--- title: MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies in English at Hebrew University of Jerusalem | Studyil description: The Hebrew University’s English-taught MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies with Modern Standard Arabic: three semesters, $11,400 tuition for 2026–27, admission and olim aid. canonical: https://studyil.com/degrees/hebrew-university/ma-islamic-middle-eastern-studies/ last-updated: 2026-11-09 --- # Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies MA **Hebrew University of Jerusalem** Jerusalem Rothberg International School, Mount Scopus The short answer A one-year, three-semester MA at the Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School on the religions, politics, histories and cultures of the modern Middle East, taught in English with up to 12 hours a week of Modern Standard Arabic. It runs October to August and costs $11,400 for 2026–27. Taught in English ✓ Olim: Student Authority aid Gov funding: Partial Checked against Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s official pages, September 2026 Independent listing At a glance With Arabic **Degree** MA 36 credits **Length** 3 semesters October–August **Language** English Plus Arabic **Arabic** Up to 12 h/week Advanced MSA required **Tuition 2026–27** $11,400 ₪33,217 for Israeli citizens **Admission** B average 85/100 or equivalent Check my eligibility → ✓ **Olim benefit Student Authority aid** For olim under 30 within three years of aliyah. The grant goes to your bank account; you pay tuition in full. ~ **Government funding Partial** Student Authority aid, up to the standard state tuition. – **Masa grant Not confirmed** HUJI’s guide doesn’t list Masa for this program. Ask us to check. Overview ## What is the MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies? Run with the Department of Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies, the program is an intensive, interdisciplinary look at a region whose events are felt worldwide. Alongside required and elective courses you study Modern Standard Arabic up to 12 hours a week, and completing the advanced Arabic course is a graduation requirement. Other regional languages such as Modern and Ottoman Turkish and Persian are available through the Faculty of Humanities, taught in Hebrew. ### ✓ A good fit if you… - Want to understand the modern Middle East in depth - Want to learn Arabic seriously alongside your MA - Are heading for foreign affairs, government, NGOs, journalism or academia - Are an oleh or olah under 30 within three years of aliyah ###! Think twice if you… - Don’t want intensive language study. Advanced Arabic is required. - Want a policy or security focus. See the security and diplomacy MAs. - Have below a B average. What you learn ## What you’ll learn. Three semesters of courses with intensive Arabic. October–August ### Required and elective courses 36 credits over three semesters on the religions, politics, histories and cultures of the modern Middle East. All year ### Modern Standard Arabic Up to 12 hours a week depending on your level, after a placement exam. Advanced Arabic is required and counts for 6 credits. Beginners start in September. Writing ### Seminar papers At least two seminar papers, required to graduate. **Career outlook** Foreign affairs, government, NGOs, journalism and academia. **More languages** Modern Turkish, Ottoman Turkish and Persian, taught in Hebrew. **Faculty** Scholars from around the world in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies. **Hebrew** Optional practical Hebrew and Summer Ulpan, for an extra fee. Funding ## Can olim get funding for this degree? HUJI’s international programs cost more than standard tuition, but there are several scholarships. 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 the Hebrew University’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 the Hebrew University’s tuition office so it can revise your payment plan. **Student Authority (olim)** Olim in RIS MA programs can get Student Authority grants, deposited into their own bank account, so they pay HUJI’s tuition in full. **Early-bird scholarships** For international students who apply early and pay 20–40% of tuition up front: $2,000 to $5,000 off (2026–27 intake). **RIS Merit Scholarships** Worth full MA tuition for top candidates with a GPA of 3.8 or more. The 2026–27 deadline was 15 April. **Other scholarships** Rothberg Family Fund aid for students from outside the US and Canada, and Israeli government scholarships for citizens of some countries. 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 Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prices can change. **Tuition** Program tuition, 2026–27. $11,400 **Israeli citizens, including olim** Pay the shekel rate for RIS programs, 2026–27, including the security fee. ₪33,217 **Application fee** $250 in the late admissions period. Israeli citizens: ₪430. $120 **Health insurance** 2026–27. $830 **Student Village housing** Optional, 2026–27. $7,880 **Modern Hebrew** Optional courses and the Summer Ulpan cost extra. Extra *!* **Olim, you pay the shekel rate, up front.** Israeli citizens, including olim, pay ₪33,217 for RIS master’s programs in 2026–27 instead of the dollar price. The Student Authority grant goes into your bank account rather than to the university, so budget to pay the full tuition first. How to join ## How to get started. *✓* **Bachelor’s degree** From an accredited institution recognized by the Hebrew University, with at least a B average (85/100). *✓* **English** TOEFL 80+, IELTS 6+ or Amiram 120+, unless your degree was taught entirely in English. *✓* **Documents** Transcripts, a CV and statement of purpose, two academic recommendations and a passport copy. *✓* **Dates** For 2026–27: early admissions 24 Nov–31 Dec 2025, regular to 1 June 2026, late to 1 August 2026. Check HUJI for the next cycle. *✓* **Arabic placement** You take a Modern Standard Arabic placement exam as part of your application. - **Check your fit** See your olim eligibility and this program’s numbers on Studyil. - **Apply early** Early applicants who pay part of tuition get the biggest scholarships. - **Pay tuition** Within three weeks of acceptance, or by the early-admissions dates. - **File with the Student Authority** Olim: the grant is paid into your account. FAQ ## Questions about this program. ### ### How long is the MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies? Three semesters, October to August. Students starting Arabic from scratch begin in September. ### ### Do I need to know Arabic? No, but you study it intensively, and completing the advanced Modern Standard Arabic course is required to graduate. ### ### How much does it cost? $11,400 for 2026–27, or ₪33,217 for Israeli citizens including olim, plus health insurance ($830) and optional housing ($7,880). ### ### Can olim get funding? Yes, olim under 30 within three years of aliyah can get Student Authority grants, paid into their bank account. Compare ## Other programs to consider. Master’s ### MA in Israel Studies Hebrew University of Jerusalem · $11,400 *Read the guide →* Master’s ### MA in Security & Diplomacy Tel Aviv University · $16,900 *Read the guide →* Master’s ### MA in Jewish Studies Hebrew University of Jerusalem · $5,700 a year *Read the guide →* Bachelor’s ### Government BA $20,900 a year · 3 years *Read the guide →* [See all degrees →](https://studyil.com/programs/?type=degree) ### Sources - [Hebrew University: MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies](https://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics/international-graduate-programs/masters-programs/ma-in-islamic-and-middle-eastern-studies/) - [Hebrew University: RIS financial guide 2026–27](https://overseas.huji.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/financial-Guide-26-27-1.pdf) - [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://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics/international-graduate-programs/masters-programs/ma-in-islamic-and-middle-eastern-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/hebrew-university/ma-islamic-middle-eastern-studies/ · Published by Studyil. Cite as "Studyil" with a link to the page.