KAUST Fellowship
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology · Saudi Arabia
A generously funded research university on the Red Sea, teaching entirely in English, with one of the most complete funding packages available anywhere.
Application deadline
31 Jan 2027
118 days remaining
- Intake
- Aug 2027 intake
- Open to
- Worldwide
- Study level
- Masters, PhD
We never charge for applications
What the scholarship covers
- Full tuition
- Monthly living allowance of USD 20,000–30,000 a year
- Free on-campus housing
- Medical and dental coverage
- Relocation support and annual travel
Eligibility requirements
- Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or mathematics
- Strong academic record
- English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)
- Open to applicants of any nationality
Documents you will need
- Online application
- Transcripts and degree certificates
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- English test scores
- GRE where the programme requests it
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Confirm your field is offered
KAUST is science and engineering only; there are no humanities or business programmes.
- 2
Book English tests early
TOEFL or IELTS scores must reach KAUST before the deadline, not just be booked.
- 3
Write the statement of purpose
Name the research groups you want to join and why your background fits.
- 4
Request three recommendations
Submitted online by referees; give them at least a month.
- 5
Submit the online application
Funding is granted with admission; there is no separate scholarship form.
When to do what
Counting backwards from the deadline. Applications rushed in the final fortnight are the ones that fail.
22 weeks before
Review KAUST research groups and shortlist programmes.
18 weeks before
Book TOEFL or IELTS.
14 weeks before
Draft the statement of purpose.
10 weeks before
Ask three referees, with context and deadlines.
6 weeks before
Order official transcripts and score reports.
2 weeks before
Submit and confirm all documents arrived.
What the panel is actually looking for
- Academic record in a quantitative discipline
- Research fit with KAUST faculty
- Strength of recommendations
- English proficiency
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying from a non-STEM background.
- Test scores arriving after the deadline.
- A statement of purpose that names no research group.
- Referees who miss the online submission window.
Fields of study
Similar searches
Don't miss this deadline
We'll email you before applications for KAUST Fellowship close.
Apply to more than one
Even outstanding applicants are rejected for reasons outside their control, quotas, country allocations, a stronger field that year. Shortlist three or four awards you genuinely qualify for and apply to all of them.