Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has opened applications for its fully funded graduate programs for 2027, offering opportunities for international students to pursue Master of Science (MS), combined MS/PhD and PhD degrees.
Applications for the January 2027 PhD intake are currently open, with the deadline set for September 27, 2026. For the August 2027 intake, KAUST will accept applications for MS, MS/PhD and PhD programs from September 28, 2026, to January 3, 2027.
The KAUST Fellowship covers tuition and bench fees, accommodation, health insurance and relocation-related expenses for eligible admitted students. It also provides a monthly living allowance.
KAUST Fellowship for MS Students
Applicants for MS programs must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. KAUST offers a 1.5-year MS program without a thesis and a two-year program that includes a thesis.
Selected MS students receive a fellowship of $20,000 per year, paid in monthly installments along with other fellowship benefits.
KAUST Fellowship for PhD Students
PhD applicants generally need a relevant master’s degree from a recognized institution. The standard PhD program duration is around four years.
PhD fellowship recipients receive between $25,000 and $30,000 per year, with the amount depending on their qualifications and academic progress.
Students with a bachelor’s degree can also apply for the combined MS/PhD program in selected fields. The program generally takes around 5.5 to six years, and students who meet the progression requirements can continue to the PhD without submitting a new application.
What Does the KAUST Fellowship Cover?
The fellowship covers full tuition and bench fees, which KAUST values at up to $35,000 per year. Eligible students also receive standard accommodation and health insurance.
Housing arrangements include shared accommodation for single students and two-bedroom accommodation for married students. Students can request upgraded housing for an additional fee.
The health insurance plan also provides coverage for eligible dependents living on campus.
KAUST additionally provides visa, travel and relocation support for the student’s initial move to the university and return home after graduation. Students receiving certain external sponsorships or funding may not qualify for the KAUST Fellowship.
KAUST Scholarship 2027 Application Dates
KAUST has separate admission rounds for the January and August 2027 intakes.
| Stage | January 2027 Intake | August 2027 Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Programs | PhD | MS, MS/PhD & PhD |
| Applications Open | Currently Open | September 28, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 27, 2026 | January 3, 2027 |
| Scheduled Decisions | November 8, 2026 | February 14, 2027 |
| Classes Begin | January 17, 2027 | August 29, 2027 |
Eligibility Requirements
KAUST accepts graduate applications from students around the world. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment and meet the academic requirements for their selected program.
The minimum required GPA is 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent, although KAUST notes that many successful applicants have higher academic scores.
Students who are still completing their current degree can apply using their latest academic records but must submit final official transcripts before enrollment.
GRE and PGAT scores are optional.
English Language Requirements
Applicants are required to meet KAUST’s English language requirements unless they qualify for an exemption.
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Minimum Score in Each Section |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7 | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 5 | 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | 71 | 67 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency | 185 | 176 |
The TOEFL figures follow the 1–6 scoring system introduced in January 2026.
Certain applicants, including eligible Saudi nationals and PhD candidates, may qualify for conditional admission with lower English scores and an English course requirement.
Applicants who completed qualifying degrees in person at accredited institutions in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand may also qualify for an English test exemption.
Available Fields of Study
KAUST offers graduate programs across a range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines.
Available fields 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 programs available to applicants vary depending on the selected discipline and intake.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents for their KAUST application:
- Academic transcripts and degree records
- Updated CV
- Statement of purpose of approximately 750 words
- Contact details for three referees
- Passport identification page or Saudi national ID, where applicable
- English language test results, if available
How to Apply for KAUST Scholarship 2027
Applicants need to select their preferred program and intake through the KAUST admissions portal and complete the online application.
There is no separate application for the KAUST Fellowship. Eligible students who are admitted to the university receive the fellowship automatically, with the specific details included in their admission offer.
Applicants can apply to only one academic program per year and should carefully review their application before submitting it, as KAUST generally does not permit changes afterward.
Applicants for MS/PhD and PhD programs do not need to secure a faculty advisor before applying. However, they can identify faculty members they are interested in working with as part of their application.
