Applications for the KAUST Fellowship 2027, a fully funded opportunity for international students who want to pursue an M.S., M.S./Ph.D., or Ph.D. in Saudi Arabia, are currently being accepted by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). KAUST is a graduate research university located near Thuwal on the Red Sea coast. There is no separate scholarship application, as admitted students are automatically considered for the KAUST Fellowship.
The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition and bench fees of up to USD 35,000 annually, as well as a living allowance of USD 20,000 for M.S. students and USD 25,000–30,000 for Ph.D. students. Students also receive free on-campus accommodation, health insurance, and relocation support.
There is no application fee, and KAUST conducts its programs in English. The university offers graduate programs in areas including computer science, electrical and computer engineering, applied mathematics, statistics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, environmental science and engineering, materials science, bioscience, bioengineering, marine science, earth science and engineering, plant science, and energy-related fields.
KAUST Fellowship 2027 Quick Details
- Host Country: Saudi Arabia
- Host Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: International Students
- Degree Level: M.S., M.S./Ph.D., Ph.D.
- Study Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Application Fee: None
- Spring 2027 Deadline: 27 September 2026 – Ph.D. applicants only
- Fall 2027 Deadline: 3 January 2027 – M.S., M.S./Ph.D., and Ph.D. applicants
Degree Level
The KAUST Fellowship 2027 is offered for the following graduate programs:
- Master of Science (M.S.) – Approximately 2 years, with thesis or non-thesis options
- M.S./Ph.D. Pathway – Combined program for bachelor’s graduates pursuing a doctorate
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Approximately 3–4 years
Available Subjects
KAUST offers graduate programs across its academic divisions, including:
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Science
- Statistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering
- Bioscience
- Bioengineering
- Chemistry
- Marine Science
- Earth Science and Engineering
- Plant Science
Eligibility Criteria – KAUST MS and PhD Fellowship 2027
To apply for admission and the KAUST Fellowship 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Requirement: A relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution for M.S. and M.S./Ph.D. applicants, or a relevant master’s degree for Ph.D. applicants.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old when they enter KAUST.
- GPA: Minimum 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. KAUST states that approximately 90% of admitted applicants have a GPA above 3.3, while 75% have a GPA above 3.5.
- English Proficiency: Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1/C2, subject to KAUST’s minimum score requirements.
- Applicants who completed an in-person degree at an accredited institution in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, or who previously completed a degree at KAUST, may be exempt from the English test requirement.
- GRE/PGAT: Not mandatory, but valid scores may strengthen an application.
- References: Three academic or professional referees are required.
Benefits – KAUST MS and PhD Fellowship 2027
The KAUST Fellowship is automatically awarded to admitted students and provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition and bench fees: Up to USD 35,000 annually
- Living allowance: USD 20,000 per year for M.S. students and USD 25,000–30,000 for Ph.D. students
- Free on-campus accommodation for eligible students
- Health insurance for students and eligible dependents
- Relocation support, including visa, travel, and relocation assistance
- No application fee
- Access to KAUST’s research facilities and academic resources
KAUST confirms that admitted students receive the fellowship automatically, although benefits can vary in certain partnership or externally sponsored cases.
Required Documents for KAUST Fellowship 2027
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application:
- Official university transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) of approximately 750 words
- Contact details of three referees
- Official English language test score, if applicable
- Clear copy of passport identification page
- GRE or PGAT score report, if available
- Certified English translations of academic documents that are not originally in English
KAUST requires academic records to show relevant courses, grades, final awards, and grading scales. If the applicant has not yet completed their current degree, the latest available academic record may be submitted initially; final official documents may be required before enrollment.
KAUST Fellowship 2027 Application Process
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Review KAUST’s available M.S., M.S./Ph.D., and Ph.D. programs and select a field that matches your academic background and research interests. KAUST recommends exploring faculty profiles and research areas before applying.
Step 2: Check the Admission Deadline
Choose the appropriate admission round:
- Spring 2027: Ph.D. applicants only – deadline 27 September 2026
- Fall 2027: M.S., M.S./Ph.D., and Ph.D. applicants – deadline 3 January 2027
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Collect your transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, passport, English test results, and referee information.
Step 4: Create an Online Account
Create an account through the KAUST admissions application portal and complete the online application.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload all required documents and verify that the information provided is complete and accurate.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application before the applicable deadline. KAUST advises applicants to submit all required documentation to avoid delays.
Step 7: Application Review and Interview
KAUST reviews applications and may invite shortlisted candidates for an online academic interview with faculty from their subject area.
Step 8: Admission Decision
Applicants are notified by email of the final admission decision. If admitted, the KAUST Fellowship is automatically included, so a separate scholarship application is generally not required.
KAUST Fellowship 2027 Deadlines
Spring 2027 – Ph.D. Only
- Application Deadline: 27 September 2026
- Decision Date: 8 November 2026
- Semester Begins: 17 January 2027
Fall 2027 – M.S., M.S./Ph.D., and Ph.D.
- Applications Open: 28 September 2026
- Application Deadline: 3 January 2027
- Decision Date: 14 February 2027
- Semester Begins: 29 August 2027
KAUST notes that admission dates are tentative and may change depending on application volume.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the KAUST Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. The KAUST Fellowship provides tuition support, living allowance, accommodation, health insurance, and relocation assistance for admitted students.
Do I need to apply separately for the KAUST Fellowship?
No. Students admitted to KAUST are automatically considered for the fellowship.
Is there an application fee?
No. KAUST does not charge an application fee.
What degrees are available?
The fellowship supports M.S., M.S./Ph.D., and Ph.D. graduate programs.
What is the minimum GPA for KAUST?
The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. However, admission is competitive, and most admitted applicants have higher GPAs.
Is IELTS required for KAUST?
Applicants generally need official evidence of English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption. KAUST currently accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1/C2.
Is GRE mandatory for KAUST?
No. GRE or PGAT scores are not compulsory, although a strong score may strengthen an application.
How many recommendation letters are required?
Applicants must provide contact details for three referees, who submit their recommendations through the admissions system.
Can international students apply?
Yes. KAUST welcomes students from around the world and has a highly international student community.
What is the KAUST Fellowship deadline for 2027?
The Spring 2027 Ph.D. deadline is 27 September 2026. For Fall 2027, the deadline is 3 January 2027 for M.S., M.S./Ph.D., and Ph.D. applicants.
