How Much Does a MASA Program Really Cost in 2026?

What Is MASA Israel Journey?

MASA Israel Journey is the umbrella organization that connects young Jewish adults ages 18–30 with long-term Israel experiences. Established in 2004 as a joint venture of the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Israeli government, MASA has sent more than 200,000 participants from 60 countries to Israel since its founding.

MASA does not run programs directly. Instead, it acts as a funding and marketing umbrella for over 150 partner programs — including gap year programs, internships, volunteering initiatives, academic semesters, professional development tracks, and language immersion experiences. Each partner program sets its own tuition.

Programs range in length from 5 months (a semester) to 12 months (a full year), and they take place across dozens of cities throughout Israel — from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Be'er Sheva and the Galilee. Some programs operate in English; others are intensive Hebrew immersion. Some emphasize volunteering and social justice; others focus on business, technology, or Jewish studies.

What most MASA programs share is the grant subsidy: qualifying participants receive $1,000–$4,500 directly from MASA, applied against the program tuition. This makes MASA one of the most subsidized Israel program networks available to young Jewish adults in North America.

MASA Program Cost Breakdown 2026

Program fees vary significantly by length, type, and organization. Here are representative cost ranges for the major MASA program categories:

Grant amounts depend on program length: 5-month programs qualify for $1,000–$2,500; 10–12 month programs qualify for up to $4,500.

Total All-In Cost: Beyond the Program Fee

The program fee is only part of the real cost. Families need to budget for flights, spending money, and other expenses not covered by tuition:

For a full-year MASA program, the realistic total budget — including program fee, flights, and spending money — is $19,000–$28,300 after the MASA grant. Shorter semester programs run $10,000–$16,000 all-in.

What MASA Programs Include

Most MASA partner programs include the following:

• ✓Tuition and programming — curriculum, workshops, seminars, field trips
• ✓Housing — dormitory or shared apartment, depending on program
• ✓Partial meals — typically breakfast and dinner; lunches are self-funded
• ✓Health insurance — coverage for the duration of the program in Israel
• ✓Hebrew language instruction — most programs include some ulpan component
• ✓Israel travel and excursions — built-in trips throughout the country
• ✓Airport pickup — arrival logistics for the program start

What MASA Programs Don't Cover

• ×Roundtrip flights from your home country
• ×Personal spending money and meals not included
• ×Visa fees and travel documentation
• ×Personal travel and activities outside the program

How MASA Grants Work

MASA Israel Journey grants are one of the most significant financial subsidies available to young Jewish adults who want to spend a long-term period in Israel. Here's how the grant system works in practice:

• →Eligibility: Applicants must be Jewish, ages 18–30, citizens or permanent residents of a qualifying diaspora country (including the US, Canada, UK, France, Argentina, and more).
• →Grant amounts: 5-month programs: $1,000–$2,500. 10–12 month programs: $2,500–$4,500. The exact amount depends on the program and the applicant's country of origin.
• →Application process: Grants are applied for through the individual partner program or directly via the MASA website. Applications must be submitted before the program begins.
• →How grants are applied: Grants are paid directly to the partner program, reducing the tuition invoice. Families pay the net amount — not the full program fee.
• →One grant per participant: Each participant may receive one MASA grant per lifetime. Planning which program to use it on is a strategic decision.

Why 529 Plans Don't Work for MASA

Many Jewish families have 529 college savings accounts. It seems logical that those funds could be redirected to a MASA program in Israel. But the math doesn't work — and attempting it triggers a significant tax penalty.

529 plans are governed by Section 529 of the US tax code. Withdrawals are only tax-free when used for "qualified educational expenses" at "eligible educational institutions" — which the IRS defines as institutions participating in federal student financial aid programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.

Most MASA partner programs are not Title IV accredited. They are experiential learning programs — cultural, service-oriented, or professional in nature — not academic degree programs. This means:

• 529 withdrawals used for MASA are treated as non-qualified distributions
• The earnings portion of those withdrawals is subject to income tax
• A 10% federal penalty is added on top of the income tax
• State tax penalties may also apply

The result: families who try to use 529 funds for MASA often pay more in taxes and penalties than they would have in interest on a personal loan. A dedicated savings vehicle designed specifically for Israel programs is the more efficient solution.

Other Financial Aid Sources for MASA

Beyond the MASA grant itself, several other funding sources can reduce the net cost of a MASA program:

• →Jewish federation grants: Many local Jewish federations offer supplemental grants for young adults participating in MASA programs. Amounts range from $500–$3,000 depending on the federation. Contact your local federation's Israel programming office.
• →Synagogue scholarships: Some larger synagogues maintain scholarship funds for congregant youth participating in recognized Israel programs. Ask your rabbi or synagogue office before the application deadline.
• →Program-specific financial aid: Some MASA partner programs offer their own need-based scholarships in addition to the MASA grant. These require a separate application and financial documentation.
• →Israel Prepaid Silver Plan: Lock in today's prices for future MASA programs starting from $158/month for a newborn — providing $29,546–$63,825 in guaranteed coverage.

MASA vs. Other Israel Gap Year Programs

Families sometimes wonder whether MASA-affiliated programs offer better value than non-MASA programs. Here's a direct cost comparison:

How Costs Have Risen — And What to Expect

MASA program fees have risen at an average of 2.2% per year over the past decade. That may sound modest, but the compounding effect is significant for families planning years in advance.

A MASA program that costs $20,000 today will cost nearly $30,000 by 2044. Families who lock in today's prices through Israel Prepaid pay the 2026 rate, regardless of what happens to program costs over the next decade and a half.

The Israel Prepaid Solution: Silver Plan for MASA

Israel Prepaid's Silver Plan is designed specifically to cover MASA programs and Gap Year Tier 1 experiences. Families lock in today's program prices through affordable monthly installments, guaranteeing full coverage when their child is ready to go — regardless of what MASA program costs do in the intervening years.

View the full list of covered programs on our programs page, or use our calculator on the pricing page to see what the Silver plan costs for your child's current age.

Silver Plan Pricing by Child's Age

Israel Prepaid's Silver Plan covers MASA and Gap Year Tier 1 programs. Here's what it costs based on your child's current age:

The earlier you start, the less you pay — and the more coverage your child receives.

Ten Popular MASA Programs and Their Costs in 2026

MASA Israel Journey operates through 150+ partner programs. These ten represent the most popular choices among North American participants:

Fees above are program tuition before MASA grants. Add $3,000–$6,000 for flights and spending money for a complete budget picture.

How to Apply for MASA Grants — Step by Step

MASA grants are not automatic — families must apply through the correct channel before the program begins. Here is the application process:

1. Select a MASA-affiliated program.Not all Israel programs are MASA-affiliated. Confirm MASA status on the program's website or on the MASA Israel Journey website (masaisrael.org) before applying.
2. Apply to the program directly. Most MASA partner programs have their own application, acceptance, and enrollment process. Complete this first.
3. Apply for the MASA grant through your program. Once accepted, your program coordinator will send you the MASA grant application or a link to apply through the MASA portal.
4. Submit required documentation. MASA typically requires proof of Jewish identity and citizenship documentation. Processing takes 4–8 weeks.
5. Grant credited to tuition. Approved grants are applied directly to your program fee — you pay the net amount, not the full fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

MASA programs are among the most accessible long-term Israel experiences for Jewish young adults — subsidized by the Israeli government and the Jewish Agency, backed by over 150 partner programs, and open to participants from across the diaspora. But even with grants, a full-year MASA program costs $19,000–$28,000 all-in.

529 plans cannot be used. Grants cover a fraction of the total. And program costs rise every year. The families who come out ahead are the ones who start planning early — locking in today's prices before costs climb further.

Israel Prepaid's Silver Plan was built specifically for this scenario: affordable monthly payments starting when your child is young, guaranteed program coverage when they're ready to go. Starting at $158/month for a newborn.