KAUST Fellowship 2027 in Saudi Arabia (Fully Funded MS and PhD)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, is a leading graduate research university on the Red Sea coast. Every student admitted to its master's (MS), combined MS/PhD and PhD programmes receives the KAUST Fellowship, a full scholarship with a generous stipend.

The fellowship is open to students of all nationalities, and there is no application fee.

What the KAUST Fellowship covers

• Full tuition and bench fees
• Tax-free stipend: US$20,000 a year for MS students, and US$25,000–30,000 a year for PhD students, depending on qualifications and progress
• Free on-campus housing: shared accommodation for single students and two-bedroom units for married students
• Health insurance for students and eligible dependents living on campus
• Visa costs and relocation support
• Return travel after graduation

Programmes

KAUST offers graduate programmes in three divisions:

• Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE): 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, Chemistry, Earth Science and Engineering, Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Who can apply

• MS: a relevant bachelor's degree
• PhD: a relevant master's degree (strong bachelor's graduates can apply for the combined MS/PhD)
• A competitive academic record (minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; admitted students are usually much stronger)
• English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall (at least 6.5 in each section), TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic 71, or Cambridge C1/C2 185. Duolingo is not accepted.
• GRE: optional
• English tests are waived for students who completed an in-person degree in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand

Application deadlines for 2027

Documents you need

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• CV
• Statement of purpose
• Contact details for three referees
• English test score
• GRE score (optional)
• Copy of your passport or national ID

How to apply

1. Choose your programme and research areas, and look at KAUST faculty whose work interests you.
2. Create an account on the official KAUST admissions portal.
3. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
4. Enter your referees' details. KAUST will contact them for recommendation letters.
5. Submit by 3 January 2027. Admitted students automatically receive the KAUST Fellowship.

Tips for a strong application

• Write a focused statement of purpose. Name the research areas and KAUST faculty you want to work with, and explain how your experience prepares you.
• Highlight your research. Projects, publications, internships and technical skills all strengthen your application.
• Choose referees who know your work and can speak about your research potential.
• Book your English test early, so your score arrives before the deadline.
• Applying is free. Never pay anyone who promises KAUST admission.