King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Thuwal, Saudi Arabia • Founded 2009 • World Rank #262
Overview
Founded in 2009, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the large town of Thuwal (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Makkah.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a very small-sized coeducational Saudi Arabian higher education institution. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 14-year-old Saudi Arabian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
KAUST also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology are gathered below for quick reference. Most enquiries route through the admissions team unless noted otherwise.
Academic Details
The numbers below cover the academic side of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Academic calendar conventions vary — semester, trimester, or quarter systems each carry different teaching rhythms.
Degrees
Below: every degree level King Abdullah University of Science and Technology offers. Doctoral funding varies — some are fully funded studentships, others self-funded with no stipend; the difference materially affects access.
Master's 19 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Applied Mathematics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Genetics
- Geological Engineering
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Statistics
Doctoral 19 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Applied Mathematics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Earth Sciences
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Genetics
- Geological Engineering
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Statistics
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia.
Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (Department/Division) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Bioengineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Marine Science and Oceanography
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (Department/Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Systems Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physical Science and Engineering (Department/Division) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Earth Sciences
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Geological Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Solid State Physics
- Thermal Engineering
- Thermal Physics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme King Abdullah University of Science and Technology currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable. Status and intake details vary by programme — verify with the institution before committing to applications.
Master's Degree
14 programmes
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology's 14 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
MS in Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
MS in Materials Science and Engineering and Applied Physics Materials Science
MS in Earth System Science and Engineering General Engineering
MS in Chemistry Chemistry
MS in Chemical Engineering Chemistry
MS in Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
MS in Bioscience Biological Sciences
MS in Computer Science Computer Sciences
MS in Applied Mathematics and Computational Science Mathematics
MS in Plant Science Natural Sciences
MS in Marine Science Marine Science
MS in Environmental Science and Engineering Environmental Sciences
MS in Bioengineering General Engineering
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
14 programmes
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology delivers 14 programmes at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
PhD in Materials Science and Engineering and Applied Physics Materials Science
PhD in Earth System Science and Engineering General Engineering
PhD in Chemistry Chemistry
PhD in Chemical Engineering Chemistry
PhD in Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
PhD in Computer Science Computer Sciences
PhD in Applied Mathematics and Computational Science Mathematics
PhD in Plant Science Natural Sciences
PhD in Marine Science Marine Science
PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering Environmental Sciences
PhD in Bioengineering General Engineering
PhD in Bioscience Biological Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
What applying to King Abdullah University of Science and Technology typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology runs 28 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Saudi Arabia.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Lodge your application through the official website (www.kaust.edu.sa). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +966. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Concise answers to the most-searched questions about King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.
When was King Abdullah University of Science and Technology founded?
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology was established in 2009 (approximately 17 years ago).
In which city is King Abdullah University of Science and Technology?
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
Is King Abdullah University of Science and Technology public or private?
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology operates as a private institution.
How many students study at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology?
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has approximately 250-499 students.
How is King Abdullah University of Science and Technology ranked?
It ranks #262 globally and #2 in Saudi Arabia.
What qualification levels does King Abdullah University of Science and Technology offer?
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology offers master's and doctoral programmes.
Is King Abdullah University of Science and Technology accredited?
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is accredited by Ministry of Education.
Where can I learn more about King Abdullah University of Science and Technology?
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology's official website is www.kaust.edu.sa.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Looking at higher education options close to King Abdullah University of Science and Technology? These nearby campuses share similar academic structures and may suit students prioritising proximity to home or family. Regional ties also affect access to internships and local employer networks.
Where Else to Study Computer Sciences
Foreign-language teaching requirements for Computer Sciences programmes vary across Saudi Arabia. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.
Universities Often Compared with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
