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Situated on the shores of the Red Sea in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is an elite, international graduate research institution. Operating with state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, world-class faculty, and heavy investment in technological commercialization, KAUST serves as a global hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The KAUST Fellowship is an automatic, all-inclusive financial package awarded to 100% of admitted full-time graduate students (Master’s and Ph.D.). Additionally, KAUST offers the highly competitive KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for early-career researchers looking to establish independent research agendas.
With applications launching for the 2027 cycle, understanding the award tiers, academic benchmarks, and mandatory document requirements is essential for securing your place at KAUST.
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1. Funding Spectrum & Beneficiary Packages
KAUST funding is divided into two main categories depending on whether you are entering as a degree-seeking student (M.S./Ph.D.) or an independent Postdoctoral Fellow.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ KAUST FELLOWSHIP TIERS │
├──────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────┤
│ 1. Graduate Degree Track │ 2. Postdoctoral Track │
│ (M.S., Ph.D., Direct PhD) │ (KAUST Global Fellowship) │
├──────────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────┤
│ • Full Tuition Waiver │ • $75,000 Annual Stipend │
│ • $20,000–$30,000 Stipend │ • $45,000 Annual Research Budget│
│ • Free On-Campus Housing │ • Private Housing & Utilities │
│ • Health & Relocation Support│ • Family Benefits & Travel │
└──────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┘
Benefit Breakdown:
| Financial Component | Graduate Track (M.S. / Ph.D.) | Global Postdoctoral Fellowship |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Bench Fees | 100% Covered (worth ~$35,000/year) | N/A (Independent Research Appointment) |
| Living Allowance / Stipend | $20,000–$30,000/year (tax-free, based on degree phase) | $75,000/year (tax-free living stipend) |
| Research Budget | Project-funded through faculty advisor labs | $45,000/year direct independent research grant |
| Accommodation | Free furnished housing on campus | Free 2-bed accommodation + utilities |
| Medical & Dental | Full coverage for student & eligible dependents | Full coverage + childcare/schooling support |
| Travel & Relocation | Initial move flight & graduation return ticket | Relocation allowance & annual return airfare |
2. Core Academic Divisions & Research Pillars
All degree programs and fellowship proposals must fall within KAUST’s four primary academic divisions:
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE): Bioscience, Bioengineering, Marine Science, Plant Science, and Environmental Science and Engineering.
- Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE): Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Statistics.
- Physical Science and Engineering (PSE): Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Earth Science and Engineering, Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
- Biomedical Sciences Division (BioMed): Translational healthcare, bio-imaging, and precision therapeutics.
3. Eligibility Prerequisites & Test Standards
Admissions to KAUST are strictly merit-based. Meeting the minimum entry benchmarks is required to enter the evaluation pool:
- Language Benchmark: Minimum score of 6.5 on IELTS Academic or 79 on TOEFL iBT. (Waivers apply ONLY if your prior degree was issued by an accredited institution in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand).
- GRE Exam: Not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Submitting a high Quantitative GRE score (Institutional Code:
4139) significantly strengthens your file for engineering and computing tracks. - Global Postdoc Specifics: Candidates applying for the 3-year Global Postdoctoral Fellowship must have earned their Ph.D. within the last 4 calendar years (Ph.D. awarded after January 2023 for the 2027 call).
4. Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
1.Select Degree Path or Identify Host PI:Step 1.
For M.S./Ph.D. applicants, select your target academic program. For Global Postdoc applicants, identify up to two KAUST faculty members whose research labs match your proposed 3-year research project.
2.Prepare Application Dossier:Step 2.
Gather official university transcripts (with grading scales), a detailed CV, a Statement of Purpose (750 words), and official English score reports.
3.Register Recommender Contacts:Step 3.
Submit contact details for three (3) academic recommenders. Recommenders must upload letters directly via the automated KAUST system.
4.Submit via the KAUST Online Portal:Step 4.
Complete your online submission through the KAUST application tool. There is no application fee for KAUST admissions.
5.Academic Evaluation & Interview Phase:Step 5.
Shortlisted applicants complete a technical interview with academic faculty members before formal admission and fellowship offer letters are issued.
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5. Timeline for 2027 Admissions & Fellowships
| Application Track | Portal Opens | Target Cutoff Deadline | Program Commencement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Spring 2027 Intake | August 2026 | October 1, 2026 | January 2027 |
| Graduate Fall 2027 Intake | August 2026 | May 7, 2027 | August 2027 |
| Global Postdoc (Stage 1: Concept Note) | September 1, 2026 | October 1, 2026 | 2027 Cycle |
| Global Postdoc (Stage 2: Full Proposal) | November 15, 2026 | January 15, 2027 | 2027 Cycle |
FAQ’s
Do I need a separate application for the KAUST Graduate Fellowship?
No. There is no separate application form for the KAUST Fellowship for M.S. and Ph.D. students. Every student who receives an official offer of admission to KAUST automatically receives the full fellowship package.
Is the GRE required for KAUST admission?
No, the GRE General Test is not mandatory. However, submitting a strong Quantitative GRE score (Institutional Code: 4139) is strongly encouraged and will strengthen your application during departmental review.
What is the stipend for KAUST graduate students?
M.S. students receive a tax-free living stipend of approximately $20,000 per year, while Ph.D. students receive between $25,000 and $30,000 per year, depending on academic qualifications and progression through degree milestones.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
When writing your Statement of Purpose or Postdoctoral Concept Note for KAUST, explicitly tie your research objectives to one of KAUST’s six major national research missions: Water, Energy, Environment, Food, Health, or Artificial Intelligence (AI). Demonstrating direct alignment with KAUST’s Core Labs and active research priorities significantly increases your chance of securing a competitive spot.
OFFICAL LINK:
Official Graduate Admissions Hub: KAUST Admissions Main Portal
KAUST Student Fellowship Details: KAUST Admissions Fees & Funding PageKAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship (KGFP): KAUST Global Fellowship Official Web Portal
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