The King Abdullah University Scholarship 2026 in Saudi Arabia is now accepting applications. The KAUST Scholarship for Master’s and PhD Students is open to all international students worldwide. Applications are being accepted by KAUST for the spring and fall of 2025.
Students are urged to apply if they wish to pursue a master’s, master’s/ph.d., or doctoral degree. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Scholarship 2026 application fee is free. Scholarships with full funding are available for the 2026–2027 school year.
Students from all over the world receive nearly 100 honors from KAUST each year. Natural sciences, engineering, computer science, physical sciences, and many other areas are among the various academic fields that KAUST offers.
KAUST University, situated in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, was established in 2009. It is a private research organization. The eighth-fastest-growing university in the world. Many students from both domestic and foreign countries are enrolled at the university. It offers top-notch instruction.
Details of King Abdullah University Scholarship
Key Points
| University: | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology |
| Degree level: | Masters, MS/PhD, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Saudi Arabia |
| Last Date: | 11 April 2026 |
Financial Benefits
The King Abdullah University award Program is offering the award. The following costs will be covered by this fully funded scholarship for Saudi Arabian overseas students:
- Full Tuition Fee: The scholarship covers 100% of all tuition and registration fees for the duration of your master’s or Ph.D. program.
- Living Stipend: You receive a competitive annual living stipend. This amount ranges from $20,000 to $30,000, with the exact amount depending on factors like your qualifications and academic progress.
- Accommodation: The scholarship includes free on-campus housing, which covers essential utilities like electricity and Wi-Fi.
- Medical and Dental Coverage: The fellowship provides comprehensive medical and dental insurance to ensure your health and well-being.
- Relocation Support: KAUST offers relocation support to help with your initial move to the university, including assistance with visa processing, travel costs, and other related expenses.
Read Also: King Fahd University Scholarship in Saudi Arabia 2026
What is the MS/Ph.D. track?
Students seeking a quick introduction to the field of research may find the MS/PhD program to be an appealing alternative. After earning an MS degree, students can apply for the PhD program and can start doing fascinating research right away. Students may get an MS degree while pursuing their PhD, and the curriculum normally takes four to five years to finish.
Available Study Fields:
Following academic fields and majors are available under the King Abdullah University Scholarship:
- 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
Eligibility Criteria
All accepted students at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) are eligible for a fully funded scholarship; therefore, there is no need to submit a separate scholarship application. Fulfilling the demanding admission requirements of the university is a prerequisite for receiving the scholarship. The essential prerequisites are broken down here.
1. Academic Requirements
You need to have a stellar academic record in order to qualify. Successful applicants usually have a GPA above 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, while the lowest acceptable GPA is 3.0.
- For Master’s programs: You must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
- For Doctoral programs: You must have a Master’s degree from a recognized institution.
2. General Eligibility
Regardless of nationality, applicants from all around the world are eligible for the scholarship. You must, however, be in good academic standing, behave well, and be in good physical and mental health.
- You can’t have more than one scholarship at once.
- You must use the web portal to submit a fully completed application; there is no application cost.
3. English Language Proficiency
You have to show that you are quite proficient in English. Unless you hold a degree from an accredited university in an English-speaking region, this is an essential prerequisite for all overseas applicants. The minimal scores needed are
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 79
4. Supporting Documents
In addition to the online application form, you will need to submit several essential documents to support your application:
- Official Transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (approximately 750 words) outlining your academic plans and career objectives.
- Three Letters of Recommendation from professors or advisors.
- Copy of Passport
Documents Required
All accepted students are immediately eligible to receive the King Abdullah University Scholarship, which requires a thorough application that includes six essential elements. The admissions committee uses these materials to assess your capacity for study and research.
1. Official University Transcripts
A complete and certified transcript from each university you have attended is required. All of the courses you have taken, your grades, and the grading scheme your school uses should be listed on your transcript. You must provide a certified English translation of your transcripts with the original if they are not in English.
2. Statement of Purpose
This is your chance to discuss your academic and professional aspirations with the admissions committee. Your 750-word statement should highlight your research interests, prior work, and the reasons you are applying to a particular KAUST program.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Your academic and professional background should be summed up in your resume. Your publications, work and research experience, education, and any other pertinent material that demonstrates your suitability for the program should all be included.
4. Valid Copy of Passport
Verification requires a clear, readable scan of the passport’s main page, which includes your photo and personal information.
5. Three Letters of Recommendation
Three recommendation letters must be filed on your behalf. Professors, advisors, or employers who are able to assess your academic standing and research potential should write these letters. The recommenders themselves must submit the letters using the online application system, and they must be in English.
6. Language Requirements
An official score from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is required to prove your English competence. The minimal scores needed are
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- IELTS: 6.5
A TOEFL or IELTS score is not required if you received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create an Account: The first step is to visit the KAUST admissions website and create a user account. This will give you access to the online application form.
- Complete the Online Application:Fill out the application form with all your personal, academic, and professional details. Be sure to provide accurate and complete information. There is no application fee to apply to KAUST.
- Upload Documents: You must upload all the required documents to support your application. These documents are crucial for the evaluation process and include:
- Official Transcripts: A scanned copy of official transcripts from all universities you have attended. If the transcripts are not in English, you must also provide a certified English translation.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A summary of your academic and professional experience.
- Statement of Purpose: A personal statement (approx. 750 words) outlining your academic background, research interests, and career goals.
- Passport Copy: A clear scan of the main page of your passport.
- English Language Test Scores: Official scores from either the TOEFL or IELTS, unless you are exempt.
- Submit Letters of Recommendation: In the online application, you will provide the contact information for three people who can write a recommendation for you. KAUST will then contact them directly to submit the letters on your behalf. These letters should be from professors, advisors, or employers who are familiar with your academic or research work.
- Submit Your Application: After you have uploaded all the required documents and filled out the application form, you can submit your application. You can only submit one application per year to KAUST.
Conclusion
International students have a unique opportunity to pursue graduate studies in Saudi Arabia with complete financial support through the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship. The scholarship enables students to concentrate fully on their academic and research objectives by paying for all tuition costs, offering a sizeable living stipend, and giving perks like housing and health insurance.
You only need to submit one application to the university to be automatically considered for the scholarship, making the application process simple. Aspiring scientists and engineers from all over the world are drawn to KAUST because of its top-notch research facilities and interdisciplinary approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KAUST Scholarship?
The KAUST Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship provided by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. It is automatically awarded to all accepted Master’s and PhD students, meaning there is no separate application process for the scholarship itself.
What does the KAUST Scholarship cover?
Full tuition fees for the duration of the program.
A monthly living stipend ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 annually.
Free on-campus accommodation.
Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
Relocation support, including assistance with visa and travel costs.
