--- title: MA in Jewish Studies in English at Hebrew University of Jerusalem | Studyil description: The Hebrew University’s two-year, English-taught MA in Jewish Studies with the Mandel Institute: curriculum, Hebrew requirement, $5,700 a year and olim aid. canonical: https://studyil.com/degrees/hebrew-university/ma-jewish-studies/ last-updated: 2026-11-09 --- # Jewish Studies MA **Hebrew University of Jerusalem** Jerusalem Rothberg International School with the Mandel Institute of Jewish Studies The short answer A two-year, English-taught MA from the Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School and Mandel Institute of Jewish Studies, covering Jewish history, literature, philosophy and culture from ancient times to today. Tuition is $5,700 a year for 2026–27, and you reach intermediate Modern Hebrew (level Gimmel) by the end. 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 Two years **Degree** MA 36 credits **Length** 2 years Four semesters **Language** English Hebrew to level Gimmel **Where** Jerusalem Mandel Institute **Tuition 2026–27** $5,700 A year; ₪16,609 for Israelis **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 Jewish Studies? The program prepares students for advanced academic work in Jewish studies, in small classes taught by experts. It’s divided into two periods, Ancient to Early Medieval and Late Medieval to Modern; you take courses from all periods and specialize in one. Many electives let you shape it, including courses cross-listed with HUJI’s Bible, Israel Studies and Islamic Studies MAs. It’s run with the Mandel Institute, home to over 20 research institutes, and students can use the National Library of Israel. ### ✓ A good fit if you… - Plan a PhD or academic career in Jewish studies - Want to study Jewish texts and history in Jerusalem - Want to build real Modern Hebrew alongside your degree - Are an oleh or olah under 30 within three years of aliyah ###! Think twice if you… - Want a one-year degree. This one takes two. - Don’t want to study Hebrew. Level Gimmel is required. - Have below a B average. What you learn ## What you’ll learn. Two years of courses across Jewish history, with a period specialization. Years 1–2 ### Courses across the periods Required and elective courses over four semesters. You specialize in either Ancient to Early Medieval or Late Medieval to Modern. Electives ### Shape your program Cross-listed courses from HUJI’s Bible, Israel Studies and Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies MAs, plus English-taught Humanities courses, and Hebrew-taught courses once your Hebrew allows. Languages ### Modern Hebrew to level Gimmel Required by graduation. Hebrew courses up to Gimmel are included in tuition. Biblical Hebrew and Akkadian are also offered in English. Writing ### Seminar papers At least two seminar papers, required to graduate. **Mandel Institute** Oversees HUJI’s Jewish studies research since 1924. **Research centers** Including the Orion Center for the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Spielberg Jewish Film Archive. **National Library** On HUJI’s Givat Ram campus. **Career outlook** Academia, community and religious leadership, nonprofits, museums and archives. Funding ## Can olim get funding for this degree? Tuition is among the lowest of HUJI’s international MAs, and scholarships can reduce it further. 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** Per year, 2026–27. The degree is conferred after two full years of tuition. $5,700 **Israeli students, including olim** Per year, 2026–27. ₪16,609 **Application fee** $250 in the late admissions period. Israeli citizens: ₪430. $120 **Health insurance** Per year, 2026–27. $760 **Student Village housing** Optional, per year. $7,180 **Hebrew above Gimmel** Hebrew courses up to level Gimmel are included; higher levels and the Summer Ulpan cost extra. Extra *!* **Olim, you pay the shekel rate, up front.** HUJI’s 2026–27 guide lists ₪16,609 a year for Israeli students in this program. 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. *✓* **Hebrew placement** A Modern Hebrew placement exam; below Gimmel, you take Hebrew during the program. - **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 Jewish Studies? Two years, four semesters, each year running October to June. ### ### How much does it cost? $5,700 a year for 2026–27 (₪16,609 a year for Israeli students), with the degree conferred after two full years of tuition. Health insurance is $760 and housing $7,180 a year. ### ### Do I need to know Hebrew? You need to reach level Gimmel (lower intermediate) by the end. Hebrew courses up to Gimmel are included in tuition. ### ### 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 Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies Hebrew University of Jerusalem · $11,400 *Read the guide →* Bachelor’s ### BA in Liberal Arts Tel Aviv University · $15,500 a year *Read the guide →* Ulpan ### Ulpan Aleph (state ulpan) Ministry of Aliyah and Integration · Free for olim *Read the guide →* [See all degrees →](https://studyil.com/programs/?type=degree) ### Sources - [Hebrew University: MA in Jewish Studies](https://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics/international-graduate-programs/masters-programs/ma-in-jewish-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-jewish-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-jewish-studies/ · Published by Studyil. Cite as "Studyil" with a link to the page.