If you want to earn a master’s or PhD degree without paying tuition, the KAUST Scholarship is one of the strongest fully funded opportunities to consider. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia offers funded postgraduate study for talented international students who want to build careers in science, engineering, technology, and research.
This is not a partial tuition discount. The KAUST Fellowship can provide full tuition support, a living allowance, campus housing, and medical coverage. The total annual value is estimated at USD 70,000 to USD 80,000 per year, depending on your programme and personal circumstances.
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Applications are open to qualified students from around the world. If you have a strong academic record and a clear interest in graduate research, this could be your route to study at a world-class research university in Saudi Arabia with major costs covered.
Why the KAUST Scholarship Stands Out
KAUST is a graduate-level research university located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. It focuses on advanced science, engineering, computing, environmental studies, energy, and related fields. Its postgraduate model is built around research, laboratory work, innovation, and collaboration with faculty members.
The university’s fellowship support makes it especially attractive for international applicants. Instead of trying to balance expensive tuition fees, rent, insurance, and living costs, successful students can focus on their degree and research work.
The scholarship is commonly known as the KAUST Fellowship. It supports eligible students admitted to KAUST master’s and PhD programmes. Foreigners are welcome, and applicants do not need to be Saudi citizens to be considered.
KAUST Scholarship Overview
Scholarship
KAUST Fellowship
University
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Study location
Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Study levels
Master’s and PhD
Funding type
Fully Funded
Estimated total value
USD 70,000 to USD 80,000 per year
Eligible applicants
International students and Saudi applicants who meet programme requirements
Main fields
Science, engineering, computing, technology, environment, energy, and related research areas
Application route
Online application through the official KAUST admissions portal
What the Fully Funded KAUST Fellowship Covers
The KAUST Scholarship is designed to remove the major financial barriers that prevent many qualified students from studying abroad. Successful applicants can receive a complete graduate funding package.
Full tuition coverage for your approved master’s or PhD programme.
Living allowance to help cover your day-to-day expenses while studying in Saudi Arabia.
On-campus housing for eligible students.
Medical and dental coverage under the university’s available health arrangements.
Research-focused graduate education with access to KAUST academic resources and facilities.
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The estimated value of this full support package is between USD 70,000 and USD 80,000 per year. The exact benefit amount can vary by programme, degree level, accommodation arrangements, and university policies. Always review the latest fellowship terms before accepting an offer.
Programmes of Study at KAUST
KAUST offers graduate programmes across four broad academic divisions. These divisions bring together students working on major global challenges, including clean energy, water security, artificial intelligence, computing, sustainable development, materials, health, and environmental protection.
1. Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering
This area is suitable if your interests involve biology, environmental systems, marine science, bioscience, chemical and biological engineering, or sustainable environmental solutions.
2. Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering
This division includes advanced areas such as computer science, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, data science, and related technology disciplines.
3. Physical Science and Engineering
Applicants interested in materials science, chemical science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, energy, physics, and related technical fields may find suitable programmes here.
4. Earth, Energy and Environmental Research Areas
KAUST also supports research connected to earth systems, the environment, energy resources, water, climate, and sustainable technologies. Available specialisations can change, so check the official admissions website for the current programme list.
Who Can Apply for the KAUST Scholarship?
You must first be eligible for admission to a KAUST graduate programme. The scholarship is normally linked to admission, so a strong application matters. Academic performance, relevant preparation, research interests, and supporting documents can all affect your chances.
Requirement Area
What You Need
Nationality
International applicants are welcome. Applicants from Saudi Arabia may also apply.
Degree level
You must apply for an eligible master’s or PhD programme.
Academic background
You need an appropriate previous degree in a field related to your intended programme.
Academic record
A strong academic record is important for competitive admission.
Research fit
Your interests should align with the selected programme and available research areas.
English readiness
You may need to meet the university’s current English-language requirements where applicable.
Documents
You must submit the required academic, identity, and application documents through the online portal.
There is no general age limit stated in the source information. However, you should carefully read the entry criteria for your chosen programme before applying. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission because KAUST graduate places are competitive.
Documents You Should Prepare
Preparing your documents early can make your application smoother. The admissions system may request additional materials depending on your degree choice, academic history, and research area.
Valid passport or accepted identity document.
Academic transcripts from your previous university education.
Degree certificate or evidence that you are completing your current degree.
Curriculum vitae or resume showing your education, research, work, projects, and achievements.
Statement of purpose explaining your academic interests and postgraduate goals.
Recommendation letters from academic referees or professional supervisors where appropriate.
English-language test results if required for your application.
Any programme-specific documents requested by KAUST.
Use clear, accurate documents. Do not upload altered transcripts, false certificates, or copied statements. A genuine application with a focused study plan is far stronger than an application filled with exaggerated claims.
How to Apply for the KAUST Scholarship
You apply for the fellowship through the KAUST graduate admissions process. There is no need to treat the scholarship as a separate job-style application unless the official portal specifically asks you to do so.
Choose your programme. Review available master’s and PhD options and select a field that matches your previous studies and long-term goals.
Check the entry requirements. Confirm academic prerequisites, English requirements, and any programme-specific conditions.
Complete your personal and academic details. Enter your education history carefully and make sure dates, grades, and programme names match your documents.
Upload all required files. Submit your transcript, degree evidence, passport, CV, statement of purpose, and other requested records.
Request recommendation letters. Contact your referees early so they have enough time to submit strong recommendations.
Review before submission. Check spelling, document quality, programme selection, and every required field.
Submit before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be reviewed.
Monitor your email and portal. KAUST may contact you for additional information, interviews, document clarification, or admissions updates.
KAUST Scholarship Deadline
The Spring 2027 deadline listed in the source material was 27 September 2026, which has already passed. For the next comparable intake, applicants should prepare for a deadline around 27 September 2027 for the 2027/2028 application cycle, subject to confirmation by KAUST.
The Fall 2027 deadline was not provided in the source material. Visit the official website for the current deadline, because application windows and programme availability can change.
Do not wait until the final week to apply. Recommendation letters, English test results, academic records, and statement preparation can take time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KAUST Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The KAUST Fellowship can cover full tuition, a living allowance, housing, and medical and dental coverage. Its estimated overall value is USD 70,000 to USD 80,000 per year.
Can international students apply for KAUST?
Yes. KAUST accepts qualified international applicants for eligible master’s and PhD programmes. Foreigners are welcome to apply through the university’s official admissions portal.
Do I need to apply separately for the fellowship?
You generally apply through the KAUST graduate admissions process. Funding consideration is connected to admission, but you should always check the latest instructions for your specific programme.
Does KAUST offer undergraduate scholarships?
The opportunity described here is for postgraduate study only. It covers master’s and PhD programmes, not undergraduate degrees.
What should I do if I miss the deadline?
Do not submit an incomplete late application. Prepare your documents, strengthen your profile, and apply for the next available intake listed on the official KAUST admissions website.
Are there application fees?
Check the official admissions portal for the latest application fee information and current submission rules before you apply.
Final Thoughts
The KAUST Scholarship can give you a fully funded path to advanced study, high-level research, and an international academic network in Saudi Arabia. If your profile fits a KAUST master’s or PhD programme, prepare your documents early and apply through the official portal. Apply Now and give your research career a serious global start.
