Web Desk: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KAUST in Saudi Arabia has opened applications for its fully funded graduate programmes, giving international students an opportunity to pursue advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The university is currently accepting applications for PhD programmes beginning in January 2027, with the deadline set for Sept. 27, 2026. A separate admissions cycle for MS, MS/PhD and PhD programmes will open on Sept. 28 and remain available until Jan. 3, 2027.
The August 2027 intake is scheduled to begin classes on Aug. 29, 2027.
Successful applicants who qualify for the KAUST Fellowship can receive comprehensive financial support throughout their studies.
The package includes full tuition and bench fees, accommodation, health insurance and assistance with relocation. Students also receive a monthly living allowance, while eligible scholars can receive support for visas and travel associated with moving to and from the university.
KAUST values tuition and bench-fee coverage at up to $35,000 per year.
Housing arrangements generally include shared accommodation for single students and two-bedroom units for married students. Students may request upgraded accommodation by paying an additional charge.
The university also extends health insurance coverage to eligible dependents residing on campus.
Applicants seeking an MS degree must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution.
KAUST offers two MS pathways: a 1.5-year programme without a thesis and a two-year thesis-based programme.
Students receiving the KAUST Fellowship for an MS programme are eligible for an annual stipend of $20,000, paid in monthly installments, in addition to the other fellowship benefits.
Prospective PhD students normally need a relevant master’s degree from a recognised university. KAUST says its standard PhD programme generally takes four years.
Depending on their qualifications and academic progress, PhD fellowship recipients can receive between $25,000 and $30,000 annually, with payments distributed monthly.
Meanwhile, students who hold a bachelor’s degree can apply for the combined MS/PhD pathway in selected disciplines. The programme typically takes about 5.5 to six years.
Students who satisfy the required progression criteria can move into the PhD stage without filing a new application.
KAUST has established separate application schedules for its January and August 2027 intakes.
The January intake is reserved for PhD applicants, while the August cycle will accept applications for MS, MS/PhD and PhD programmes.
| Admission stage | January 2027 intake | August 2027 intake |
|---|---|---|
| Programmes | PhD | MS, MS/PhD and PhD |
| Applications open | Currently open | Sept. 28, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Sept. 27, 2026 | Jan. 3, 2027 |
| Expected decisions | Nov. 8, 2026 | Feb. 14, 2027 |
| Classes begin | Jan. 17, 2027 | Aug. 29, 2027 |
KAUST accepts graduate applications from students around the world. Candidates must be at least 18 years old when they enroll and satisfy the academic requirements of their selected programme.
The university sets a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or an equivalent qualification. However, KAUST notes that successful applicants commonly have stronger academic records.
Students who have not yet completed their current degree can apply using their most recent academic results. Those admitted must submit final official transcripts before enrollment.
GRE and PGAT results are optional.
Applicants are expected to meet KAUST’s English-language requirements unless they qualify for an exemption or conditional admission.
| Test | Minimum overall score | Minimum section score |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 5 | 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | 71 | 67 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency | 185 | 176 |
KAUST’s TOEFL requirements use the 1-to-6 scoring system introduced in January 2026. English-language test results are generally valid for two years.
In certain cases, Saudi nationals and PhD applicants may receive conditional admission with lower English scores and complete an English course during their first year. For IELTS, the conditional threshold can include an overall score of 6.5, with at least 6 in each section.
Applicants may also qualify for exemptions if they completed an eligible degree in person at an accredited institution in countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand. Degrees completed at KAUST’s Thuwal campus may also qualify.
Applicants can submit an application before receiving an English test result, but they must satisfy the applicable language requirements before enrollment.
The university offers graduate programmes across 17 science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines.
Available areas include computer science, applied mathematics, applied physics, bioscience, bioengineering, chemistry, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental science, marine science and statistics, among others.
The programmes and degree options differ by field, so applicants are expected to check the university’s programme directory before selecting a course.
Candidates should prepare several documents before submitting their applications.
These generally include:
- Academic transcripts and degree records
- A curriculum vitae
- A statement of purpose of approximately 750 words
- Contact information for three referees
- Passport identification page, or Saudi national ID where applicable
- English-language test results, if available
Applicants must select their preferred academic programme and intake before completing the online admissions application.
There is no separate application form for the KAUST Fellowship. Students who are admitted and meet the relevant eligibility conditions are automatically considered for the fellowship, with the funding details included in their admission offer.
However, exceptions can apply to applicants receiving external sponsorship or participating in certain partnership arrangements.
KAUST generally permits applicants to submit only one academic programme application per year. Candidates should therefore review their information carefully before submitting, as changes may not be permitted afterward.
Applicants also do not need to arrange a faculty adviser before submitting an application. MS/PhD and PhD candidates can indicate faculty members whose research interests align with their proposed area of study.
For students seeking a fully funded graduate education in a STEM field, the 2027 admission cycles provide two separate opportunities to apply, with PhD candidates able to consider both the January and August intakes.
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