King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship 2026

Fostering global scientific innovation, cutting-edge technological development, and interdisciplinary research, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)—a world-class, graduate-only research university located on the Red Sea coast in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia—delivers the fully funded KAUST Fellowship / Scholarship 2026.

Also, Check Out: Top Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Europe

Targeted at exceptional students worldwide, this institutional scholarship supports full-time Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees across high-impact STEM fields, including engineering, biological sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences, and applied mathematics. A distinguishing feature of KAUST admissions is that every admitted graduate student automatically receives the full KAUST Fellowship award—no separate scholarship application form or financial aid portal is required.

Also Read: How to Write a Personal Statement for Scholarship | Tips and Free Template

Because admissions at KAUST operate on a rolling basis across multiple annual evaluation rounds, prospective scholars are encouraged to review the academic prerequisites, funding structures, portfolio requirements, and application procedures to submit early applications.

KAUST Scholarship Summary

About the KAUST Scholarship

Founded in 2009 as an international, graduate-level research institution, KAUST provides state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, supercomputing capabilities, and faculty mentorship from leading global researchers.

The KAUST Fellowship is designed to remove all financial barriers, enabling international scholars to focus entirely on advanced coursework, innovative research, and industrial collaboration.

Available Degree Tracks & Structural Timelines

1. Master of Science (M.S.) Degree:
   • Duration: 3 semesters + 1 summer session (approx. 18 months).
   • Credit Structure: 36 credit hours encompassing core graduate courses, technical electives, and a compulsory research thesis/capstone project.
2. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) Degree:
   • Duration: 3.5 years for students entering with a Bachelor’s degree; 2.5 years for students entering with a Master’s degree.
   • Program Requirements: Advanced PhD coursework, passing qualifying examinations, oral defense of dissertation proposals, and final dissertation defense based on original research contributions.

Don’t Miss: Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Eligible Target Pool and Specialized Faculties

The KAUST Fellowship is available across all specialized STEM divisions offered at the university:

• Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE): Bioengineering, Bioscience, Environmental Science and Engineering, Marine Science, Plant Science.
• Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE): Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Statistics.
• Physical Science and Engineering (PSE): Chemical Engineering, Chemical Science, Applied Physics, Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.

Join Lucy’s Scholarship Mentorship Group

Get step-by-step guidance, live group reviews, and exclusive support to find, apply, and win global scholarships.

Join Now, Let's Waka Together →

Eligibility Requirements

To meet the competitive admissions and fellowship criteria established by KAUST, applicants must satisfy the following baseline standards:

1. Core Academic Qualifications

• For Master’s (M.S.) Applicants: Must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a field directly relevant to the target program (engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, chemical sciences, or biological sciences) with strong academic standing.
• For Ph.D. Applicants: Must hold a recognized Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline showing demonstrated research potential.

2. Language & Test Score Prerequisites

• English Language Proficiency: Mandatory for all non-native English speakers.
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score of 81.
  • IELTS Academic: Minimum overall band score of 6.5.
  • Exemption: Applicants who hold a completed degree from an accredited university in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
• GRE General Test (Optional): The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not strictly required; however, submitting a strong quantitative GRE score is highly encouraged to strengthen competitive applications.

What the KAUST Scholarship Covers

Every student admitted to KAUST receives the complete KAUST Fellowship, which provides full financial support throughout their studies:

1. 100% Tuition Fee Coverage: Complete coverage of all tuition and registration fees for the entire duration of the M.S. or PhD program.
2. Generous Annual Living Stipend: Direct cash stipend ranging between $20,000 and $30,000 USD annually, disbursed monthly (stipend amount varies based on qualifications, degree level, and progress toward milestone exams).
3. On-Campus Housing: Fully furnished, private student housing provided on campus at no cost (minimal charges may apply for accompanying dependents).
4. Medical and Dental Coverage: Comprehensive health and dental insurance provided for the duration of enrollment (charges may apply for dependents).
5. Relocation & Travel Assistance: Round-trip international flight tickets to Saudi Arabia at the beginning and end of the program, along with relocation allowances.

Required Application Portfolio

Applicants must gather and upload clear digital copies (in PDF format) of the following materials to the admissions portal:

1. Official University Transcripts: Complete academic mark sheets/transcripts from all previously attended universities, accompanied by an official grading scale document and certified English translations if originally issued in another language.
2. Degree Certificates / Diplomas: Official Bachelor’s or Master’s degree certificates.
3. Official English Test Score Report: Official TOEFL iBT or IELTS score report submitted electronically to KAUST.
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated academic resume detailing educational background, research experience, technical skills, publications, and honors.
5. Three Letters of Recommendation: Contact information for three academic professors or professional research supervisors, who will receive automated links to upload signed recommendation letters directly to the portal.
6. Statement of Purpose / Research Proposal: A written essay outlining academic background, research interests, career goals, and alignment with specific KAUST faculty research groups.
7. GRE Score Report (Optional): Official GRE General Test scores if available.

How to Apply

1. Prepare Documentation: Obtain official transcripts, English test results, updated CV, and draft your Statement of Purpose.
2. Register on the Admissions Portal: Create a user account on the official KAUST Graduate Admissions website.
3. Complete Application Sections: Enter personal details, academic history, selected degree program, and faculty research alignment.
4. Upload Portfolio Documents: Upload transcripts, grading scale, certificates, CV, statement of purpose, and optional GRE scores in PDF format.
5. Submit Recommendation Requests: Provide official institutional email addresses for your three academic referees so they can upload their recommendation letters directly.
6. Finalize and Submit: Review your complete application dossier and submit online. Admission and automatic fellowship offers are issued following faculty panel evaluations and interviews.

Application Deadlines and Timeline

• Application Window: Applications operate on a rolling evaluation basis across multiple annual admission rounds.
• Evaluation & Faculty Interview Phase: Conducted on a continuous basis following complete portfolio submissions.
• Official Admission & Fellowship Notifications: Issued progressively prior to the start of the targeted academic term.

Important Operational Guidelines

• No Separate Scholarship Application: Candidates do not need to fill out a second form or check separate financial aid boxes. Admitted status automatically grants the full KAUST Fellowship.
• Direct Referee Links: Ensure that referee contact details use official institutional/university email addresses, as free email domains may delay automated reference processing.
• Faculty Alignment: Applicants—especially those applying to Ph.D. programs—are strongly encouraged to review KAUST faculty profiles and identify potential research advisors prior to submitting their application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an application fee to apply to KAUST?

No. KAUST does not charge an application fee for prospective graduate students submitting applications through the online portal.

Can I apply for a PhD program directly after completing a Bachelor’s degree?

Yes. KAUST offers a direct PhD pathway for outstanding students holding a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. The typical duration for direct PhD track students is 3.5 years.

Is English test submission mandatory if my university taught courses in English?

An English test score (TOEFL or IELTS) is mandatory unless your degree was earned directly from an institution in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. Degrees from other countries taught in English still require official TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Are family dependents covered under the KAUST Fellowship?

While campus housing and medical/dental coverage are provided for the student, additional fees or charges may apply for covering accompanying family members or dependents.

How are the monthly living stipends disbursed?

Living stipends are disbursed directly to the student’s local bank account on a regular monthly basis upon arrival on campus and completion of enrollment formalities.

Disclaimer: All financial amounts, degree program parameters, eligibility criteria, and administrative processes detailed in this guide have been compiled from official admissions publications issued by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Terms remain subject to adjustment by the university’s admissions board. Candidates are advised to consult the official KAUST portal to verify live call details.

Official Application Portal