--- title: MA in National Security Studies in English at University of Haifa | Studyil description: The University of Haifa’s one-year, English-taught MA in National Security Studies, built with Israel’s National Security College. Online or on campus, $11,800 (Fall 2026), Masa and olim aid. canonical: https://studyil.com/degrees/university-of-haifa/ma-national-security-studies/ last-updated: 2026-11-09 --- # National Security Studies MA **University of Haifa** Haifa 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 aid Gov funding: Partial ✓ Masa: Masa program Checked against University of Haifa’s official pages, September 2026 Independent listing At a glance Online or on campus **Degree** MA Political Science **Length** 1 year Three semesters **Language** English Online or on campus **Where** Haifa Or fully online **Cost, Fall 2026** $11,800 As listed on Masa **Admission** GPA 80+ TOEFL 89 Check my eligibility → ✓ **Olim benefit Student Authority aid** For olim under 30 within three years of aliyah. ~ **Government funding Partial** Student Authority aid, up to the standard state tuition. ✓ **Masa grant Masa program** Haifa’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 Security The Evolution of War: Cyber-Age Intelligence Managing the Democratic State Geopolitical Risks & Opportunities The 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 option** Study fully online, on campus, or both. **National Security College** Program designed in partnership with it. **Case studies** Israel’s security errors, learning curves and achievements. **Global classmates** UHaifa 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… My age when studies start 26 Months since aliyah (excluding army or national service) 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. See my full breakdown → **10 November** First Student Authority application, online **1 October** Renewal each following year **Under 30** MA 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. **Masa** Haifa’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. **Scholarships** UHaifa 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 cost** Fall 2026 session, as listed on Masa’s University of Haifa page. $11,800 **Early application** Apply by 31 December for 75% off the application fee. 75% off fee **Living costs** UHaifa’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 degree** A GPA of at least 3.0, or 80 (B) in the Israeli system, across all undergraduate courses. *✓* **English** TOEFL 89 or an accepted alternative. *✓* **Documents** Diploma and transcript, a 500-word personal statement, CV, medical forms and passport copy. *✓* **Deadlines** Early 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. - **Check your fit** See your olim eligibility and this program’s numbers on Studyil. - **Apply early** By 31 December to save 75% on the application fee. - **Apply to Masa** If you’re eligible, alongside your application. - **Start in October** Fall 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. Compare ## Other programs to consider. Master’s ### MA in Security & Diplomacy Tel Aviv University · $16,900 *Read the guide →* Master’s ### MA in Government ₪56,650 total · 12 or 16 months *Read the guide →* Master’s ### MA in Peace & Conflict Management University of Haifa · $11,800 *Read the guide →* Master’s ### MA in Cyber Politics & Government Tel Aviv University · $12,640 *Read the guide →* [See all degrees →](https://studyil.com/programs/?type=degree) ### Sources - [University of Haifa: National Security Studies MA](https://uhaifa.org/program/national-security-studies/) - [Masa: University of Haifa international graduate programs (Fall 2026 sessions and cost)](https://www.masaisrael.org/program/university-of-haifa-international-graduate-programs/) - [University of Haifa: admissions deadlines](https://uhaifa.org/admissions-deadlines/) - [Nefesh B’Nefesh: Student Authority tuition benefits](https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/rights-and-benefits/student-authority-tuition-benefits/) Got it ### You’re all set. One of our advisors will be in touch shortly. Nothing to wait for in the meantime — here is your breakdown. A guide, not a ruling. Confirm the figures with the institution before you pay. Free, with no obligation to apply Your olim funding checked for this program You choose who contacts you [Or view the official page ↗](https://uhaifa.org/program/national-security-studies/) ## 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. [Get matched →](https://studyil.com/#match) --- Source: https://studyil.com/degrees/university-of-haifa/ma-national-security-studies/ · Published by Studyil. Cite as "Studyil" with a link to the page.