If you are an ambitious STEM researcher aiming to pursue tuition-free postgraduate studies at a state-of-the-art facility, the King Abdullah University Scholarship 2027 (officially known as the KAUST Fellowship) is one of the most generous award packages in global higher education. The King Abdullah University Scholarship 2027 offers international students a golden opportunity to pursue higher education in Saudi Arabia at the prestigious King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This fully funded scholarship supports talented individuals seeking master’s and PhD degrees, primarily in science, engineering, and technology fields.
Located along the Red Sea, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) offers every admitted master’s and PhD student full financial backing. This guide covers key deadlines, academic streams, financial perks, application processes, and insider tips to help you secure a spot in the 2027 academic intake.
Basic Information About the KAUST Fellowship 2027
The KAUST Fellowship automatically funds 100% of admitted full-time graduate students—eliminating the need for a separate scholarship application.
- Host Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Study Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia (Red Sea Coast)
- Degree Levels: Master of Science (M.S.), M.S./Ph.D. Joint Track, and Ph.D. Degrees
- Target Group: Open to applicants of all nationalities
- Application Cycle Opens: Mid-August 2026
Key Application Deadlines for 2027 Intake
- Spring 2027 Entry (Ph.D. Applicants Only): Round 1 closes September 27, 2026.
- Fall 2027 Entry (M.S., M.S./Ph.D., and Ph.D.): Round 2 application opens September 28, 2026, and closes January 3, 2027.
University Details: The KAUST Research Oasis
Founded in 2009, KAUST is an international, graduate-only research university that functions as an independent innovation hub. Situated on a self-contained campus covering over 36 square kilometers along the Red Sea, KAUST brings together faculty and students from over 100 countries.
The campus operates with its own private residential community, marine sanctuaries, supercomputing centers (such as Shaheen III), and advanced nanofabrication labs. Because KAUST focuses exclusively on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), research funding per faculty member is among the highest in the world.
Study Areas and Available Programs
KAUST offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs structured under three academic divisions:
- Division of Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
- Division of Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
- Division of Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
Popular specific programs include:
- Applied Maths and Computational Science
- Specialization
- Applied Mathematics
- Computational Science and Engineering
- Specialization
- Applied Physics
- Specialization
- Biosensors and Bioelectronics
- Bioinformatics and Machine Learning
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
- Synthetic Biology
- Specialization
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Biomolecular Engineering
- Biophysics and Bioimaging
- Specialization
- Chemical Science
- Specialization
- Advanced Chemical Engineering
- Advanced Biological Engineering
- Chemical Science
- Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Specialization
- Advanced Chemical Engineering
- Advanced Biological Engineering
- Computer Science
- Specialization
- Computer Science
- Specialization
- Solid Earth Systems
- Fluid Earth Systems
- Specialization
- Electrophysics
- Systems
- Specialization
- Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering
- Specialization
- Water Quality, Chemistry, and Treatment
- Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Environmental Hydrology and Fluid Mechanics
- Materials for Environmental Science and Engineering
- Specialization
- Marine Science and Engineering
- Environmental Hydrology and Fluid Mechanics
- Materials for Environmental Science and Engineering
- Specialization
- Marine Science and Engineering
- Marine Science and Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Specialization
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Specialization
- Mechanical Engineering
- Specialization
- Plant Science
- Specialization
- Plant Science
- Statistics
These programs focus on contemporary global challenges, emphasizing innovation in science and engineering.
King Abdullah University Scholarship Benefits
The King Abdullah University Scholarship 2026 comes with comprehensive benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of the program
- Monthly living allowance ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 annually, depending on the academic level and progress
- Free on-campus housing accommodation
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- Relocation support including travel expenses for the student and one round-trip airfare annually
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities, mentorship, and career development resources
- Participation in university job fairs and international networking events
What the Scholarship Does NOT Cover
While the scholarship covers almost all essential costs, some benefits may not be included or may require additional personal funding:
- Personal expenses beyond the stipend (e.g., leisure, personal travel unrelated to research)
- Optional extracurricular activities or non-academic travel
- Certain visa and passport processing fees (varies by nationality)
- Dependents’ living costs (if applicable)
Eligibility Criteria for King Abdullah University Scholarship
1. Master’s (MS)
- Relevant Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0.
- Typically, 90% of admitted students have above 3.3.
- 75% have above 3.5.
- Must be at least 18 years old when entering the program.
- English proficiency is required.
- Required documents:
- Official university transcripts
- CV
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Contact details of 3 referees
- English test score (if available)
- Passport copy
- Application fee: 200 SAR
- All documents must be in English.
- GRE/PGAT score may also be considered/required depending on the program.
2. PhD
- Requires a relevant Master’s degree from a recognized university.
- KAUST looks for:
- Strong academic performance
- Clear research interests
- Research potential
- Motivation and potential impact
- Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0.
- Typically, competitive applicants have GPA above 3.3–3.5.
- Must be 18+ years old.
- English proficiency is required.
- Required documents:
- Official transcripts
- CV
- SOP
- 3 referees
- English test score (if available)
- Passport copy
- 200 SAR application fee
- Documents must be in English.
- GRE/PGAT may be required depending on the program.
3. MS–PhD Pathway
- You can enter with a relevant Bachelor’s degree and progress toward a PhD.
- The same general requirements apply:
- Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0
- English proficiency
- Transcripts
- CV
- SOP
- 3 referees
- Passport
- Application fee of 200 SAR
- GRE/PGAT depending on the program
KAUST English Proficiency Requirements
- Applies to: Master’s, PhD, and MS-PhD programs.
- IELTS: Overall 7.0, with at least 6.5 in each section.
- IELTS Online is accepted.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 5.0, with at least 4.5 in each section.
- TOEFL Home Edition is accepted.
- KAUST Admissions Code: 4107.
- PTE Academic: Overall 71, with at least 67 in each section.
- Cambridge English:
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
- Overall 185, with at least 176 in each section.
- Score validity: English test scores must be within 2 years of the test date.
- Only official academic test results are accepted.
Not Accepted
- ❌ MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate
- ❌ Duolingo English Test — except for Visiting Student applicants
- ❌ TOEFL MyBest Scores / superscores
- ❌ IELTS One Skill Retake
In short: For KAUST, the safest option is IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5+ in every band.
Required Documents for Application
Candidates must submit the following documents through the KAUST online application platform:
For Master’s
- Official University Transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Contact details of 3 referees
- Official English Language Test Score (if available)
- Passport Copy
- Application Fee: 200 SAR
- GRE/PGAT Score (if required by the program)
PhD
- Official University Transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Contact details of 3 referees
- Official English Language Test Score (if available)
- Passport Copy
- Application Fee: 200 SAR
- GRE/PGAT Score (if required by the program)
For MS–PhD Pathway
- Official University Transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Contact details of 3 referees
- Official English Language Test Score (if available)
- Passport Copy
- Application Fee: 200 SAR
- GRE/PGAT Score (if required by the program)
King Abdullah University Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Create an online account on the KAUST application portal.
- Choose your program of interest and ensure you meet eligibility.
- Prepare and upload all required documents in the prescribed formats.
- Submit your application before the deadline (October 1, 2025).
- Await preliminary review and potential interview invitation from KAUST.
- Receive acceptance letter and scholarship offer if selected.
- Complete visa, travel, and onboarding formalities as guided by the university.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Focus heavily on research experience: KAUST prioritizes candidates with proven laboratory skills, scientific writing ability, or peer-reviewed publication records.
- Customize your Statement of Purpose: Mention specific KAUST research centers (such as the Water Desalination and Reuse Center or Visual Computing Center) and name 2 to 3 faculty members you want to work with.
- Secure strong academic references: Choose professors who can comment specifically on your problem-solving abilities, laboratory technique, and independent research capacity.
- Prepare for technical interview questions: KAUST interviews often test fundamental engineering, physics, or coding concepts related to your intended field of study.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
Because KAUST provides free accommodation and a tax-free living stipend, student living costs on campus are minimal. Here is an estimated breakdown of monthly expenses inside the KAUST residential community:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Housing & Rent | $0 | Base accommodation is fully covered by the Fellowship |
| Food & Groceries | $250 – $400 | On-campus Tamimi Supermarket & campus dining halls |
| Utilities & Wi-Fi | $0 | Fully provided inside on-campus student housing |
| Local Transport | $0 | Free shuttle buses serve all campus sectors and dorms |
| Mobile & Personal Care | $40 – $80 | Local Saudi SIM card plans & personal incidentals |
| Leisure & Recreation | $100 – $200 | Campus sports facilities, Red Sea diving, and cinema |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $390 – $680 / month | Easily covered by your $1,660 – $2,500 monthly stipend! |
Why Choose the KAUST Scholarship? (5 Core Reasons)
- Guaranteed Funding for All Admitted Students: Every accepted student receives a full scholarship—removing financial competition among peers.
- State-of-the-Art Research Infrastructure: Gain access to advanced supercomputers, clean rooms, imaging centers, and oceanographic research vessels.
- High-Impact Academic Network: Study under internationally recognized faculty members recruited from institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Cambridge.
- Resort-Style Red Sea Campus: Enjoy a unique living environment featuring private beaches, golf courses, marine sports centers, and international dining options.
- High Post-Graduation Placement: Alumni secure roles at top global tech firms (e.g., Google, Aramco, Sabic, Intel) or pursue further doctoral/postdoctoral work at premier universities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to apply for the KAUST Fellowship separately?
No. Every student admitted to KAUST automatically receives the KAUST Fellowship package.
Is there an application fee for KAUST?
No, KAUST does not charge an application fee.
Can I bring my family/dependents to campus?
Yes. Ph.D. students and qualified Master’s candidates can bring spouses and children. Married housing and family medical coverage are provided on campus.
Is Arabic required to study or live at KAUST?
No. The official language of instruction, research, and daily campus communication at KAUST is English.
Official Link:
Apply early and prepare your documents carefully to seize this once-in-a-lifetime academic opportunity in Saudi Arabia.
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