The KAUST Scholarship 2027 officially the KAUST Fellowship is one of the world’s most generous and prestigious fully funded graduate scholarships, automatically awarded to every student admitted to the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia for Master’s (MS), MS/PhD, or PhD study in any of KAUST’s 17 world-class STEM disciplines. The KAUST Fellowship 2027 is worth an estimated USD 70,000–80,000 per year in total value — combining a monthly living allowance of USD 20,000/year for MS students and USD 25,000–30,000/year for PhD students (depending on qualifications and academic progression), full tuition and bench fee coverage worth up to USD 35,000/year, free on-campus housing, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, relocation support, and a return flight home every year. There is no separate scholarship application — every student who receives an admission offer from KAUST automatically receives the KAUST Fellowship. Applications are currently OPEN for two cycles: Spring 2027 entry (PhD only) with a deadline of 27 September 2026, and Fall 2027 entry (MS, MS/PhD, PhD) with a deadline of 3 January 2027. Apply for free at admissions.kaust.edu.sa.

Key Highlights

Detail Description

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is Saudi Arabia’s flagship graduate research university — a purpose-built, internationally focused institution located on the shores of the Red Sea in Thuwal, approximately 80km north of Jeddah. Founded in 2009 by the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as a graduate-only STEM research university, KAUST has quickly established itself as one of the world’s leading research institutions — consistently ranked among the top universities globally for research impact, citations, and innovation. KAUST is home to researchers from more than 100 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse university communities in the Middle East.

KAUST’s research focus areas include water, food, energy, environment, health, and the digital domain — aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals and the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. The university’s state-of-the-art Core Labs provide students and researchers with access to advanced equipment worth billions of dollars, staffed by expert scientists who provide free training and technical support. KAUST’s unique all-inclusive campus on the Red Sea coast provides an extraordinary quality of life — combining world-class research facilities with a safe, international community environment, water sports, cultural events, and the natural beauty of one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.

Benefits

Programmes of Study — 4 Academic Divisions

Degree Programmes Explained

Eligibility Criteria

• • Any Nationality: KAUST welcomes students from any country in the world. Researchers from 100+ nationalities are currently part of the KAUST community.
  • Academic Background: Strong academic record in a STEM field. For MS: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline. For PhD: Master’s degree (or exceptional Bachelor’s for MS/PhD pathway).
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0 on a 4-point scale (or equivalent) is the minimum. In practice, 90% of admitted applicants have a GPA above 3.3 and 75% above 3.5 — competition is high.
  • English Language — Standard Requirement (ALL applicants): IELTS 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each section | TOEFL iBT 5 overall with minimum 4.5 in each section | PTE Academic 71 overall with minimum 67 in each section | Cambridge C1/C2: 185 overall with minimum 176 in each section. Scores valid for 2 years.
  • Conditional Admission (AELC): Saudi nationals AND PhD students with IELTS 6.5 (min 6.0 in each section) or TOEFL iBT 4.5 may still be admitted conditionally — they must take the Academic English Language Communication Course (AELC) in their first year at KAUST.

• No English Test Required If: You earned a degree through in-person study at an accredited institution in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. Distance learning, satellite campuses, or joint programmes outside these countries do NOT qualify for exemption.
• Referees: Exactly 3 referees required — academic referees preferred. Professional referees accepted if your most recent degree was completed more than 3 years ago. Referees must use academic or professional email addresses — personal emails not accepted. References expected within 7 calendar days of application deadline.
• Statement of Purpose: Approximately 750 words — covering past work, preparation for field of study, relevant background, academic plans, and career objectives.
• Research Alignment: Must apply to a programme that aligns with your academic background and research interests. Strongly encouraged to review faculty profiles before applying and identify potential research supervisors.
• Saudi Arabia Visa Requirements: Must satisfy all Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requirements to obtain residency. This is generally straightforward for most nationalities — KAUST assists with the process.
• Only 1 Application Per Year: You can only submit 1 application per academic year and apply to only 1 programme per year. If unsuccessful, you can reapply the following year.

Application Timeline

Required Documents

• Online application form — completed at apply.kaust.edu.sa
• Academic transcripts — from all universities attended, showing all courses and grades
• Degree certificate(s) — Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree certificates
• Statement of Purpose / Research Statement — explaining your research interests, why KAUST, and your academic and career goals
• CV / Curriculum Vitae — academic background, research experience, publications, awards
• Letters of Recommendation — typically 2–3 academic references. Must be submitted directly by referees through the application portal.
• English language test result — IELTS/TOEFL iBT/PTE Academic (unless exempt). Only scores valid at time of application accepted.
• GRE or PGAT score (optional but recommended) — submitting a valid score earns an application fee waiver
• Passport copy
• Research proposal — required for PhD applicants in some programmes. Check your target department’s requirements.
• Publications list (if applicable) — published papers, conference proceedings, thesis work

Application Process

Step 1: Explore KAUST Programmes and Faculty — Start Now

Go to admissions.kaust.edu.sa/study and explore KAUST’s 17 STEM programmes across 4 divisions. Identify the programme that best matches your academic background and research interests. Then visit the faculty profiles within your chosen division — identify 2–3 faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. Reaching out to a potential supervisor in advance and receiving an expression of interest significantly strengthens your application. Remember: you can only apply to ONE programme per year, so choose carefully.

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Step 2: Prepare Your English Test Result

If you do not hold a degree from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, you must provide an IELTS or equivalent English test result. The standard minimum is IELTS 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each section for all applicants. Saudi nationals and PhD students with IELTS 6.5 (min 6.0 each section) may be conditionally admitted with the AELC course requirement. Book your test immediately if you do not already have a valid result — IELTS is valid for 2 years from your test date. Note: MOI certificates, Duolingo English Test, and TOEFL MyBest scores are NOT accepted.

Step 3: Consider Taking the GRE — It Waives Your Application Fee

The GRE is NOT required for KAUST admission. However, a strong GRE quantitative score will enhance your application — particularly in engineering and science programmes. More practically: if you upload a valid, official GRE General Test or PGAT score report with your application, KAUST automatically waives your application fee. Since KAUST’s application is already free (no fee), this effectively gives you an extra strong signal to the admissions committee that you are serious. Submit GRE scores directly from ETS using KAUST’s institution code: 4107.

Step 4: Create Your Application Account and Apply

For Spring 2027 (PhD only): Go to apply.kaust.edu.sa right now — deadline is 27 September 2026. For Fall 2027 (MS/MS-PhD/PhD): Portal opens 28 September 2026 with deadline 3 January 2027. Complete all sections of the application including personal information, academic history, research statement, and programme choice. Upload all required documents. Invite your referees through the portal — they will receive automated email requests to submit their recommendation letters. Submit before the deadline.

Step 5: Attend Admissions Interview

KAUST’s admissions process consists of 5 stages — the final stages include an admissions interview. The interview may be conducted online or in-person and assesses your research interests, academic background, motivation for joining KAUST, and fit with your chosen programme and faculty. KAUST emphasises that responding quickly to interview invitations helps ensure a faster admissions decision. Prepare specific, well-researched answers about why KAUST, your proposed research direction, and your long-term academic and professional goals.

Step 6: Receive Admission + Fellowship Offer — No Separate Application Needed

If admitted to KAUST, your admission offer will include the KAUST Fellowship automatically — there is no separate fellowship application required. Your offer letter will detail the full terms of your fellowship package including your living allowance amount, housing arrangement, and all other benefits. Spring 2027 decisions are released 8 November 2026. Fall 2027 decisions are released 14 February 2027. After accepting your offer, KAUST’s onboarding team will guide you through visa processing, relocation arrangements, and pre-arrival preparation.

How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the KAUST Scholarship 2027?

The KAUST Scholarship 2027 refers to the KAUST Fellowship — a fully funded fellowship automatically awarded to every student admitted to King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia for MS, MS/PhD, or PhD study. It is worth USD 70,000–80,000/year in total value, including a living allowance of USD 20,000/year (MS) or USD 25,000–30,000/year (PhD), full tuition and bench fee coverage up to USD 35,000/year, free housing, medical and dental coverage, relocation support, and an annual return flight home. There is no separate scholarship application — admission to KAUST equals the scholarship. Apply at apply.kaust.edu.sa. Spring 2027 deadline: 27 September 2026. Fall 2027 deadline: 3 January 2027.

2. How much is the KAUST Fellowship 2027?

The total KAUST Fellowship package is estimated at USD 70,000–80,000 per year depending on your specific situation. This includes: annual living allowance of USD 20,000/year (MS) or USD 25,000–30,000/year (PhD) depending on qualifications and progress, full tuition and bench fee coverage worth up to USD 35,000/year, free on-campus housing, comprehensive medical and dental insurance for student and dependents on campus, relocation costs for initial move and return home upon graduation, and one annual return flight home. This makes KAUST Fellowship one of the highest-value graduate fellowships in the world.

3. When is the KAUST Scholarship 2027 deadline?

Two deadlines for 2027 entry: (1) Spring 2027 (PhD only): 27 September 2026 — decisions released 8 November 2026, semester starts 17 January 2027. (2) Fall 2027 (MS/MS-PhD/PhD): 3 January 2027 — portal opens 28 September 2026, decisions released 14 February 2027, semester starts 29 August 2027. Note: dates are tentative and may change — always verify at admissions.kaust.edu.sa/how-to-apply/admission-timelines.

4. Do I need to apply separately for the KAUST Fellowship?

No — there is NO separate scholarship application for the KAUST Fellowship. Every student who receives an admission offer from KAUST automatically receives the KAUST Fellowship. The fellowship details (living allowance amount, housing arrangement, and all other benefits) are outlined in your admission offer letter. The only exception is students admitted through specific external partnership or sponsorship programmes — they may receive a modified fellowship package.

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5. Is IELTS required for KAUST 2027?

Yes — unless you hold a degree from an accredited institution in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. The standard minimum for ALL applicants is IELTS 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each section (or TOEFL iBT 5 overall / PTE 71). Exception: Saudi nationals and PhD students with IELTS 6.5 (min 6.0 each section) may be conditionally admitted with the AELC course. MOI certificates, Duolingo English Test, and TOEFL MyBest scores are NOT accepted.

6. Is GRE required for KAUST 2027?

No — GRE is NOT required for KAUST admission. However, KAUST strongly encourages applicants to submit a GRE General Test or PGAT score as it enhances the application, particularly in competitive programmes. A practical benefit: applicants who upload a valid, official GRE or PGAT score with their application automatically receive an application fee waiver (though KAUST’s application is already free). Submit GRE scores directly from ETS using institution code 4107.

7. Can Pakistani students apply for KAUST Scholarship 2027?

Yes — Pakistan is among the 100+ nationalities eligible for KAUST. Pakistani students can apply for MS, MS/PhD, or PhD programmes in any of KAUST’s 17 STEM disciplines. There are no country quotas or nationality restrictions. Pakistani applicants must meet the standard English requirement of IELTS 7.0 overall (min 6.5 each section) and the minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale. Apply at apply.kaust.edu.sa — Spring 2027 deadline: 27 September 2026 | Fall 2027 deadline: 3 January 2027.

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Final Thoughts

The KAUST Scholarship 2027 (KAUST Fellowship) is one of the most extraordinary opportunities in global higher education — combining world-class research at a Top 200 global university with one of the most generous financial packages available anywhere in the world, worth USD 70,000–80,000 per year, in a unique all-inclusive campus environment on the Red Sea. Unlike almost every other scholarship, at KAUST the fellowship is not a competitive award given to a few exceptional students — it is automatically given to every admitted student. This means the goal is simply to be admitted. Start now: research your programme, identify potential supervisors, prepare your English test, write a specific and compelling research statement, and apply before the deadline. Spring 2027 PhD deadline is 27 September 2026. Fall 2027 portal opens 28 September 2026 with deadline 3 January 2027. Apply for free at apply.kaust.edu.sa and visit admissions.kaust.edu.sa for all official information.

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