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Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Israel


7 Fulbright MA Degree Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
Grant Period
Fall Start
Grant Length
9-12 Months
Award Type
Special Study/Research
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 2025/2026 academic year (starting October 2025). 

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:

MBA 

Hebrew University of Jerusalem:

MA in Smart Cities & Urban Informatics

MA in Nonprofit Management & Leadership

MA in Israel Studies

MA in Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies

MA in Archaeology & the Ancient Near East

M.A. Program in Conflict Research, Management and Resolution

University of Haifa:

Archaeology

M.A. in Diplomacy Studies 

Global Health Leadership (MPH)

Holocaust Studies

Israel Studies

Jewish Studies

Maritime Civilizations

MBA Sustainability

Modern German and European Studies

Peace and Conflict Management

Public Management and Policy Studies (MPA)

MSc Statistics

 

Tel Aviv University

MA in Ancient Israel Studies 

MA in Cyber Politics 

MA in Documentary Cinema

MDM Emergency and Disaster Management

MA in Environmental Studies

MSC in Plant Sciences

MA in Social Aspects of Climate Change

MA in Sustainable Development

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
9-12 Months
Grant Period
Fall Start

Grant length varies by program.

Orientation
Pre-Departure and In-Country 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

A group of three people wearing Fulbright Israel t-shirts

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?

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 diversity 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 diversity 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."

Tori Hill wearing a graduation cap

 

Jonathan Alegria, 2021-22U.S. English Teaching Assistant Fellow to Oranim Academic College of Education

"My job as the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Kiryat Tivon broadened my perspective of various ethnic and religious backgrounds and accelerated the educational development of young college students. Using my skills as a university leader in student life, I collaborated with fellow faculty and students in my host college to create social and curriculum programs that implemented English development inside and outside the classroom. By the end of my fellowship, I built the cornerstones for the next generations of ETAs to further expand these programs to impact more students and advanced the standards of educational rigor. But the most valuable impact to me was the friendships I made along the way and the promises of one day returning, all founded on a mutual bond for international understanding and delicious shawarma!"

Jonathan Alegria

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
12 Months
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
Special Application Instructions

            

Foreign Language Proficiency
Not Required
Fulbright Proposal Types
Independent Study/Research:
No
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
Yes
Affiliation
Graduate Degree Enrollment:
Letter of acceptance required prior to grant start

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, 2025 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
Affiliation Fees/Tuition covered in grant benefits
  • 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 Assaf Levinton 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.

Between $2644 per month for 9 months to $1983 per month for 12 month monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]
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:

Cost of Living in Israel. Prices in Israel. Updated Feb 2024 (numbeo.com) 

Dependents
Dependent financial support is NOT available
Housing Arrangements

Grantees are responsible for housing arrangements. 

Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Security Information

For travel around Israel, please refer to the most recent State Department Travel Advisory for Israel.

Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact