk, compliance, budget, reputation and strategy.
Taught by people who built Israel’s cyber policy
Led by Prof. Eviatar Matania, founder and former Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, with faculty including Prof. Isaac Ben-Israel.
Excursions and cultural evenings
Overnight excursions around Israel and cultural evening activities alongside the coursework. An optional one-year thesis track is available.
Can olim get funding for this degree?
TAU’s English-taught programs cost more than standard Israeli tuition. These can help.
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 TAU’s fee.
Email me my eligibility breakdown →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 TAU’s tuition office so it can revise your payment plan.
Not an oleh? Look at Masa. Tel Aviv University says most of its long-term international programs qualify for Masa grants of $500–$4,500. You need a program of at least five months that includes TAU’s intensive Hebrew ulpan, and you must meet Masa’s own criteria. Masa sets the amount.
A guide, not a ruling. Confirm your eligibility with the provider and the relevant ministry or funding body before you pay.
What it costs.
As published by Tel Aviv University. Prices can change.
Olim, check what the aid covers. The Student Authority pays up to the standard state tuition, which Nefesh B’Nefesh lists as ₪16,239 a year for a master’s. Ask TAU how much of the $12,640 that leaves you to pay.
How to get started.
- Check your fitGet the guide and your olim eligibility from Studyil.
- Apply to TAUOnline, with rolling admissions. Apply early.
- File with the Student AuthorityOlim: TAU receives the aid directly once you qualify.
- Plan Masa or ulpanIf you’re eligible for Masa, add the Hebrew ulpan.
Questions about this program.
Is Cyber Politics & Government a technical cybersecurity degree?
No. It’s a policy and governance program about how governments and organizations set cyber strategy, regulation and risk decisions, not how to build or defend systems.
Can I take it online or part-time?
No. It’s taught on campus in Tel Aviv over one year (three semesters). Classes meet twice a week.
How much does it cost?
$12,640 for 2026–27, not including health insurance, plus a $150 application fee and a $300 student services fee.
Who teaches it?
It’s headed by Prof. Eviatar Matania, founder and former Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate.
Can olim get funding?
Olim under 30 within three years of aliyah who qualify for Student Authority aid have it paid directly to TAU, partly covering tuition.
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.