Introduction
KAUST, or King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, is a rapidly rising star in global research and innovation. Located on the picturesque coast of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, this world-class university is renowned for its cutting-edge, futuristic campus design, state-of-the-art interdisciplinary laboratories, and its bold, forward-thinking vision that aims to address some of the world’s most pressing scientific and technological challenges.
One of the most significant opportunities at KAUST is the prestigious KAUST Fellowship, which is a game changer for graduate students aspiring to pursue advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This fellowship provides comprehensive financial support that covers full tuition fees, ensuring that students have the freedom to focus entirely on their research and studies without worrying about educational expenses. In addition to tuition, fellows receive a competitive monthly stipend that supports their living expenses in the vibrant university community.
Moreover, the fellowship package includes free on-campus housing, allowing students to live comfortably and conveniently close to their labs, classes, and campus resources. Comprehensive health care coverage is also provided, safeguarding the well-being of students and their families. For those relocating to KAUST from other cities or countries, the fellowship offers relocation assistance, making the transition smoother and less stressful.
Altogether, the benefits of the KAUST Fellowship are valued at approximately $70,000 to $80,000 per year, representing a substantial investment in the education, research, and professional development of each fellow. This generous support not only attracts top talent from around the world but also empowers students to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in a supportive and inspiring environment. Darrab Education+6KAUST-KGSP+6Scholarships for International Students+6Default.
The Graduate KAUST Fellowship at a Glance
If you’re accepted to a Master’s or PhD program at KAUST, you automatically get a comprehensive financial package—no extra applications needed. It includes:
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Full tuition and fees
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Generous living stipend ($20K for Masters; up to $30K for PhD) KAUST-KGSP
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On-campus housing (~$7K/year) Default+1Opportunities Corners+1
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Medical and dental insurance Scholarships for International Students+2Darrab Education+2fullscholarships.net+2
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Relocation and travel costs covered KAUST-KGSP+3Default+3Wikipedia+3
This full package ensures you can go full-tilt into your research—without worrying about tuition or rent.
KAUST Global Fellowship for Early-career Researchers
Postdocs, rejoice! The KAUST Global Fellowship offers up to $75,000 per year plus a $40,000 research budget, on top of benefits like medical insurance, relocation support, and even schooling for kids. It’s perfect for building a research career in an enriching environment
Postdoctoral researchers, get ready to celebrate an incredible opportunity! The KAUST Global Fellowship is designed to support and empower postdocs in advancing their research careers by providing substantial financial and professional benefits. Fellows can receive up to $75,000 per year in salary, along with an additional $40,000 specifically allocated for research expenses. Beyond these generous funds, the fellowship also includes valuable benefits such as comprehensive medical insurance to ensure your well-being, assistance with relocation to help you smoothly transition to a new city or country, and even support for your children’s schooling to ease family concerns. This fellowship offers an exceptional chance to build and grow your research career within a vibrant, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment at KAUST.
Whether you are starting fresh or looking to elevate your work, the KAUST Global Fellowship provides the resources and community needed to thrive and make significant contributions to your field. GT New SiteOpportunities for Youth.
KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP)
Even undergraduate students have a valuable opportunity through the King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KGSP). This prestigious program provides funding for a Foundation Year in the United States, designed to prepare students academically and culturally for higher education abroad. Following the successful completion of this foundational year, participants can continue their undergraduate studies, gaining a strong educational background at a reputable U.S. institution.
Upon finishing their undergraduate degree, top-performing students are given the chance to secure graduate placements at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), one of Saudi Arabia’s leading research universities. The KGSP is specifically intended for outstanding Saudi students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, helping to build world-class expertise and contribute to the kingdom’s development in these critical areas. sama.kaust.edu.saKAUST-KGSP.
Who Can Apply?
For admission to a Master’s program, applicants are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. To be eligible for a PhD program, candidates must hold a master’s degree in a relevant field. Students from all countries are welcome to apply, regardless of nationality or background, as long as they demonstrate strong academic credentials. Typically, this means having achieved a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of approximately 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Additionally, since instruction is conducted in English, applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency through standardized tests. Acceptable scores include a minimum of 79 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or a minimum band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Meeting these academic and language requirements will ensure eligibility for admission consideration. Darrab EducationOpportunities CornersOpportunities Info.
Applying: Easy and Straightforward
You do not need to submit a separate application specifically for scholarships. Once you are admitted to the program, you will automatically be considered for scholarship opportunities. Applications for admission typically open in August or September for both the Spring and Fall intake sessions. The deadline to submit your application is usually around January for Spring admissions and around April for Fall admissions. Make sure to complete your application by these deadlines to be eligible for both admission and scholarships. Opportunities InfoOpportunities Corners.
Areas of Study You Can Dive Into
KAUST offers cutting-edge graduate work in fields like:
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Bioscience & bioengineering
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Environmental science & earth systems
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Computer science, applied math, and statistics
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Electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering Scholarships for International Studentsfullscholarships.net
Research happens at top-tier labs, with multi-disciplinary collaboration at center stage.
The KAUST Campus Experience
KAUST’s campus is modern, multicultural, and coed—a rarity in the region—designed around sustainability (LEED Platinum certified) and innovation Wikipedia. You’ll find a tight-knit scholarly community, cutting‑edge facilities, and endless possibilities.
Why It’s a Game-Changer
What’s not to love? With outstanding funding opportunities available, you can dedicate yourself fully to groundbreaking scientific explorations without the burden of worrying about tuition bills. KAUST is renowned for attracting top global talent from diverse fields, creating a vibrant and collaborative research community.
This environment fosters innovative, cross-disciplinary projects that push the boundaries of knowledge and technology. Being part of KAUST positions you at the very forefront of cutting-edge research, giving you access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. For early career scholars, the prestigious Global Fellowship offers not just financial support but also an invaluable springboard to develop your skills, expand your professional network, and emerge as a future leader in academia. This combination of support, community, and opportunity makes KAUST an unparalleled destination for aspiring researchers.
Application Tips
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Write about real research that aligns with KAUST’s vision
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Show strong academic results and motivations
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Prepare a focused, clear statement of purpose—specific to KAUST’s mission and your goals
Voices from the Field
“One KAUST student aptly put it: ‘You don’t have to worry about a single thing other than your research and having fun.’” That sums it up pretty well—it’s research without hassles Scholarships for International StudentsDefault.
Conclusion
If you dream of embarking on a research-intensive graduate journey fully supported by financial aid, look no further than King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Whether your academic ambitions lead you to pursue a Master’s degree, a PhD, or a postdoctoral fellowship, KAUST offers fully funded programs that serve as an exceptional platform to launch your career and advance your expertise.
At KAUST, you will benefit from comprehensive financial support that covers not only your tuition fees but also provides a generous monthly stipend to support your living expenses. Additionally, comfortable housing accommodations are included, ensuring that you can focus entirely on your research and academic growth without worrying about financial burdens. Beyond these essentials, the university also offers access to state-of-the-art laboratories, cutting-edge technology, and collaborations with world-renowned faculty and researchers in science and engineering fields.
By joining KAUST, you become part of a vibrant and diverse academic community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Here, you will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects, contribute to impactful scientific discoveries, and develop skills that will propel your professional career to new heights.
If you are ready to secure your future and take the next step in your academic journey, explore the fully funded programs at KAUST and unlock your potential to make a lasting difference in the world of science and technology. Your path to excellence starts here.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to apply separately for the KAUST Fellowship?
Nope! All admitted students automatically receive the KAUST Fellowship—no extra application required Wikipedia+3Default+3Opportunities Corners+3.
Q2: Are all students offered the highest stipend amount?
Generally, Master’s receive around $20K/year, while PhD students can earn $25K–$30K/year depending on progress and qualifications DefaultDarrab Education.
Q3: Can undergraduates study directly at KAUST?
There’s no direct undergraduate entry—KGSP is a pathway via a U.S. foundation year for certain Saudi students sama.kaust.edu.saKAUST-KGSP.
Q4: What academic fields does KAUST offer?
KAUST focuses on STEM—think bioscience, computational science, engineering, environmental science, and the digital domain Wikipedia+1Darrab Education+1.
Q5: Can students from all countries apply?
Absolutely! Globally eligible—no nationality restrictions for the graduate fellowship programs.