“MASA" or "MASA project” - The joint initiative of the government of Israel and the Jewish Agency to encourage Long Term Programs in Israel for young Jewish adults from the Diaspora.

“MASA Company” - A not-for-profit company, owned by the Jewish Agency, which is responsible for the implementation of the project.

“Steering Committee” - A joint committee of the Jewish Agency and the government that sets policy for the project and serves as the key governance body.  The Steering Committee is co-chaired by Israel's Cabinet Secretary and the Director General of the Jewish Agency’s Department of Education.

“Long Term Program” - An organized activity, occurring in Israel, for young Jewish adults from the Diaspora, for a period of time from a semester  to a year. A Long Term Program that meets all the standards and regulations appearing in these standards and regulations will be called an “approved" or "affiliated program.”

“Organizer” or "Program Organizer" - An educational implementing entity, operating legally in Israel, which undertakes full responsibility for operating an approved Long Term Program. A recognized Organizer can operate more than one approved program.

“Program Standards” - The minimum requirements for an Organizer to conduct a Long Term Program recognized by the Company as an approved program in the framework of the project.

“Participant” - A young Jew from the Diaspora of eligible age who actually participates in an approved Long Term Program and who meets the criteria for submitting a request for a MASA grant or scholarship as specified in MASA's Standards and Regulations handbook and in additional documents on behalf of the Company.

“Eligibility” - Young Jewish adults who are graduates of a secondary school and/or those from the age of 18 to the age of 30 at the time of their entrance into the program.

“Grant” - One-time only gift awarded by MASA to an eligible  MASA participant in a semester or year program. A grant is awarded regardless of financial need.  The grant is personal and non-transferable. 

“Scholarship” - Supplementary financial aid given to an eligible MASA participant who can demonstrate financial need according to the criteria set by the MASA Company.  Like the grant, the MASA scholarship is a one-time only gift which is personal and non-transferable.