KAUST Fellowship for MS and PhD, Fall 2027

About

The KAUST Fellowship is the funding package that King Abdullah University of Science and Technology gives to its admitted graduate students. There is no separate scholarship application. If you are admitted to an MS, MS/PhD or PhD program, you are considered for the fellowship automatically, and it continues for the length of your studies.

KAUST says the fellowship is worth between USD 70,000 and 80,000 a year, depending on your situation. It covers tuition, housing, health insurance, relocation and a yearly living allowance. For Fall 2027 entry, applications are open in Round 2 until 3 January 2027.

Host institution / country

KAUST is a graduate research university founded in 2009. It sits on the Red Sea coast near Thuwal, about a 45-minute drive north of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Its research focuses on food, water, energy and the environment, and more than 120 nationalities live, work and study on its campus. Programs cover biological and environmental sciences, biomedical sciences, computer, electrical and mathematical sciences, and physical sciences and engineering.

Financial benefits

• Tuition and bench fees, worth up to USD 35,000 a year
• A living stipend of USD 20,000 a year for MS students, and USD 25,000 to 30,000 a year for PhD students
• Free on-campus housing: shared housing for single students, or a two-bedroom unit for married students (upgrades are possible for a fee)
• Health insurance for you and eligible dependents living on campus
• Relocation support for visa, moving and travel costs, both when you arrive and when you return home after graduating

Some students who already have an outside sponsor or other funding may not be eligible for the fellowship. Full fellowship terms are shared only with applicants who receive an offer.

Eligibility criteria

• Open to applicants of all nationalities
• MS: a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject from a recognised university
• PhD: a master’s degree in a relevant subject. Professional master’s degrees are not treated as equal to research master’s degrees
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent. Most admitted students score higher: about 90% have a GPA above 3.3, and 75% above 3.5
• At least 18 years old on entry
• Proof of English, unless you completed an in-person degree at an accredited university in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand, or a previous degree at KAUST. Accepted tests include IELTS (minimum 7 overall, 6.5 in each section), TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. Scores are valid for two years
• The GRE is not required, but a good score can strengthen your application

Required documents

• Official transcripts from every university you attended
• A CV
• A statement of purpose of about 750 words
• Contact details for three referees (academic or professional email addresses). Referees submit their letters directly in the system
• An official English test score, if you have one
• A copy of your passport

How to apply

1. Choose your program and possible faculty research areas on the KAUST admissions website.
2. Check the admission timeline and the entry requirements for your program.
3. Create an account on the KAUST application portal and upload your documents as you get them.
4. Add your three referees early so they have time to submit their letters.
5. Check that all documents are uploaded, then submit before 3 January 2027. KAUST describes its dates as tentative, so check the timeline page before you apply.

Selection process and timeline

After you submit, the admissions team first checks that your file is complete and will contact you if anything is missing. A faculty committee then reviews and ranks applications and shortlists the strongest candidates. Shortlisted applicants are invited to an online interview with faculty in their subject area, covering their academic background, interests and career goals.

• 28 September 2026: Round 2 opened
• 3 January 2027: application deadline
• 14 February 2027: decisions released by email
• 29 August 2027: Fall semester begins

If you receive an offer, you have a limited time to accept, or the offer may be withdrawn. All decisions are final, and KAUST does not give individual feedback.

Tips for a strong application

• Use your statement of purpose to connect your past work to specific research groups or faculty at KAUST.
• Choose referees who can comment on your research ability and compare you with other students.
• Submit a complete file early. KAUST says complete applications and fast replies to interview invitations lead to quicker decisions.
• Upload transcripts in the original language with certified English translations, and show the grading scale.
• Prepare for the interview by being ready to explain your past projects and future research goals clearly.