The Faculty of Humanities offers PhD programs across all of its departments and academic tracks. Admission requirements include completion of a research-track master’s degree with a grade of 90 or above on the thesis, a minimum average of 85 in coursework and the final examination, and proficiency in a second foreign research language at an advanced level. Applicants must secure an advisor from the faculty’s academic staff who agrees to supervise their research.

Applications are submitted through the Authority for Research Students and accepted twice annually—in May (for the fall semester) and December (for the spring semester). Applications are forwarded from the Authority to the faculty’s academic institutes, which review them according to their respective disciplines and notify candidates directly of their decision. In some cases, the Admissions Committees may accept candidates even if they have not yet secured an advisor, on condition that one is confirmed within eight months of registration.

Students who completed a non-research track master’s degree with a final average of 85 or above may qualify for doctoral studies by applying to the Faculty’s Teaching Committee. The application must include a letter of recommendation from a faculty member who agrees to supervise the student’s thesis.

The Faculty of Humanities hosts an honors program for exceptional PhD students through the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School for Advanced Studies in the Humanities. The program is open to candidates who have secured a full doctoral fellowship for at least three years (i.e., Presidential Fellowship, Mandel Scholion, Rotenstreich, Azrieli, and more). Participants receive numerous benefits, including office space, administrative support, a personal research budget, funding for short- or long-term research travel abroad (up to one year), and more.

Program participants must be present at least two days per week and actively participate in all academic and community activities. The program also includes teaching training, and participants are given the opportunity to teach an undergraduate course in the final stages of their degree. In addition to this program, numerous faculty-based institutes and research centers offer doctoral fellowships in their respective fields.

Detailed information about the application process and program options is available on the Authority for Research Students website.