Who can apply for the KAUST Fellowship?

Qualified international applicants who meet KAUST's academic, English-language, document, and program-specific requirements can apply. Master's applicants generally need a relevant Bachelor's degree, while PhD applicants normally need a relevant Master's degree.

Can international students apply to KAUST?

Yes. KAUST welcomes qualified students from around the world, provided they meet the admission requirements for their selected graduate program.

What is the minimum GPA required for KAUST?

The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, and many successful applicants have stronger academic records.

Is IELTS required for the KAUST Fellowship?

Applicants generally need acceptable official evidence of English proficiency. KAUST accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English qualifications, subject to its published minimum scores and exemptions.

Can I apply without an IELTS or TOEFL score?

Yes. KAUST allows applicants to submit an application before receiving an English test score. If admitted, the applicant must provide an acceptable score before enrollment unless they qualify for an official exemption.

Does KAUST require the GRE?

No. The GRE is not required for admission. However, a valid GRE General Test or PGAT score may strengthen an application and may qualify an applicant for an application fee waiver when submitted with the application.

What does the KAUST Fellowship cover?

The fellowship covers full tuition and bench fees, provides a living stipend, base accommodation, health insurance, and relocation support. KAUST publishes an overall fellowship value of approximately USD 70,000–80,000 per year depending on the student's circumstances.

How much is the KAUST stipend?

KAUST publishes an annual stipend of approximately USD 20,000 for Master's students and USD 25,000–30,000 for PhD students, depending on qualifications and academic progress.

What is the application deadline for KAUST Fellowship 2027?

For Spring 2027, admission is available only for PhD applicants and the Round 1 deadline is September 27, 2026. For Fall 2027, Master's, MS/PhD, and PhD applicants can apply, with the current Round 2 deadline of January 3, 2027. Applicants should verify the official admission timeline for the latest dates.

Can I apply for a Master's degree at KAUST?

Yes. Fall 2027 admission includes Master's, MS/PhD, and PhD pathways. Master's applicants generally need a relevant Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution.

Can I apply for a PhD at KAUST with only a Bachelor's degree?

KAUST's general admission requirements state that PhD applicants normally need a relevant Master's degree. Applicants should review the specific requirements of their chosen program for any applicable pathway or exception.

Fellowship

KAUST Fellowship 2027 in Saudi Arabia | Fully Funded Master's & PhD

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

The KAUST Fellowship 2027 provides fully funded graduate study opportunities at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia for outstanding international students pursuing research-intensive Master's and PhD degrees. All admitted Master's and PhD students are eligible to receive the KAUST Fellowship, subject to the university's fellowship conditions. The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition and bench-fee coverage, a monthly living stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and relocation support. For Fall 2027 entry, KAUST offers Master's, MS/PhD, and PhD programs across a wide range of science, engineering, technology, and related research disciplines. Fall 2027 applications open on September 28, 2026, with a current application deadline of January 3, 2027. Spring 2027 admission is available only for PhD applicants. The Round 1 application deadline is September 27, 2026, and the Spring semester begins on January 17, 2027. Applicants are evaluated holistically based on their academic record, research interests and potential, motivation, and overall suitability for their selected program. Applicants must meet KAUST's academic, English-language, and document requirements. The KAUST Fellowship is intended to allow students to focus on graduate study and research without the financial burden of tuition and major living expenses. Individual fellowship benefits may vary according to the student's degree level and circumstances.

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Opportunity description

Important details

Fully Funded Graduate Study: The KAUST Fellowship provides full tuition and bench-fee coverage, a monthly living stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and relocation support for eligible admitted students.
Spring 2027 PhD Admission: Spring 2027 admission is available only for PhD applicants. The Round 1 application deadline is September 27, 2026.
Fall 2027 Admission: Fall 2027 admission is open to Master's, MS/PhD, and PhD applicants. The current Round 2 application deadline is January 3, 2027.
Minimum GPA: The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. KAUST notes that the majority of admitted applicants have higher GPAs, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.
No GRE Requirement: KAUST does not require the GRE for admission. A valid GRE General Test or PGAT score may strengthen an application and can qualify an applicant for an application fee waiver when submitted with the application.
English Proficiency: Applicants generally need an official English-language test score. KAUST accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English qualifications, subject to its published minimum scores and exemptions.

Who can apply

Relevant Bachelor's Degree: Applicants to a Master's program must hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a recognized higher education institution.
Relevant Master's Degree for PhD: Applicants to a PhD program must normally hold a relevant Master's degree from a recognized higher education institution. KAUST notes that professional Master's degrees are not automatically considered equivalent to academic Master's degrees.
Academic Excellence: Applicants should have a strong academic record. The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, but successful applicants are typically more academically competitive.
Research Potential: Applicants should demonstrate clear research interests, motivation, and potential for success in a research-intensive graduate environment.
English Proficiency: Applicants must provide acceptable evidence of English proficiency unless they qualify for one of KAUST's specific exemptions.
Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry.
Minimum GPA: 3 / 4

Required documents

Official University Transcripts — Official academic transcripts are required. Supporting academic documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by an official English translation where required.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Provide an up-to-date academic or professional CV highlighting education, research, projects, publications, awards, and relevant experience.
Statement of Purpose — The statement should clearly explain the applicant's academic background, motivation, research interests, and reasons for applying to the selected KAUST program.
Passport Identification Page — Provide a clear copy of the passport page showing the applicant's photograph and personal details. Saudi applicants may use a national ID card instead.
English Language Test Score — Applicants generally need an official English-language test score unless they qualify for an exemption. Applicants may submit the application before receiving a test score, but admitted applicants must provide an acceptable result before enrollment.
Three Referees — Applicants must provide the contact details of three referees as part of the application.

FAQ

Yes. The fellowship provides full tuition and bench-fee coverage, a monthly living stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and relocation support. Exact benefits may vary according to degree level and individual circumstances.

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KAUST Fellowship 2027 in Saudi Arabia | Fully Funded Master's & PhD

Opportunity description

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Benefits & prizes

Who can apply

Important dates

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Related opportunities

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2027/28

Bow Seat True Blue Fellowship 2026 for Young Environmental Leaders

Bow Seat True Blue Fellowship 2026 for Young Environmental Leaders