The Department of Middle East Studies Apply

Candidates to the department's regular and one-year international M.A. programs who are not citizens of Israel can apply online through BGU's English-language application system. Note that international M.A. students' applications are handled by BGU International, and Ph.D. students' applications by the Kreitman School for Advanced Graduate Studies. Both these offices' staffs actively support candidates throughout the entire admissions process, as well as assist with campus housing, health insurance, and scholarships.

Before beginning the admissions process, candidates should select the study track for which they wish to apply. Information on study tracks can be found on the M.A. Studies, One-Year International M.A., and Ph.D. Studies pages on this site, and candidates are welcome to contact Department Secretary Aliza Swissa at alizasu@bgu.ac.il with further questions.

Along with reviewing the entry criteria, required documents, and order of operations described on this page, candidates are encouraged to contact BGU International and the Kreitman School directly with inquiries and requests for assistance.

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English Proficiency

As proficiency in English is a requirement for acceptance, all non-native, English-speaking applicants must score a minimum of 85 on the TOEFL examination or an equivalent, such as the IELTS. The requirement is waived for applicants who received their bachelor’s degree in a program whose language of instruction was English.

Determination of Eligibility

Prior to the formal application process, both M.A. and Ph.D. candidates are asked to submit the following documents to BGU International or the Kreitman School, respectively. These documents will be used to determine your eligibility to apply.

A copy of your academic transcripts and, if available, your diploma. Note: Ph.D. candidates to the regular track must also provide a copy of official confirmation of the successful completion of a master's degree. Note that if your transcripts and diploma are written in a language other than English, you must submit a notarized translation as well.
A copy of your TOEFL (or IETLS) score, if your bachelor's and master's degree (if relevant) were conducted in a language other than English.
For M.A. candidates, two letters of recommendation from faculty members who are familiar with your academic performance and skills; for Ph.D. candidates, three letters of recommendation, one from your master's advisor and two from scholars who are both familiar with your academic performance and skills and hold a Ph.D. diploma. Ph.D. candidates are welcome to use the Kreitman School's Candidate Recommendation Form.
A copy of the first page of your passport.
Your academic CV. The document should summarize your academic history, research interests, relevant work experience, honors, and accomplishments. The language of the CV should be either English or Hebrew.
Your ranking in your department's graduating class (if applicable).

Upon arrival in Israel, students will be asked to present their original transcripts, diploma (if relevant), TOEFL/IETLS scores, and passport at the BGU International office.

The Application Process

Once candidates' eligibility has been determined by BGU International or the Kreitman School, the following are the steps in the admissions process:

1. For M.A. candidates to a thesis track and Ph.D. candidates: Select a dissertation advisor from among the department's core faculty.

2. Fill in the online application form and submit the supporting documents required by your chosen program.

3. Pay the application fee.

4. Upon receipt of a formal letter of acceptance, pay a deposit to secure your spot.

5. Apply for a student visa (see below for more information).

Student Visa

Candidates who wish to study in Israel must obtain an A-2 (student) visa from the Israeli embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Upon acceptance to BGU, students should contact BGU International's visa coordinator for overseas students at vhi@bgu.ac.il. The coordinator will provide assistance throughout the visa-application process.

Note: As part of the process of obtaining a visa, students will need to show proof of a local health-insurance policy. The visa coordinator can also assist students in the purchase of a policy.

Students should then bring their acceptance letter, proof of health insurance, passport, and a passport photo to the closet Israeli embassy or consulate. Once the student visa has been obtained, students should send a scanned copy of the acceptance letter, the proof of health insurance, and passport stamped with the visa to the visa coordinator.