Study Abroad for Graduate Students: Non-Degree Programs

The Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS) offers graduate students the option to study abroad for a semester or full year, in part-time or full-time capacity. Students build their own program of study by enrolling in courses at the RIS as well as at the other faculties and departments of the Hebrew University. Upon completion of their studies, students receive a transcript to facilitate the transfer of academic credits to other institutions. This program is open to qualified master’s candidates, doctoral candidates, and recent college graduates who have not yet begun graduate study.

Focus Areas

We’ve acquired a reputation for excellence in our focus areas, as Israel and Jerusalem provide a natural environment for advanced academic work in the following fields:

• Israel Studies
• Jewish Studies
• Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies
• Bible & the Ancient Near East
• Archaeology & the Ancient Near East
• Nonprofit Management & Leadership
• Smart Cities & Urban Informatics

For more information about our courses, please refer to the RIS graduate course catalog. For information about courses taught in English at the other faculties and departments of the Hebrew University, please refer to HebrewU’s catalog of English courses. Students with a high enough level of Modern Hebrew proficiency may also take courses taught in Hebrew. For information about such courses, please refer to the HebrewU’s main course catalog.

Structure

You may enroll in the Graduate Non-Degree Program for a full academic year (autumn and spring semesters) or for one semester only (autumn or spring semester). For more information about dates, please refer to our academic calendar.

You may also enroll in either part-time or full-time capacity. Part-time students may take up to two courses per semester, while the recommended full-time study load per semester is one course in Modern Hebrew or Modern Standard Arabic language (8-10 weekly hours) and three to four seminar courses (around 8-10 weekly hours).

Credits

You can earn academic credits to transfer to your home university. Upon completion of your studies, we will provide you with a full transcript to facilitate the transfer of credit.

At HebrewU’s Rothberg International School, students study with emeritus faculty members, senior faculty members, adjuncts, and postdoctoral fellows as well as with teaching faculty who have real-world experience practicing in their fields. Please see our faculty page to learn more.

The Hebrew University’s RIS offers a rich extracurricular activities program, including tours, social and cultural events, lectures, and more. We support you throughout your stay with us so that Jerusalem becomes your home away from home. Learn more about the Office of Student Life here.

Click here to view one of the OSL’s weekly emails to students with information about events taking place on campus and around Jerusalem.

Apply by: 

Autumn semester or full academic year: May 10

Spring semester: December 31

Arrive on campus by: Approximately one week before your program starts; specific dates will be sent to accepted students via email.

Program length: One semester or full academic year; check the academic calendar for specific dates.

For information about tuition, health insurance, and housing fees, see our Tuition Fees & Refunds page.

To be eligible for acceptance, you must have the following:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by the Hebrew University
• Minimum B average (85/100 or equivalent)
• Demonstrated knowledge of English

 In addition to your online application, you will be required to submit the following documents:

• Academic Records: Applicants must submit transcripts and diplomas from all prior academic degrees.
• Proof of English Proficiency: A TOEFL exam score of 80 or above, IELTS exam score of 6 or above, or Amiram exam score of 120 or above.**
• A CV and Statement of Purpose
• Two Academic Recommendations
• Photocopy of your Passport ID page
• A Medical Form and Disclaimer Form (the latter for US citizens only) – both forms may be downloaded from the application website.

All documents may be uploaded to your application directly or sent to gradoffice@savion.huji.ac.il as email attachments.

** If you have completed a degree at a university at which English is the sole language of instruction, or if you have completed a degree in English Language and Literature, you can request an exemption. You must submit documentation from your university verifying English as the language of instruction. Exemption is not automatic and is determined on a case-by-case basis.