The KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program 2026 is a two-year fully funded research fellowship at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, open to recent PhD graduates from any country working in energy economics, environmental science, public policy, engineering, sustainability, or related fields.
The application deadline for this cycle was 30 June 2025 — that cycle is now closed. Use this post to prepare for the next intake. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of 22,000 SAR, furnished accommodation on KAPSARC’s residential campus in Riyadh, a transportation allowance, full healthcare coverage for the fellow and their family members, an education allowance for children, a relocation allowance, 24 days of annual leave, and opportunities to present research at international conferences.
Fellows are expected to produce high-quality research outputs, publish in peer-reviewed journals, contribute to ongoing KAPSARC projects, and work toward a permanent role within the organisation at the end of the two-year contract.
Summary of the KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program |
| Host Country ⇒ | Saudi Arabia |
| Study Level ⇒ | Fellowship |
| Benefits ⇒ | Fully Funded — 22,000 SAR monthly stipend, furnished accommodation, transportation allowance, family healthcare, education allowance for children, relocation support, 24 days annual leave |
| Funded By ⇒ | King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre (KAPSARC) |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | All Countries |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | 30 June 2025 (Closed — Monitor the official KAPSARC careers page for the next intake) |
Eligibility Requirements for the KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program
You must meet all of the following to apply:
- You must hold a PhD degree in a relevant field, or be in the final stages of completing one — relevant fields include energy economics, environmental science, public policy, engineering, sustainability, oil and gas, renewables, transportation, and climate
- You must demonstrate strong knowledge of one or more of KAPSARC’s core research areas: energy policy, oil and gas markets, economics, renewables, transportation, climate, and sustainability
- You must show clear expertise in independent research, using qualitative methods, quantitative methods, hybrid methods, or relevant analytical software tools appropriate to your field
- You must be proficient in English, both spoken and written
- You must have strong interpersonal skills — the programme is interdisciplinary and team-based, and fellows collaborate closely with researchers from different professional backgrounds
What the KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program Covers
The fellowship provides the following for the full two-year duration:
- A monthly stipend of 22,000 SAR — this is approximately $5,870 USD per month at current exchange rates, though verify the current equivalent on the official KAPSARC page as rates fluctuate
- Furnished accommodation on KAPSARC’s modern residential campus in Riyadh — provided for the fellow directly
- A transportation allowance
- Full healthcare coverage for the fellow and their dependants, including family members
- An education allowance for the fellow’s children
- A relocation allowance to cover the cost of moving to Riyadh at the start of the fellowship
- 24 days of paid annual leave per year
- Access to world-class research resources and advanced data platforms
- Opportunities to present research at international conferences and publish on global platforms
One practical note on the 22,000 SAR monthly stipend: Riyadh’s cost of living is generally lower than major Western cities. With furnished accommodation provided, your primary out-of-pocket expenses will be food, personal costs, and local transport. The stipend comfortably covers a comfortable standard of living in Riyadh for a fellow with or without a family, especially given that healthcare and accommodation are separately covered.
Required Documents for the KAPSARC Program
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Research proposal
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates — copies of your PhD and any other relevant qualifications
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
One practical warning: your research proposal is the most important document in this application. KAPSARC is not a general research institution — it has specific thematic priorities across energy policy, oil and gas markets, renewables, transportation, climate, and sustainability. A strong proposal makes an explicit and specific connection between your research agenda and one of these active areas at KAPSARC. A generic proposal about energy research will not advance past the initial review. Review KAPSARC’s published research on their official website before writing your proposal to understand which topics and methodologies the centre currently prioritises.
How to Apply for the Program
The application is submitted through the official KAPSARC careers portal.
- Prepare all required documents — CV, cover letter, research proposal, two recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and English proficiency evidence if applicable.
- Visit the official KAPSARC careers page to find the Postdoctoral Program listing for the next intake.
- Create an account on the KAPSARC careers portal or log in if you already have one.
- Complete the application form form in full.
- Upload all required documents through the portal.
- Submit your completed application before the stated deadline.
Contact your two referees well in advance of the deadline — their letters need to be ready before you submit, and last-minute requests produce weaker recommendations.
Application Deadline
The 2026 cycle closed on 30 June 2025. The next intake date has not yet been announced. Monitor the official KAPSARC careers page regularly for the opening of the next application round. KAPSARC does not publish far-in-advance notice of fellowship openings — checking the careers page monthly is the most reliable way to stay current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program fully funded?
Yes. The programme covers a monthly stipend of 22,000 SAR, furnished on-campus accommodation, a transportation allowance, full healthcare for the fellow and dependants, an education allowance for children, a relocation allowance, and 24 days of paid annual leave per year. There are no programme costs the fellow is expected to cover.
Can Nigerian and African researchers apply for the KAPSARC Postdoctoral Program?
Yes. The programme is open to applicants from all countries worldwide. There are no nationality restrictions. You must hold or be completing a PhD in a field relevant to KAPSARC’s research priorities and meet the English proficiency and research experience requirements.
Do I need to have completed my PhD before applying?
You must either already hold a PhD or be close to completing one in a relevant field. Confirm the exact requirement for “close to completing” on the official KAPSARC careers page for the next intake, as the specific threshold — such as thesis submitted or defence scheduled — may be stated in the job posting.
What research areas does KAPSARC focus on?
KAPSARC’s primary research areas are energy policy, oil and gas markets, economics, renewable energy, transportation, climate change, and sustainability. Your research proposal and professional background should connect clearly to at least one of these areas. Review KAPSARC’s published research at the official website before applying.
Is there a possibility of a permanent position after the fellowship?
Yes. The programme is described as a pipeline into permanent roles at KAPSARC. Fellows who demonstrate strong research output and institutional fit are considered for long-term positions at the end of the two-year contract. This is not a guarantee — it depends on your performance and available positions — but it is a documented outcome of the programme.
Can I bring my family to Saudi Arabia during the fellowship?
Yes. The fellowship includes healthcare coverage for the fellow’s family members and an education allowance for the fellow’s children, which confirms that accompanying family members are accommodated within the programme’s support structure.
Disclaimer: All fellowship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria were verified from the official KAPSARC website and careers portal as of June 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official source before submitting your application.
Official Application Portal
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