The KAUST Fellowship: Fully Funded STEM MS and PhD Programs in Saudi Arabia
By Muntasir • Published Jul 01, 2025 • Updated Sep 20, 2026 • Guides
The KAUST Fellowship awards full tuition, on-campus housing, and annual stipends up to $30,000 to all admitted STEM MS and PhD students in Saudi Arabia. Applicants must meet a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit IELTS or TOEFL scores. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines in early May.
Fellowship Benefits
All admitted MS and PhD students receive the KAUST Fellowship automatically. The benefits package provides full financial support for the duration of your graduate studies.
- Full Tuition Coverage: The award covers 100% of your tuition fees.
- Annual Living Stipend: MS students receive $20,000 annually, while PhD students receive $25,000 to $30,000 depending on academic progress.
- On-Campus Housing: KAUST provides fully furnished housing at no cost.
- Medical and Dental Insurance: The fellowship provides comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
- Relocation Allowance: The fellowship covers your visa fees, airfare, and relocation expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
KAUST has strict academic standards for admissions. You must meet these baseline academic and language requirements to receive consideration.
- Academic Level: You must hold a Bachelor's degree for MS admission or a Master's degree for PhD admission in a relevant STEM field.
- Grade Point Average: The minimum GPA requirement is 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent.
- English Language Proficiency: You must submit an official TOEFL iBT score of at least 79, or an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5.
- Standardized Test Scores: Submission of GRE scores is optional but strongly recommended by the admissions committee.
- Age Limits: KAUST imposes no age limits or nationality restrictions on applicants.
Application Documents
You must submit a complete application online. Missing documents delay or disqualify your application.
- Academic Transcripts: Upload official transcripts from every college or university you attended.
- Curriculum Vitae: Provide an updated CV detailing your academic history, research experience, and publications.
- Statement of Purpose: Write a 750-word statement explaining your research interests and career goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Request three letters of recommendation from professors or research advisors.
- Official Test Scores: Submit your official IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE scores directly to KAUST.
Selection Data and Admission Timelines
KAUST is a highly selective institution. Admission timelines vary depending on your nationality and application round.
| Metric or Event | Key Date or Detail |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens | September annually |
| International Application Deadline | 7 May 2026 |
| Saudi National Application Deadline | 14 May 2026 |
| Annual Acceptance Rate | 4.7% |
| Enrolled Students in 2025 | 639 students admitted from 13,589 applications |
Application Strategies
The admissions committee prioritizes research experience and academic excellence. Successful applicants align their goals with faculty research. Students on Reddit discuss the interview process, noting faculty members ask technical questions about past research projects and mathematics.
- Identify Faculty Advisors: Review the KAUST Faculty Directory and email faculty members whose research aligns with your background.
- Quantify Your Achievements: Highlight specific research outcomes, GPA percentages, and test percentiles in your CV.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Choose recommenders who are familiar with your research capability and academic performance.
- Prepare for Interviews: KAUST requires multiple rounds of academic and personal interviews before final admission.