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Master’s degree · Taught in English

Security & Diplomacy MA

Tel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv

Lowy International School, Tel Aviv University

The short answer

A one-year, English-taught MA at Tel Aviv University in security, strategy and diplomacy, with a focus on Israel and the Middle East, field trips and a weekly ambassador forum. It runs three semesters (10 months) and costs $16,900 for 2026–27. For olim who qualify for Student Authority aid, TAU receives the aid directly toward tuition.

Taught in English✓ Olim: Student Authority aidGov funding: PartialMasa: $500–4,500
Checked against Tel Aviv University’s official pages, September 2026Independent listing
✓Olim benefit Student Authority aidFor olim under 30 within three years of aliyah. TAU receives the aid directly toward tuition.
~Government funding PartialStudent Authority aid covers part of the tuition for English-taught programs.
~Masa grant $500–4,500For eligible programs of five months or more that include TAU’s Hebrew ulpan.
Overview

What is the MA in Security & Diplomacy?

The program gives future diplomats and security professionals the tools to analyze strategy, diplomacy and decision-making and to shape security and foreign policy, with a special focus on Israel and the Middle East. It’s taught by internationally known scholars and practitioners, and adds security field trips, educational tours, meetings with Israeli and foreign officials and a weekly forum with high-ranking diplomats.

✓A good fit if you…

  • Want a one-year MA in security, strategy and diplomacy
  • Want to study the Middle East from Tel Aviv
  • Want contact with practitioners: field trips and an ambassador forum
  • Are an oleh or olah under 30 within three years of aliyah

!Think twice if you…

  • Want a cyber or technology policy focus. See TAU’s MA in Cyber Politics & Government.
  • Need the lowest tuition. TAU’s other international MAs cost $12,640.
  • Have a GPA under 80.
What you learn

What you’ll learn.

Three semesters of coursework, with an optional thesis track.

Coursework

Strategy, diplomacy and decision-making

Advanced knowledge and analytical tools for studying strategy, diplomacy and decision-making, and for shaping security and foreign policy, with a global outlook and a focus on Israel and the Middle East.

Beyond class

Field trips and an ambassador forum

Security field trips, educational tours and meetings with Israeli and foreign officials, plus a weekly forum with high-ranking diplomats and decision-makers.

Optional

Thesis track

An optional one-year thesis track for students who want to do research. Thesis-year tuition is still to be announced.

Defense and securityGraduates work in defense bodies and private security companies.
International organizationsGovernmental bodies, NGOs and the United Nations.
Think tanks and embassiesAlumni have joined Israel’s leading think tanks and foreign embassies.
Dual degreeTAU also runs a dual MA with Johns Hopkins SAIS for social sciences students.
Funding

Can olim get funding for this degree?

TAU’s English-taught programs cost more than standard Israeli tuition. These can help.

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 TAU’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 TAU’s tuition office so it can revise your payment plan.

i

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.

Student Authority (olim)Olim within three years of aliyah who qualify get aid paid directly to TAU, partly covering tuition in English-taught programs.
MasaGrants of $500–$4,500 for eligible programs that include TAU’s intensive Hebrew ulpan. Apply on Masa’s site after you’re accepted.
TAU scholarshipsThe Lowy International School lists scholarships and need-based aid for accepted students.

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 Tel Aviv University. Prices can change.

Tuition2026–27, including the confirmation fee.$16,900
Application feeNon-refundable.$150
Student services feeSecurity, welfare and the Student Union, every year.$300
Thesis yearOptional; tuition to be announced.TBD
!

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 $16,900 that leaves you to pay.

How to join

How to get started.

✓
Bachelor’s degreeIn any field, with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or 80 on a 100 scale.
✓
Rolling admissionsTAU recommends applying as early as possible.
✓
EnglishThe program is taught in English. Check TAU’s application requirements for proficiency tests.
  1. Check your fitGet the guide and your olim eligibility from Studyil.
  2. Apply to TAUOnline, with rolling admissions. Apply early.
  3. File with the Student AuthorityOlim: TAU receives the aid directly once you qualify.
  4. Plan Masa or ulpanIf you’re eligible for Masa, add the Hebrew ulpan.
FAQ

Questions about this program.

How long is the MA in Security & Diplomacy at Tel Aviv University?

Three semesters, about 10 months. An optional one-year thesis track is available.

How much does it cost?

$16,900 for 2026–27, including the confirmation fee, plus a $150 application fee and a $300 student services fee.

Is it taught in English?

Yes. It’s an international program taught in English, and the degree awarded is an MA in Political Science: Security and Diplomacy Studies.

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.

What are the admission requirements?

A bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4.0, or 80 out of 100. Admissions are rolling.

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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