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

National Security Studies MA

University of HaifaHaifa or online

UHaifa International, Mount Carmel

The short answer

A one-year, English-taught MA from the University of Haifa, designed with Israel’s National Security College, on real-time national security dilemmas in Israel and beyond. It runs three semesters, October to September, fully online, on campus or both. Masa lists the Fall 2026 program cost at $11,800, and it’s a Masa program.

Taught in English✓ Olim: Student Authority aidGov funding: Partial✓ Masa: Masa program
Checked against University of Haifa’s official pages, September 2026Independent listing
✓Olim benefit Student Authority aidFor olim under 30 within three years of aliyah.
~Government funding PartialStudent Authority aid, up to the standard state tuition.
✓Masa grant Masa programHaifa’s international master’s programs are listed as Masa programs.
Overview

What is the MA in National Security Studies?

The program was developed with Israel’s National Security College, which the university describes as the IDF’s highest course of study. It combines theory with practical tools for national security challenges in the public and private sectors, and uses case studies of security errors, learning curves and achievements from Israel’s experience in the Middle East. It’s a non-thesis track, with a thesis possible for students averaging 90 or more.

✓A good fit if you…

  • Want a national security MA with an Israeli perspective
  • Need to study online, or want a mix of online and campus
  • Want practical tools for public or private-sector security roles
  • Are an oleh or olah under 30 within three years of aliyah

!Think twice if you…

  • Want a thesis-based research degree. It’s a non-thesis track by default.
  • Don’t want to take introductory courses. Non–political science graduates must.
  • Have a GPA under 80.
What you learn

What you’ll learn.

Three semesters, October through September.

Coursework

National security in practice

Highlighted courses include:

Legal & Ethical Aspects of National SecurityThe Evolution of War: Cyber-Age IntelligenceManaging the Democratic StateGeopolitical Risks & OpportunitiesThe National Security of Israel
If needed

Introductory courses

Without a political science degree, you first complete Introduction to International Relations and Introduction to Political Science.

Optional

Thesis track

With an average of 90 after the first semester, you can switch to a thesis track or apply for one after the program.

Online optionStudy fully online, on campus, or both.
National Security CollegeProgram designed in partnership with it.
Case studiesIsrael’s security errors, learning curves and achievements.
Global classmatesUHaifa International students come from 90+ countries.
Funding

Can olim get funding for this degree?

Most international students combine Masa with UHaifa’s scholarship listings.

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

i

Not an oleh? Look at Masa. Haifa’s international master’s programs are listed on Masa for ages 18–35, with Fall 2026 sessions running from 11 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. Masa sets the grant amount; use its funding calculator.

MasaHaifa’s international master’s programs are Masa programs. Grants depend on Masa’s criteria and funding calculator.
Student Authority (olim)Olim under 30 within three years of aliyah can get aid up to the standard state tuition. At universities it’s reimbursed after proof of payment.
ScholarshipsUHaifa lists country-specific scholarships and loans, including DAAD for Germany and FAFSA loans for US 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 University of Haifa. Prices can change.

Program costFall 2026 session, as listed on Masa’s University of Haifa page.$11,800
Early applicationApply by 31 December for 75% off the application fee.75% off fee
Living costsUHaifa’s Holocaust Studies program estimates food, travel and incidentals.$500–600 a month
!

Confirm the fee with UHaifa. The $11,800 figure is the Fall 2026 program cost Masa lists for UHaifa’s international master’s programs. Ask UHaifa for your exact tuition and what it includes.

How to join

How to get started.

✓
Bachelor’s degreeA GPA of at least 3.0, or 80 (B) in the Israeli system, across all undergraduate courses.
✓
EnglishTOEFL 89 or an accepted alternative.
✓
DocumentsDiploma and transcript, a 500-word personal statement, CV, medical forms and passport copy.
✓
DeadlinesEarly application by 31 December (75% off the application fee), then 15 March and 31 May, and rolling from 1 June to 12 October depending on the program.
  1. Check your fitGet the guide and your olim eligibility from Studyil.
  2. Apply earlyBy 31 December to save 75% on the application fee.
  3. Apply to MasaIf you’re eligible, alongside your application.
  4. Start in OctoberFall 2026 sessions run 11 October to 30 September.
FAQ

Questions about this program.

Can I study the MA in National Security Studies online?

Yes. International students can study fully online, on campus, or both.

How long is it?

One year, three semesters from October through September.

How much does it cost?

Masa lists the Fall 2026 program cost at $11,800. Confirm your exact tuition with UHaifa.

Who designed the program?

UHaifa built it in partnership with Israel’s National Security College.

Can olim get funding?

Olim under 30 within three years of aliyah can apply for Student Authority aid, up to the standard state 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.

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