KAUST Fellowship for MS and PhD Study, Fall 2027 Entry

About this opportunity

KAUST is a graduate research university on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast with students from more than 120 countries. Rather than running a separate scholarship competition, it funds its students through the KAUST Fellowship, which is provided to admitted students; the university notes that some students with external sponsorship may not be eligible for it.

The fellowship covers tuition and bench fees (worth up to USD 35,000 a year), a living stipend of USD 20,000 a year for Master's students and USD 25,000–30,000 a year for PhD students, shared or family on-campus accommodation, health insurance, and visa, relocation and travel costs for the first move and the return home. KAUST values the whole package at USD 70,000–80,000 a year.

The Fall 2027 intake is open to MS, combined MS/PhD and PhD applicants. Round 2 applications opened on 28 September 2026 and close on 3 January 2027, with decisions planned for 25 February 2027; KAUST says these dates are tentative. You need a relevant Bachelor's (for MS) or Master's (for PhD), a GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4, English test scores, a statement of purpose and three referees. Admission is competitive, so check the official pages before applying.

Purpose & benefits

• Full tuition and bench fees (worth up to USD 35,000 a year).
• Stipend: USD 20,000 a year (MS) or USD 25,000–30,000 a year (PhD).
• Base on-campus accommodation (shared for single students, two-bedroom for married students).
• Health insurance for students and eligible dependents on campus.
• Visa, relocation and travel costs for the initial move and the return home.

Eligibility

• Applicants for KAUST's MS, MS/PhD or PhD programmes starting in Fall 2027.
• For MS: a relevant Bachelor's degree; for PhD: a relevant Master's degree.
• A GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale (most admitted students are well above this).
• Proof of English (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 5 overall, or PTE 71), unless exempt.
• No nationality restriction is stated; students come from more than 120 countries.

• Nationality: see the requirements below or the official guidelines.
• Country of residence: any country.
• Where it takes place: Saudi Arabia.
• Field of study or work: Science, engineering, computer science and related KAUST programmes

Citizenship requirements

KAUST's admissions pages set no nationality restriction for MS and PhD applicants; students come from more than 120 countries.

Required qualifications

Relevant Bachelor's (MS entry) or Master's (PhD entry) degree with a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0, and English proficiency.

Who should consider applying

Strong science, engineering and computer-science graduates who want a fully funded research Master's or PhD.

Important restrictions

• Students with some external sponsorship or funding may not be eligible for the KAUST Fellowship.
• Professional Master's degrees are not treated as equivalent to research Master's degrees for PhD entry — declare them.
• Dates are tentative and may change with application volume.

How to apply

1. Pick your KAUST programme and check its entry requirements.
2. Create an account on KAUST's admissions portal and complete the application for Fall 2027 (Round 2).
3. Upload transcripts, CV, statement of purpose and English scores, and enter three referees — they are emailed as soon as you add them.
4. Submit by 3 January 2027.
5. Shortlisted applicants have an online interview with faculty; decisions are planned for 25 February 2027.

Documents you'll need

• Official transcripts from every university attended (with grading scale)
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of purpose (about 750 words)
• Contact details of three referees (academic or professional email addresses)
• Official English test score (IELTS, TOEFL iBT or PTE), unless exempt

How applicants are selected

Admissions checks documents, a faculty committee ranks applicants and shortlists them for an online academic interview and/or test, then decisions are emailed.

Preparing a strong application

• Enter your referees early — their requests go out as soon as you add them.
• Book an accepted English test in time (Duolingo is not accepted for degree programmes).
• Name the research areas and faculty you want to work with in your statement of purpose.