KAUST Scholarship 2027 Eligibility Criteria
If you’re looking for a Middle East scholarship that covers absolutely everything, the KAUST Fellowship 2027 is one of the strongest options available anywhere in the world right now. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, automatically awards every admitted graduate student its own fully funded fellowship — no separate scholarship application required.
That makes KAUST unusual: get admitted, and the funding is already yours. For students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, this is one of the most generous graduate packages on the market.
Scholarship Overview
- Scholarship Name: KAUST Fellowship
- Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
- Study Level: Master’s and PhD
- Host Country: Saudi Arabia (Thuwal, Red Sea coast)
- Applications Open: 15 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 October 2026 (Fall 2027 intake)
- Eligible Nationalities: All countries
About KAUST
Established in 2009, KAUST is a graduate-only research university built around interdisciplinary science and technology, covering areas such as food and health, water, energy, environment, and the digital domain. The university has attracted students from more than 60 countries and over 220 partner universities worldwide, and was recognised in the Nature Index Rising Stars ranking as one of the fastest-rising research institutions globally. Admission is strictly merit-based, but once you’re in, funding is guaranteed for the full length of your programme.
What the Fellowship Covers
- Full tuition fees for the entire Master’s (2 years) or PhD (3 years) programme
- Annual living allowance ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on qualifications and degree progress
- On-campus housing throughout the programme
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- Relocation support to help new students settle in Saudi Arabia
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold, or be about to complete, a bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a master’s degree (for PhD applicants)
- Meet KAUST’s academic eligibility requirements with a strong prior academic record
- Score at least 79 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.5 on IELTS (waived for degrees from certain English-speaking countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand)
- Have a relevant academic or research background aligned with a KAUST programme area
- GRE scores are not mandatory, though submitting them can strengthen an application
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Statement of purpose or research interest
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS), where applicable
- CV/resume
- Valid passport copy
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Review KAUST’s academic programmes and identify a research area or degree that fits your background
- Create an account on the KAUST online application portal from 15 August 2026
- Upload transcripts, recommendation letters, your statement of purpose, and test scores
- Submit your completed application before 1 October 2026 for Fall 2027 admission
- Attend an interview if shortlisted by the admissions committee
- Receive your admission decision, which automatically includes the KAUST Fellowship — no extra scholarship form needed
Application Deadline
Applications for Fall 2027 admission open on 15 August 2026 and close on 1 October 2026. KAUST also runs a Spring intake with an earlier deadline each January, so students who miss the October date can plan around the following cycle.
Why Apply for KAUST
Very few universities anywhere guarantee full funding to every admitted student without a separate scholarship competition. Combined with a tax-free stipend, free housing, and access to state-of-the-art research facilities on the Red Sea coast, KAUST offers Middle East-based graduate study that genuinely competes with the top-funded programmes in the US and Europe.
Life and Research at KAUST
KAUST operates as a self-contained campus community in Thuwal, roughly an hour north of Jeddah, with its own residential compound, recreational facilities, beach access, and international schools for staff and student families. Research is organised around several core areas — including Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering, Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering, and Physical Science and Engineering — supported by shared core labs and some of the most advanced scientific equipment in the region. Because the university is graduate-only, class sizes are small and most students work closely with faculty from their first semester onward, rather than waiting until later in the programme to begin hands-on research.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Identify a specific faculty member or research group whose work matches your interests, and mention this alignment directly in your statement of purpose.
- Apply as early as possible within the application window — KAUST reviews applications on a rolling basis within each cycle.
- If your first degree was not taught in English, make sure your TOEFL or IELTS score comfortably clears the minimum requirement rather than just meeting it.
- Ask recommenders to speak specifically about your research potential and independence, since KAUST places heavy weight on research readiness.
- Keep your CV focused on research experience, publications, and technical skills relevant to your intended programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for the fellowship separately from admission?
No. Every student admitted to a KAUST graduate programme automatically receives the KAUST Fellowship — there is no separate scholarship form to complete.
Is there an application fee?
KAUST does not charge an application fee for its graduate programmes, which is uncommon among top-ranked research universities.
Can I apply if I don’t yet have my final degree results?
Yes, applicants in their final year of a bachelor’s or master’s programme can apply, provided they can show current transcripts and expect to complete their degree before enrolment.
Can I bring my family with me to Saudi Arabia?
KAUST’s campus is designed as a family-friendly community, with on-campus housing options, international schools, and healthcare facilities that support scholars who relocate with spouses or children. Specific family accommodation details are confirmed after admission, and many current students describe the campus as one of the most livable, secure research communities they’ve experienced anywhere in the world.
Scholarship Summary
- Scholarship: KAUST Fellowship 2027
- Host Country: Saudi Arabia
- Study Level: Master’s and PhD
- Coverage: Fully Funded (automatic on admission)
- Deadline: 1 October 2026 (Fall 2027 intake)
- Official Website: kaust.edu.sa