KAUST Scholarship for Master and PhD Students, 2026-2027

The KAUST Scholarship has been created to recruit highly qualified candidates, both national and international, to study at the graduate level at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology scholarship is intended for Masters and Ph.D. students and awarded on a merit basis. The university brings together students and faculty from around the world to tackle scientific challenges.

Applicants do not need a faculty advisor before applying. Upon submission, MS/PhD and PhD applications will be reviewed by KAUST Admissions staff. Well-qualified candidates will be forwarded to their faculties, which may contact them to discuss their suitability for the program and research at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.

Founded in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a private research university located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. KAUST is the first mixed-gender university campus in Saudi Arabia and uses English as the official language of instruction for research and graduate programs.

Program Details

• Host Institution(s): King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia.
• Field: Available fields at the university.
• Number of awards: Not specified.
• Duration: Duration of student’s program.
• Eligible countries: Open to all nationalities.

KAUST Scholarship Benefits

The KAUST Fellowship is designed to ensure that admitted students can focus entirely on their studies and research. Each graduate student receives the following benefits for the duration of their graduate studies:

1. Full tuition and bench fee coverage (worth up to USD $35,000 per year).
2. Monthly stipend: USD $20,000 per year for M.S. students; USD $25,000 to $30,000 per year for Ph.D. students, depending on qualifications and academic progress.
3. Base accommodation included (shared accommodation for single students, and 2-bed accommodation for married students). Eligible students can request a housing upgrade subject to an additional fee.
4. Health insurance for students and eligible dependents living on campus.
5. Relocation support (visa, relocation and travel costs).

The total value of the KAUST Fellowship is calculated to be worth between $70,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on your specific situation. Relocation assistance is only for each student’s initial move to KAUST and their return home upon graduation. Some students with external sponsorship or funding may not be eligible for the KAUST Fellowship.

KAUST Scholarship Eligibility

To be eligible for this university scholarship, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Applicants should have a bachelor’s/master’s degree in one of the fields of study related to the university’s academic curriculum.
• Applicants must meet all the entry requirements for the master’s or PhD degree program.
• Scholarships are available for students from any country.
• Spring 2027 admission is only open to PhD applicants. Fall 2027 admission is open to MS, MS/PhD, and PhD applicants.
• There is no minimum GPA requirement. The review committee bases their decision on your application as a whole.
• Applicants must meet the minimum English requirement (more details in the application section below).

How to Apply for KAUST Scholarship

To apply for this Asia scholarship program, please click on the apply button below and follow the instructions to submit your application for admission to your chosen program. You may use the apply button to submit your application or click here to register your interest. All admitted students in graduate programs (master – PhD) will receive the scholarship.

The application process follows these steps:

1. Find a Program: Explore faculty profiles and research areas to find a program that matches your interests and career goals.
2. Admissions Timeline: Check key dates and deadlines below.
3. See Required Documentation: Review the admission requirements and prepare your documents.
4. Create an Account and Complete Your Application: Set up an application account and upload your documents as you acquire them.
5. Submit Your Application: Once all supporting documentation is uploaded, submit your application.

Required Documents

1. Official university transcripts: Please upload transcripts/mark sheets/graduation certificates/academic records from every institution previously attended. A scan of the official transcript in your native language must be uploaded along with a certified English translation. Your transcript must include the university grading scale for all documents submitted.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A summary of your work experience, research experience, and any other relevant information. If you have publications, please include their abstracts in your resume.
3. Statement of purpose: A 750 words (approximately) concerning your past work, preparation for the intended field of study, relevant background and interests, academic plans, and career objectives. Please describe your reasons for applying to the particular KAUST program for which you are seeking admission.
4. Three letters of recommendation: Written by professors or advisors under whom you have pursued research or taken courses in your major field of study. Recommendation letters should be submitted through the application system directly from the recommender.
5. English language requirements:
   • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 with at least 5.5 in all individual sections
   • TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): 79 overall, with at least 17 in all individual sections, the KAUST Admissions code is 4107
   • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 62 overall, with at least 59 in all individual sections
   • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 176 overall, with at least 169 in all individual sections
   • An English score is not required if the applicant received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States, CanadaCanada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand
   • Official GRE scores: GRE submission is not compulsory, but you are welcome to submit your scores if you have taken the exam. Official test results can be sent directly to KAUST Admissions using the GRE Code 4139.

Admission Timeline for 2027 Entry

• Spring 2027 (PhD only): Round 1 application deadline: 27 September 2026. Round 1 decisions released: 8 November 2026. Spring semester starts: 17 January 2027.
• Fall 2027 (MS, MS/PhD, PhD): Round 2 application open: 28 September 2026. Round 2 application deadline: 3 January 2027. Round 2 decisions released: 14 February 2027. Fall semester starts: 29 August 2027.

These dates are tentative and may change based on application volume. To receive prompt decisions, ensure all required documents are submitted and respond quickly to any interview invitations.

The next application deadline is September 27, 2026. For more details on the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship, please visit the official page.