KAUST Fellowship 2026

Overview

The KAUST Fellowship 2026 is the funding package offered by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. KAUST is a graduate research university focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and it works on a distinctive model: there's no separate scholarship application. Every full-time student admitted to a Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programme is automatically awarded the KAUST Fellowship, which covers the full cost of study and living. The usual exception is applicants who arrive with external sponsorship or third-party funding.

It's one of the most generous fellowships anywhere for graduate science and engineering students. It bundles full tuition coverage, a substantial monthly stipend, on-campus housing, medical and dental insurance, and relocation support into a single package estimated at USD 70,000 to USD 80,000 per year, depending on circumstances. Because admission and funding are linked, the decision to award the fellowship is effectively the admissions decision, so a strong, complete application is what matters most.

KAUST is highly international, drawing students from more than a hundred countries. This guide walks through who is eligible, what the fellowship includes, how to apply, the documents you need, and how to put together a competitive application.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Host institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
• Host country: Saudi Arabia (Thuwal, near Jeddah, on the Red Sea)
• Degree levels: Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Funding type: Fully funded fellowship (full ride)
• Tuition: Fully covered, including bench fees (worth up to USD 35,000 per year)
• Stipend: Around USD 20,000 per year for M.S. students; roughly USD 25,000 to USD 30,000 per year for Ph.D. students, depending on qualifications and progress
• Total estimated value: Approximately USD 70,000 to USD 80,000 per year
• Housing: On-campus accommodation provided
• Insurance: Health and dental cover for students and eligible dependents
• Relocation: Visa, travel and relocation support
• Eligible applicants: International and Saudi students worldwide
• Application fee: None
• Separate scholarship application: Not required (automatic with admission)

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to applicants of any nationality. Because it's tied to admission, meeting the academic entry requirements for your programme is the route to the funding. The core requirements are as follows.

For M.S. admission you generally need a bachelor's degree in a subject relevant to the programme. For Ph.D. admission you typically need a master's degree in a relevant field, though exceptional applicants may sometimes be considered for a combined track. You must be at least 18 years of age on entry.

KAUST sets a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, but the admitted cohort sits well above that: roughly 90 percent of admitted applicants have a GPA above 3.3, and about 75 percent are above 3.5. You'll need to demonstrate English proficiency unless you completed an in-person degree at an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand. Accepted scores include IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each section) or TOEFL iBT 81 overall (minimum 17 in each section), among other recognised tests.

Scholarship Benefits

The fellowship is built so admitted students can focus on their studies and research without financial strain. The package includes:

• Full tuition and bench fees for the duration of your programme, worth up to USD 35,000 per year.
• A monthly living stipend of around USD 20,000 per year for M.S. students and USD 25,000 to USD 30,000 per year for Ph.D. students, paid for the duration of your studies and subject to satisfactory academic progress.
• On-campus accommodation, with shared housing typically provided for single students and larger units for married students.
• Medical and dental insurance covering the student and eligible dependents living on campus.
• Relocation and travel support, covering the visa process and the cost of moving to Saudi Arabia at the start of your programme.
• Access to major research facilities, including core laboratories and one of the region's most powerful supercomputers.

All told, KAUST estimates the total value of the fellowship at roughly USD 70,000 to USD 80,000 per year.

How to Apply

Applying to KAUST is a single, integrated process. There's no separate fellowship form and no application fee. The main steps:

• Find your programme. Browse the M.S. and Ph.D. programmes across the academic divisions and identify the one that matches your background and research interests.
• Check the admissions timeline. Confirm the open and close dates for the entry cycle you're targeting before you begin.
• Prepare your documents. Gather transcripts, your statement of purpose, your CV and the contact details of your referees in advance.
• Create an account and complete the online application. You may apply to only one academic programme per year, so choose carefully.
• Submit and track. After submission, watch your portal and respond promptly to any requests, including possible interviews with faculty.

Since admission carries the fellowship automatically, the quality of your application directly determines your funding outcome.

Required Documents

Prepare the following before you start your application:

• Official academic transcripts from all universities attended.
• Degree certificate(s), or proof of expected graduation if you're still studying.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume detailing your education, research and relevant experience.
• A statement of purpose explaining your motivation, research interests and fit with the programme.
• Contact details for three referees who can provide recommendation letters.
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL iBT or another accepted test), unless you qualify for an exemption.
• A copy of your passport or national identity document.

Important Dates & Deadlines

KAUST runs an annual admissions cycle with a single intake. For 2026 (Fall) entry, applications opened in mid-August 2025, with an international applicant deadline of 7 May 2026 and a Saudi applicant deadline of 14 May 2026; the semester begins in late August 2026. Apply early. Programmes review applications on a rolling basis and places fill before the formal deadline. If the 2026 cycle has closed by the time you read this, applications for the next entry year typically open in mid-August. Confirm the current dates on the official admissions timeline page before you plan your submission.

Tips for a Strong Application

Since the fellowship comes automatically with admission, put your effort into a competitive application. A few pointers:

• Apply early. Rolling review favours strong early applicants, and it gives you time to respond to interview invitations.
• Tailor your statement of purpose. Name specific faculty, labs or research themes at KAUST and explain why your background fits them.
• Reach out to potential supervisors. For Ph.D. applicants especially, contacting faculty whose work aligns with yours can strengthen your case.
• Choose strong referees. Pick people who know your research or academic ability well and can write with specific detail.
• Show research potential. Highlight publications, projects, theses or technical work that prove you can do independent research.
• Polish your documents. Make sure transcripts are clear and official, and that your CV and statement are free of errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply separately for the fellowship? No. Every full-time admitted M.S. and Ph.D. student is automatically awarded the KAUST Fellowship, except those covered by external sponsorship.

Is there an application fee? No, applying to KAUST is free.

Can international students apply? Yes. The fellowship is open to applicants worldwide, and the campus is highly international.

Does the stipend really cover living costs? Yes. With housing, insurance and relocation provided on top of the stipend, the package is built to cover the full cost of living on campus.

Is the GRE required? It isn't generally listed as mandatory. Check your specific programme's page, since requirements can vary by division.

How many programmes can I apply to? Only one academic programme per admissions cycle, so choose the best fit.

Related Scholarships

If you're looking at fully funded graduate study in the Middle East and beyond, consider these:

• MBZUAI Scholarship — fully funded master's and Ph.D. study in artificial intelligence at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
• Khalifa University Scholarships — funded graduate study across engineering and science in Abu Dhabi.
• Saudi Government Scholarships — government-funded study opportunities within Saudi Arabia.
• Qatar University and HBKU Funding — graduate research funding in Doha, Qatar.

Verify the latest eligibility rules, benefits and deadlines on each programme's official website before applying.