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Master’s degree · Taught in English

Teaching English MA TESOL

Tel Aviv UniversityTel Aviv

Lowy International School, Tel Aviv University

The short answer

A three-semester, English-taught MA at Tel Aviv University in teaching English as a foreign language, with supervised teaching placements in Israeli schools, open to people with or without teaching experience. Tuition is $15,250, plus $1,450 for intensive Hebrew. A new track for olim moves to Hebrew after the first or second year and leads to an Israeli teaching certificate. Registration for 2026–27 is closed.

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 TESOL?

The program turns a passion for language into a teaching career. Coursework combines linguistics, pedagogy and educational research with hands-on teaching: supervised placements in Israeli elementary, junior high and high schools, plus opportunities in higher education and refugee support programs. Graduates teach in schools and universities in Israel and abroad, coach business English, and work in publishing, testing and consulting. Qualified students can continue to a thesis year.

✓A good fit if you…

  • Want to teach English, with or without teaching experience
  • Want real classroom practice in Israeli schools
  • Are an oleh or olah who wants to end up with an Israeli teaching certificate
  • Are under 30 and within three years of aliyah

!Think twice if you…

  • Need a teaching license abroad from the MA alone. Requirements vary by country and state.
  • Want to start in 2026–27. Registration is closed.
  • Want a shorter certificate course. See Herzog’s English Teaching Certificate.
What you learn

What you’ll learn.

Three semesters starting in the summer, with a practicum through fall and spring.

Summer

Language and context

Intensive courses to start:

Language Awareness: Lexis and GrammarMultilingualism in the Public SpaceResearch Methods in Language TeachingThe Israeli Educational Context
Fall

How languages are learned and taught

Sample courses:

Second Language Acquisition and BilingualismMethods of Language TeachingTechnology and Language LearningLinguistics for English TeachersClassroom Interaction and Discourse
Spring

Curriculum, assessment and policy

Sample courses:

Curriculum Design and Material DevelopmentLanguage Testing and AssessmentLanguage Policy: English in the Global WorldTeaching EFL to Learners with Learning Disabilities and ADHD
Fall & spring

Practicum

Practicum: Bridging Theory and Practice, with supervised teaching in the Israeli education system and a research forum.

Olim integration trackWith the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration: start in English, move to the Hebrew track and finish with an Israeli teaching certificate.
Hebrew for olimThe track includes funded Hebrew classes and a housing scholarship of up to ₪1,500 a month for eligible students.
Academic chairProf. Elana Shohamy, known for her work on language policy and testing.
Thesis yearAn optional thesis year for qualified students, $3,600.
Funding

Can olim get funding for this degree?

Tuition is above standard Israeli rates. 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.
Olim integration trackPartial funding that covers the cost of the Hebrew degree, but students cover the full program tuition. Admission is through the Student Authority.

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.

TuitionProgram tuition.$15,250
Intensive HebrewTAU’s fee table says ulpan is mandatory for TESOL students; the program page lists it as optional.$1,450
Application feeNon-refundable.$150
Thesis yearOptional.$3,600
!

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 $15,250 that leaves you to pay, and whether the Hebrew course is required for you.

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. With 75–80, apply anyway; the committee looks at the whole application.
✓
DocumentsTranscripts and diploma, two recommendations (at least one academic), a personal essay of up to three pages and a CV.
✓
EnglishProof of English proficiency if you’re not a native speaker.
✓
Minimum classThe program opens with at least 10 students.
  1. Check your fitGet the guide and your olim eligibility from Studyil.
  2. Pick a trackInternational, or the olim integration track through the Student Authority.
  3. Apply to TAURolling admissions for the next open intake.
  4. Start in the summerThe first semester is a summer term.
FAQ

Questions about this program.

How long is Tel Aviv University’s MA in TESOL?

Three semesters: summer, fall and spring. An optional thesis year is available.

How much does it cost?

$15,250 in tuition plus $1,450 for intensive Hebrew and a $150 application fee. The thesis year costs $3,600.

Do I need teaching experience?

No. The program is open to students with or without prior teaching experience.

Is there a track for olim?

Yes. The academic integration track starts in English, moves to the Hebrew track after the first or second year, and leads to an Israeli teaching certificate. Admission is through the Student Authority.

Will I be qualified to teach in public schools?

Not from the MA alone. In Israel, graduates get a teaching certificate through the Ministry of Education, and some of its requirements are covered by the program.

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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