Doctoral Studies at Bar-Ilan University: Tracks and Admission Requirements

Thinking about pursuing a PhD in Israel? At BIU, we offer several doctoral study tracks; whether you’ve completed a Master’s degree, are graduating with a BA, or somewhere in between—we have a path for you.

What Are the Available PhD Tracks at Bar-Ilan?

You can apply to one of the following doctoral study tracks:

Regular PhD Track – for candidates with an MA (with thesis)
Direct PhD Track – for outstanding BA graduates
Combined MA–PhD Track – for exceptional MA students who wish to transition early into PhD research

Admission is based on departmental recommendations and final approval by the School of Graduate Studies.

What Are the Differences Between the PhD Tracks?

Each track has unique entry points and expectations:

Table

Track	Ideal For	Entry Point	Key Requirements
Regular PhD	MA graduates with thesis	After MA completion	MA GPA ≥ 85 and thesis grade ≥ 85
Direct PhD	Exceptional BA graduates	Within 2 years of BA	BA GPA ≥ 90; research advisor and topic confirmed
Combined MA–PhD	High-achieving MA students	During MA studies	MA coursework GPA ≥ 85; early submission of PhD proposal

What Are the Admission Requirements for the Regular PhD Track?

To apply for the regular doctoral track, you must:

Hold a recognized MA with thesis, with:
- Minimum 85 GPA in all required courses
- Minimum 85 on your thesis
Demonstrate research readiness in your chosen field
Propose a research project that can be carried out at Bar-Ilan (or, exceptionally, at another approved institution)
Receive departmental and School of Graduate Studies approval

Who Can Apply to the Direct PhD Track?

If you are an outstanding undergraduate student, you may apply directly to the PhD track if:

You graduated from Bar-Ilan with a BA GPA of 90+ (overall and in your department)
You apply within two years of completing your BA
You already have an advisor and research topic, or receive temporary departmental guidance

During the first two years, you must:

Complete MA-level coursework (including at least one seminar paper)
Maintain an average of 85+
Submit a detailed PhD research proposal

Once these steps are completed and approved, your status changes from “conditional” to “full” doctoral student.

What Is the Combined MA–PhD Track?

The combined track allows students to transition seamlessly from MA to PhD research. It is intended for those with:

A consistent research trajectory between MA and PhD topics
A GPA of 85+ in MA-level coursework (including required Judaism and English courses)

There are two options:

Option A: Thesis + Research Proposal

Submit your MA thesis and PhD proposal together or consecutively within two years
Must receive a thesis grade of at least 90
If the thesis defense includes proper review, PhD research may begin immediately; otherwise, a secondary proposal review will be required

Option B: Early Research Proposal

Submit your PhD research proposal during the second year of your MA
Once coursework and proposal are complete, you may apply for admission to the doctoral stage

In both options:

A formal application form must be submitted
Your PhD status becomes “official” only after your proposal is approved by both the department and the School of Graduate Studies

What If I Don’t Meet the Standard PhD Admission Requirements?

Bar-Ilan offers alternative preparatory routes for strong candidates who need to complete additional steps before beginning doctoral studies:

1. Doctoral Studies Preparatory Track

For those with an MA (with thesis) in a different field:

Up to 16 credits of supplemental coursework/seminars may be required
Requires a GPA of 85+ in these courses
Final approval by the School of Graduate Studies

2. Thesis-Equivalent Project

For candidates with a BA and MA (without thesis) in a relevant field:

GPA must be 90+
Requires submission of a substantial research paper equivalent to an MA thesis
Program duration: two years
No formal thesis proposal is needed
No additional foundational coursework required
Approval of the project (grade 85+) allows application to PhD studies

Note: This track does not result in a Master’s degree but includes an official certificate of thesis-equivalent work.

3. Thesis Completion Track

For MA graduates without a thesis:

Complete a full research thesis and take relevant courses
Details available through departmental advisors

Departments may choose not to offer these preparatory tracks. In such cases, candidates will need to complete a full MA with thesis before applying to doctoral studies.

Can I Pursue a Dual-Department PhD?

Yes. If your proposed research spans two disciplines, you may complete a joint doctoral program with supervisors from two different departments.

How It Works:

Choose a primary (coordinating) department
Submit a joint application (listing both departments)
Departmental responsibilities include:
- Preparing a unified study plan and reviewer list
- Coordinating all paperwork, extensions, and research approvals
- Ensuring both advisors meet academic rank requirements

Degree Outcome:

You’ll receive a single PhD diploma titled “Doctor of Philosophy,” with no department names listed
The degree confirmation will reference both departments

Why Pursue a PhD in Israel at Bar-Ilan University?

Bar-Ilan is one of Israel’s top research universities, offering:

Multiple tracks for PhD studies
World-renowned researchers with excellent teaching skills
Interdisciplinary opportunities
Internationally recognized programs in sciences, humanities, law, AI, biotech, and more

Whether you’re an international student looking to pursue doctoral studies in Israel or an Israeli student seeking top-tier research training, Bar-Ilan provides a flexible, rigorous, and supportive academic environment.

Explore More:

Visit our School of Graduate Studies
Contact the department that matches your research interest
Learn more about tuition, application deadlines, and finding an advisor

Can't wait to have you with us!