Israel
7 Fulbright MA Degree Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length9-12 Months |
Award Type
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
- Yes
Award Profile
Award Profile
The United States–Israel Educational Foundation (USIEF), known as Fulbright Israel, plans to award up to 7 Master's degree grants to students for the 2026/2027 academic year (starting October 2026).
This program is designed to pursue a Master's degree at an Israeli institution of higher education. Holders of one Master's degree may apply for a second in a different field than the one they already obtained.
Information on the application and degree requirements for each institution is available through their websites, linked below:
Ben Gurion University of the Negev:
Hebrew University of Jerusalem:
MA in Smart Cities & Urban Informatics
MA in Nonprofit Management & Leadership
MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies
MA in Archaeology & the Ancient Near East
University of Haifa:
MA Education & Development in Early Childhood
Global Health Leadership (MPH)
MA Modern German and European Studies
MA Peace and Conflict Management
Public Management and Policy Studies (MPA)
Tel Aviv University
MA in Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Cultures
MDM Emergency and Disaster Management
MA in Social Aspects of Environmental Change
MA in Conflict Resolution and Mediation
MA in Security and Diplomacy Studies
Parasol Foundation International LL.M. Program
Documentary Cinema- MFA Degree in Film and Television - Directing and Production *
MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (1)
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grant length varies by program.
Orientation
No in-person Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO). However, the Fulbright Commission in Israel will schedule a Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation. Grantees will also receive pre-departure material prior to arrival.
An in-country orientation is also held at the beginning of the academic year
Candidate Profile
Candidates interested in pursuing a Master's degree at an Israeli institute of higher learning must be either at the Bachelor's level or holders of one Master's degree seeking to earn a second. They may only apply for one-year Master's programs.
Fulbright Israel (USIEF) offers grants on the basis of academic excellence, the leadership promise of the applicant, and their potential to both advance knowledge and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and Israel.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Gabriella Vulakh 2024-25 U.S. Master's Degree Fellows to Tel Aviv University
For my Fulbright Fellowship, I am pursuing a Masters in Disaster Management at Tel Aviv University and interning at the Neurosurgery Department at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov Hospital), after completing my BA in neuroscience at Brown University.
From day one, I have been immersed in a new healthcare system and world of diverse medical staff and patients. Though the hospital environment is a dynamic mix of Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and English, we often find other ways to communicate — through animated hand gestures, pointing at medical imaging, or using universal scientific terminology. More importantly, the contagious energy and passion for medicine surrounding me transcends language barriers and cultural differences and has reinforced my calling to the medical profession. While the hospital setting has shaped much of my Fulbright experience, it is the vibrancy of everyday life in Israel that has truly deepened my sense of belonging. The vitality is present everywhere — on the bus with kids returning from school, at the shuk (market) filled with its kaleidoscope of colors, sounds and smells, on jogs along the beach promenade with my running club, and across the Shabbat dinner table filled with family and friends.
I am incredibly grateful to the colleagues and classmates I have worked with, and the friendships I have developed, and I will cherish these relationships long after I return to the U.S. My time here so far has shaped me both personally and professionally, and I wholeheartedly encourage anyone to apply to Fulbright Israel — to experience the richness of this vibrant country, to grow as a person, and to be a part of something truly transformative.
Victoria Hill 2021-22 U.S. Master's Degree Fellows to Tel Aviv University
"As a Fulbrighter, I had the privilege of pursuing a Master's in Disaster Management at Tel Aviv University, a program that not only equipped me with invaluable emergency response skills but allowed me to learn through hands-on experiences. Aside from academics, my day-to-day life was a practice in adaptation: Navigating the grocery aisles, I learned to ask strangers which of the millions of tomato products was actually tomato sauce, a small act that often opened up conversations and connections with a laugh; Public transportation became a lesson in language and patience, as I deciphered routes and stops in Hebrew, often relying on the kindness of fellow passengers; The lively exchanges between shopkeepers in the market under my apartment, initially perceived as disputes, soon revealed themselves as expressions of a culture that's passionately vocal and wonderfully expressive. These everyday adventures, from mastering new social norms to embracing the unexpected in routine tasks, enriched my Fulbright experience far beyond the academics. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the invaluable skill of approaching life's challenges with curiosity and openness. Throughout my time here, I have been mesmerized by the country's variety as well. One weekend, I was hiking through the stark beauty of the desert, marveling at the south's flowers in full bloom; or navigating the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv, indulging in a culinary scene that rivals any around the world. The next weekend might find me road-tripping to the northern mountains to pick apples and enjoy the hospitality of friends in their family's hillside home. Taking in the contrast of landscapes and variety of peoples showed me Israel's makeup, giving me a nuanced perspective on the region's history and its people. It challenged me to look beyond headlines, to understand the layers of historical, cultural, and political complexity that define this land. Fulbright has been transformative, providing me with not only academic credentials but also a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the world. It allowed me to forge lasting friendships with people from around the globe, bonds strengthened by shared experiences, and mutual respect for the rich tapestry of Israeli life. To future Fulbright candidates considering Israel: you're not just signing up for an academic program; you're embarking on a journey that will challenge and change you in ways you can't yet imagine; building your resilience, your skilll sets and your chutzpuh. You'll leave with a degree and a piece of Israel in your heart—a testament to the friendships, experiences, and understanding you've gained. This country, with all its complexity and beauty, has become another place I call home."
Eligibility
12 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Special Application Instructions
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
In addition to applying for the Fulbright fellowship, each candidate must apply to the degree program through the university's application system. Receiving the Fulbright fellowship is contingent upon acceptance to the degree program. In a case in which the applicant has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship, but was not offered admission to the university, the Fulbright fellowship will be rescinded.
Finalists must receive a decision from the university by March 1, 2026 and inform USIEF whether or not they have been accepted by emailing us at USPrograms@fulbright.org.il.
Please note that applications to MA and Research grants in Israel do not require a letter of affiliation. Only an acceptance letter will be needed.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
- Full tuition fees for the M.A. degree paid directly to the institution
- $23,800 living stipend
- Up to $1,200 reimbursement of airfare expenses
- Limited health insurance for the grantee
- For questions about non-refundable deposits/fees requested by universities upon acceptance, please email Kat Lacey at usprograms@fulbright.org.il.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
The stipend provided by Fulbright Israel reflects the cost of living in the country. Living expenses will vary from fellow to fellow based to life-style and the location you choose to live in.
Here you can find a more detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Israel:
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for housing arrangements.
Security Information
For travel around Israel, please refer to the most recent State Department Travel Advisory for Israel.