KAUST Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded MS & PhD

KAUST Graduate Admissions 2027: Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in Saudi Arabia

Apply to KAUST 2027 for fully funded Master’s and PhD programs. Check stipend, eligibility, IELTS, documents, benefits and deadlines.

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia offers fully funded graduate study opportunities for talented students from around the world. Through the KAUST Fellowship, admitted Master’s and PhD students can receive full tuition support, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health coverage and relocation assistance.

KAUST is a research-focused university with graduate programmes across 17 STEM disciplines. Its admissions website currently states that applications for 2027 entry opened in mid-August 2026, following the closure of the 2026 cycle.

Unlike many international scholarships, the KAUST Fellowship is generally connected to admission: all admitted students are evaluated for KAUST Fellowship support, making the university particularly attractive for applicants looking for a fully funded Master’s or PhD opportunity.

Scholarship Overview

The KAUST Fellowship supports graduate students throughout their studies. The university describes the fellowship as covering tuition and bench fees, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance and relocation support.

At a Glance

Feature	Details
University	King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Location	Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Study Level	Master’s, PhD, MS/PhD
Academic Areas	STEM and related technology disciplines
Funding	KAUST Fellowship
Tuition	Fully covered
Monthly Stipend	Approx. US$20,000/year for MS; US$25,000–30,000/year for PhD
Housing	Included
Health Insurance	Included for students and eligible dependents living on campus
Relocation Support	Included
English Requirement	IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 81 minimum
GRE	Not required
Minimum GPA	3.0/4.0 or equivalent
2027 Entry	Applications opened mid-August 2026
Application Fee	No application fee stated by KAUST
Official Application	KAUST Admissions

The current KAUST funding page estimates the total fellowship value at approximately US$70,000–80,000 per year, depending on the student’s situation.

University Overview

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, on the Red Sea coast.

The university focuses heavily on scientific research, advanced technology, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. KAUST’s current admissions website reports 180+ world-class faculty, students from 120+ nationalities, and a highly international campus community.

Students have access to advanced laboratories, research facilities and specialised equipment. KAUST also highlights research areas addressing challenges such as water and food security, energy, health and artificial intelligence.

Why Study at KAUST?

Fully Funded Graduate Education

The KAUST Fellowship covers major educational and living expenses, allowing students to focus on research without the financial burden normally associated with graduate study abroad.

World-Class Research Facilities

Students work in an environment equipped with advanced laboratories, research infrastructure and specialised technologies.

International Community

KAUST hosts students and researchers from more than 100 countries, creating a strongly international academic environment.

Research-Focused Education

Both Master’s and PhD programmes emphasise research, with students working closely with faculty and participating in projects designed to address real-world scientific and technological problems.

Career Opportunities

KAUST graduates have progressed into careers across academia, industry, research laboratories, government and technology companies. The university highlights alumni working with organisations including Google, Tesla and Saudi Aramco.

Degree Levels

Master’s Degree

KAUST’s MS programmes are research-intensive and can be completed through either a 1.5-year non-thesis track or a 2-year thesis track, depending on the programme.

The Master’s programme is designed for students who want to strengthen their technical knowledge, enter industry or continue toward a PhD.

MS/PhD Pathway

Students who have recently completed a Bachelor’s degree and are committed to a research career can apply for the MS/PhD pathway.

This route allows students to progress from a Master’s into a PhD without submitting a new PhD application, provided they satisfy the required progression conditions. The current programme information lists an expected duration of approximately 5.5–6 years.

PhD

KAUST’s PhD programme is designed for students pursuing advanced research careers in academia, industry or research institutions.

The standard PhD programme is research intensive and is generally structured around approximately four years for students entering with a Master’s degree.

Available Fields of Study

KAUST offers graduate study across 17 STEM-related subjects. Popular areas include:

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
• Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Applied Mathematics & Computational Science
• Applied Physics
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Bioengineering
• Bioscience
• Environmental Science & Engineering
• Marine Science
• Plant Science
• Earth Science & Engineering
• Material Science & Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Energy Resources & Petroleum Engineering
• Statistics
• Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The exact degree and intake availability can vary by programme. Applicants should therefore check the current programme directory before preparing an application.

Scholarship Benefits

The KAUST Fellowship is one of the strongest features of studying at the university.

Full Tuition & Bench Fee Coverage

The current funding information states that the fellowship covers tuition and bench fees valued at up to US$35,000 per year.

Monthly Stipend

The current annual stipend ranges are:

• MS: approximately US$20,000 per year
• PhD: approximately US$25,000–30,000 per year

The exact amount depends on qualifications and academic progress.

Accommodation

Base accommodation is included. Single students receive shared accommodation, while married students receive two-bed accommodation under the standard arrangement. Housing upgrades may be available for an additional fee.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is provided for students and eligible dependents living on campus.

Relocation Assistance

KAUST provides relocation support covering eligible visa, relocation and travel costs. The university states that this assistance applies to the student’s initial move to KAUST and return home upon graduation.

Hidden Costs

Although KAUST is fully funded for admitted students receiving the fellowship, applicants should still understand potential additional expenses.

Expense	What to Know
Tuition	Covered by KAUST Fellowship
Bench Fees	Covered
Base Accommodation	Included
Health Insurance	Included for eligible students/dependents
Relocation	Supported
Housing Upgrade	Additional fee may apply
Dependent Housing	Additional charges may apply
Dependent Medical Coverage	Charges may apply
Personal Expenses	Student responsibility
Entertainment & Leisure	Student responsibility
Additional Travel	May be student’s responsibility
Personal Electronics	Student responsibility
Optional Services	May incur additional charges

The university specifically notes that charges may apply to dependent housing and medical/dental coverage, while housing upgrades can also involve additional fees.

Eligibility Criteria

KAUST looks for academically strong applicants with clear research interests and the potential to contribute to the scientific community. The admissions process takes a holistic approach rather than relying solely on grades.

Master’s Applicants

Applicants need:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a subject relevant to the programme.
• A degree from a recognised higher education institution.
• At least 18 years of age when entering KAUST.
• A competitive GPA.
• Proof of English proficiency.
• Strong academic and research potential.

The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0/4.0 or equivalent, although KAUST notes that admitted students typically have considerably higher GPAs: around 90% of admitted applicants have a GPA above 3.3 and 75% above 3.5.

PhD Applicants

Applicants need:

• A relevant Master’s degree from a recognised institution.
• Strong academic preparation.
• Research potential.
• English proficiency.
• A clear research interest matching the programme.

KAUST notes that professional Master’s degrees are not automatically considered equivalent to academic/research Master’s degrees for PhD admission.

Required Documents

✓	Document	Requirement
☐	Academic Transcript	Official transcript from every institution attended
☐	Degree Certificate	Bachelor’s/Master’s certificate as applicable
☐	CV	Updated academic/professional CV
☐	Statement of Purpose	Explain academic interests, goals and motivation
☐	English Test	IELTS/TOEFL or accepted alternative
☐	Recommendation Letters	3 letters
☐	Referee Details	Contact information for three referees
☐	Passport/ID	Clear copy showing personal details
☐	Certified Translation	Required for documents not in English where applicable
☐	GRE	Not required

KAUST requires official transcripts from every institution previously attended, including the grading scale.

Three recommendation letters are required. KAUST recommends choosing professors or academic advisers familiar with the applicant’s academic or research work.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step	What to Do	Practical Guidance
Check programme	Choose an eligible MS, MS/PhD or PhD programme	Confirm that your Bachelor’s/Master’s background matches
Check GPA	Compare your GPA with KAUST expectations	Meeting 3.0 does not guarantee admission
Review English requirement	Check IELTS/TOEFL requirements	Aim above the minimum where possible
Research faculty	Explore professors and research groups	Identify areas matching your interests
Prepare CV	Create an academic/research-focused CV	Include projects, publications, internships and technical skills
Write Statement of Purpose	Explain your research interests and career goals	Make it specific to KAUST
Request recommendations	Contact three referees early	Choose professors who know your academic/research ability
Collect transcripts	Obtain official records from every university attended	Include grading scale
Prepare passport/ID	Upload a clear copy	Make sure all information is visible
Take English test	Submit official IELTS/TOEFL results	KAUST encourages applicants to include valid results
Create application	Register through KAUST Admissions	Complete all sections carefully
Upload documents	Submit required files	Check file quality and completeness
Submit application	Apply before the relevant deadline	Early submission is recommended
Application review	KAUST evaluates your academic and personal profile	Evaluation is holistic
Interview, if invited	Respond promptly	Prepare to discuss research interests and goals
Admission decision	Await the university decision	Strong applicants may receive offers
Fellowship assessment	Admitted students are evaluated for funding	Fellowship benefits apply to eligible admitted students
Onboarding	Submit final documents	Official final transcript may be required before arrival
Travel to KAUST	Complete relocation process	KAUST provides eligible relocation assistance

KAUST strongly recommends applying early because admission is highly competitive.

Application Timeline

KAUST’s current website states that 2026 applications are closed and applications for 2027 entry opened in mid-August 2026.

The university has not published a single final 2027 deadline on the currently available admissions pages in the same way as the previous cycle. Therefore, applicants should monitor the official Admissions Timeline and their chosen programme page rather than relying on outdated deadlines.

Stage	Current Information
2027 applications	Opened mid-August 2026
Application period	Check current programme timeline
MS	Fall entry
PhD	Spring and Fall entry depending on programme
Decision	Depends on application cycle and completeness
Enrollment	According to the relevant 2027 intake

The previous Fall 2026 cycle closed on 7 May 2026 for international students and 14 May 2026 for Saudi students, but applicants should not assume these dates will remain the same for 2027.

Selection Criteria

KAUST uses a holistic admissions process.

The university considers:

• Academic performance
• GPA and academic trajectory
• Relevant academic preparation
• Research experience
• Research interests
• Statement of purpose
• Recommendation letters
• English proficiency
• Potential contribution to the scientific community
• Fit with KAUST’s research environment

A high GPA is valuable, but KAUST specifically states that academic scores are not the only measure of potential.

Accommodation & Living Costs

One major advantage of KAUST is that accommodation is incorporated into the fellowship.

Base housing is provided under the fellowship, although the standard arrangement depends on family status. Single students receive shared accommodation, while married students receive two-bed accommodation. Students can request housing upgrades subject to additional fees.

The KAUST campus is designed as a residential community, with housing, laboratories, recreation and other facilities located within the university environment.

Because the fellowship also provides a substantial monthly stipend, students generally have much lower out-of-pocket educational costs than international students studying in many other countries.

Part-time Jobs

KAUST’s funding model is designed to allow students to concentrate on their academic work and research.

Because students receive a substantial fellowship stipend, part-time employment should not be treated as the primary method of financing study.

Students should also check KAUST regulations and Saudi employment/residence rules before undertaking any paid work outside their academic responsibilities.

Student Visa Process

International students admitted to KAUST will need to complete the university’s immigration and relocation process.

A typical sequence is:

Admission → Fellowship/Financial Confirmation → Visa Processing → Travel Arrangements → Arrival at KAUST → Residence/Onboarding

KAUST’s fellowship includes eligible visa, relocation and travel support, particularly for the student’s initial move to KAUST.

Students should keep their:

• Passport
• Admission documents
• Fellowship information
• Academic certificates
• Medical/health documents
• Passport photographs
• Other immigration documents

ready for the onboarding process.

Tips from Previous Applicants

• Apply as early as possible because KAUST is highly competitive.
• Choose a programme that genuinely matches your academic background.
• Research KAUST faculty before submitting your application.
• Make your Statement of Purpose research-focused.
• Choose recommendation writers who know your research or academic ability.
• Don’t rely only on the minimum GPA; aim for a competitive academic profile.
• Include valid English test results if possible, even though the application can sometimes be submitted before the result is available.

KAUST specifically notes that including valid English results at application stage can strengthen an applicant’s overall profile.

Common Mistakes

• Applying to a programme unrelated to your academic background
• Treating the minimum 3.0 GPA as a competitive target
• Writing a generic Statement of Purpose
• Choosing weak or unrelated recommenders
• Uploading incomplete transcripts
• Assuming an MOI certificate will replace IELTS/TOEFL
• Waiting until the final days to submit the application

KAUST explicitly states that Medium of Instruction certificates are not accepted as proof of English proficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is KAUST fully funded?

Yes. Admitted eligible graduate students receive the KAUST Fellowship, which covers tuition and bench fees, housing, health insurance and relocation support, together with a monthly stipend.

2. How much is the KAUST stipend?

The current funding page lists approximately US$20,000 per year for Master’s students and US$25,000–30,000 per year for PhD students, depending on qualifications and academic progress.

3. Does KAUST charge tuition fees?

The fellowship covers tuition and bench fees for eligible admitted students. The university values this tuition/bench coverage at up to approximately US$35,000 per year.

4. What is the minimum GPA for KAUST?

The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0/4.0 or equivalent, but KAUST reports that most admitted students have substantially higher GPAs.

5. What IELTS score does KAUST require?

The minimum IELTS requirement is 6.5.

6. What TOEFL score is required?

KAUST requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 81.

7. Is GRE required?

No. KAUST does not require the GRE. However, the university states that it strongly encourages students to take the GRE General Test, and a strong quantitative score can enhance an application.

8. Can I apply for a Master’s directly after Bachelor’s?

Yes. Applicants with a relevant Bachelor’s degree can apply for KAUST Master’s programmes. Students committed to research can also consider the MS/PhD pathway where available.

9. Can I apply for a PhD after Bachelor’s?

KAUST’s standard PhD entry requirement is a relevant Master’s degree. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree may instead consider an MS/PhD pathway where available.

10. Does KAUST accept an MOI certificate?

No. KAUST explicitly states that Medium of Instruction certificates are not accepted as proof of English proficiency.

11. How many recommendation letters are required?

You need three recommendation letters, submitted directly through the application by the recommenders.

12. Is accommodation free?

Base accommodation is included in the KAUST Fellowship. However, housing upgrades and certain dependent-related housing arrangements may involve additional fees.

13. Do I need work experience?

Generally, KAUST graduate admission is academically focused and does not list a general work-experience requirement. Research experience can nevertheless strengthen your application.

14. How many subjects does KAUST offer?

KAUST’s current admissions website states that its graduate programmes span 17 subjects/disciplines.

15. When did applications for 2027 entry open?

KAUST states that applications for 2027 entry opened in mid-August 2026. Applicants should check the official timeline for the exact deadline applicable to their programme and intake.

Conclusion

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is one of the most attractive destinations for students seeking a fully funded STEM Master’s or PhD in an international research environment.

The KAUST Fellowship can cover full tuition and bench fees, accommodation, health insurance and relocation, while providing a substantial annual stipend. The current fellowship is valued at approximately US$70,000–80,000 per year, depending on the student’s circumstances.

However, KAUST is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum GPA or English requirement does not guarantee admission. Applicants should focus on building a strong academic profile, gaining research experience where possible, preparing a compelling Statement of Purpose and selecting recommenders who can provide meaningful evidence of their academic and research abilities.

For students planning to apply for 2027 entry, the application cycle is now open. Start by selecting your programme, researching faculty and preparing your documents rather than waiting until the deadline.