KAUST Scholarship 2027 in Saudi Arabia | Fully Funded

The KAUST Scholarship 2027 in Saudi Arabia is a fully funded graduate scholarship opportunity for international students who want to pursue a Master’s, MS/PhD, or PhD degree at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The university offers graduate programs in science, engineering, technology, and related research fields, with admitted students receiving the KAUST Fellowship automatically in most cases.

The KAUST Scholarship 2027 covers major study expenses, including tuition and bench fees, accommodation, health insurance, relocation support, and a monthly stipend. For 2027 entry, KAUST has separate admission rounds for Spring and Fall, with Spring 2027 open only to PhD applicants and Fall 2027 open to MS, MS/PhD, and PhD applicants. You may also check: Knight Hennessy Scholarship 2027

KAUST Scholarship 2027 Overview

The funding and deadlines above are based on KAUST’s current official admissions and funding information. KAUST notes that admission dates are tentative and can change depending on application volume.

What is the KAUST Scholarship 2027?

The KAUST Scholarship is the financial support provided through the KAUST Fellowship to eligible students admitted to graduate programs at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.

Students do not normally submit a separate fellowship application. According to KAUST, admitted students automatically receive the KAUST Fellowship unless they are admitted through certain partnership arrangements or have external sponsorship that affects their eligibility.

The university offers Master’s, MS/PhD, and PhD programs across 17 STEM disciplines, including computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, bioscience, environmental science, marine science, statistics, and other research areas.

Is KAUST Scholarship Fully Funded?

Yes. The KAUST Scholarship 2027 is fully funded for admitted graduate students through the KAUST Fellowship, subject to the university’s eligibility and sponsorship conditions.

The fellowship covers full tuition and bench fees, accommodation, health insurance, relocation assistance, and a monthly stipend. KAUST currently estimates the overall value of the fellowship at approximately $70,000–$80,000 per year, depending on the student’s circumstances.

This makes the program particularly suitable for international students who want to pursue graduate research without paying regular tuition fees.

KAUST Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants who receive the KAUST Fellowship can receive the following benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Bench fee coverage
• Monthly living stipend
• Accommodation
• Health insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Visa-related support
• Travel and relocation costs associated with moving to KAUST
• Access to advanced laboratories and research facilities
• Research-focused academic environment

KAUST states that tuition and bench fee coverage can be worth up to US$35,000 per year, while accommodation and other fellowship benefits are provided according to the applicable fellowship terms.

KAUST Scholarship Stipend 2027

One of the most frequently searched questions about the KAUST Scholarship is how much students receive.

According to the current KAUST Fees & Funding information, the monthly stipend is worth:

The PhD stipend can vary depending on qualifications and academic progress. The university also provides accommodation, health insurance, tuition support, and relocation assistance under the fellowship.

Who is Eligible for KAUST Scholarship?

The KAUST Scholarship is primarily available to students seeking admission to eligible graduate programs at KAUST. International applicants from different countries can apply if they satisfy the academic, language, age, and documentation requirements.

For Master’s admission, applicants generally need a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized higher education institution. For PhD admission, a relevant master’s degree is normally required. KAUST also offers an MS/PhD pathway for students who have completed or are completing a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a research-focused academic route.

KAUST Scholarship 2027 Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following general requirements:

1. Academic Degree

For Master’s programs, applicants need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution.

For PhD programs, applicants generally need a master’s degree in a relevant subject. KAUST notes that professional master’s degrees are not automatically considered equivalent to academic master’s degrees for PhD admission.

2. Minimum GPA

The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent.

However, KAUST states that the typical academic profile of admitted applicants is higher, with 90% of admitted applicants having a GPA above 3.3 and 75% having a GPA above 3.5. These figures describe admitted applicants and should not be treated as an official minimum GPA above 3.0.

3. Age Requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old when they enter KAUST.

4. English Language Requirement

Applicants generally need to demonstrate English-language proficiency through an accepted English test unless they qualify for an exemption.

KAUST currently lists IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English qualifications among its accepted examinations.

5. GRE Requirement

The GRE is not compulsory for the KAUST graduate application. Applicants may submit GRE or PGAT scores, and KAUST states that a strong score may strengthen an application.

Is IELTS Required for KAUST?

For most applicants, an accepted English proficiency test is required. KAUST currently lists IELTS 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each individual section as one of its English-language requirements. IELTS Online is also accepted.

However, an English test score is not required if the applicant earned a degree through in-person study at an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. Applicants who previously completed a degree at KAUST are also exempt.

KAUST also allows an applicant to submit an application without an English score, but an accepted score meeting the requirements must be provided before enrollment if the applicant is admitted.

What Courses Are Offered at KAUST?

KAUST currently offers graduate programs across 17 STEM disciplines. The programs available for 2027 include:

• Applied Mathematics and Computational Science
• Applied Physics
• Bioengineering
• Bioscience
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth Science and Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering
• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Marine Science
• Material Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Plant Science
• Statistics
• Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Program availability differs between MS, MS/PhD, and PhD routes. For example, MS programs are generally offered for Fall entry, while PhD applications are available for both Spring and Fall entry in many disciplines.

Students should check the specific program before applying because not every discipline offers every degree pathway.

KAUST Master’s Scholarship

KAUST offers research-focused Master’s programs in several STEM disciplines. The current Master’s program is a 36-credit degree, normally completed in three semesters plus a summer session, although the exact structure can depend on the program and study track.

The current KAUST admissions information describes its MS programs as fully funded for admitted students through the KAUST Fellowship, including tuition, housing, health insurance, relocation support, and other benefits.

KAUST MS/PhD Scholarship

The MS/PhD pathway is designed for students who want to progress from a master’s degree into doctoral research at KAUST.

Applicants who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree can consider this pathway where it is available. Students can progress toward the PhD without submitting a completely new PhD application, provided they satisfy the applicable progression requirements.

KAUST PhD Scholarship

The KAUST PhD program is a research-intensive graduate degree for students who want to pursue advanced research in science, engineering, technology, and related disciplines.

Admitted PhD students receive the fully funded KAUST Fellowship, which includes tuition, housing, health insurance, relocation support, and the applicable PhD stipend.

Required Documents for KAUST Scholarship 2027

Applicants should prepare their documents before starting the online application. The current KAUST requirements include:

• Official university transcripts
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose
• Contact details of three referees
• Official English-language test score, if available
• Passport identification page
• Academic records from previously attended higher education institutions

Documents submitted as part of the application, including academic transcripts, must be in English.

Applicants should also ensure that their academic records are complete and officially issued, as missing documentation can delay application processing.

How to Apply for KAUST Scholarship 2027

The application process for the KAUST Scholarship is completed online. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a Program

First, select a KAUST Master’s, MS/PhD, or PhD program that matches your academic background and research interests. Applicants should also review the relevant faculty members and research areas before applying.

Step 2: Check the Admission Deadline

Review the applicable Spring or Fall 2027 deadline before preparing the final application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, passport, referee information, and English test results where applicable.

Step 4: Create an Online Account

Create an account through the KAUST application portal and begin completing the application form.

Step 5: Upload Your Documents

Upload all required supporting documents and provide the requested academic and personal information.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Review your application carefully and submit it before the applicable deadline. KAUST states that there is no application fee for studying at the university.

Step 7: Faculty Review and Interview

After the initial review, applications can proceed to faculty review. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an academic interview and/or test before a final admission decision is made.

KAUST Scholarship 2027 Deadline

There are different deadlines depending on the semester and degree program.

Spring 2027

Spring 2027 admission is currently open only for PhD applicants.

Fall 2027

Fall 2027 admission is open for MS, MS/PhD, and PhD applicants.

KAUST states that these dates are tentative and may change depending on application volume, so applicants should always verify the deadline on the official admissions timeline before submitting their application.

Is KAUST Free for International Students?

KAUST can be considered fully funded for admitted international graduate students who receive the KAUST Fellowship. The fellowship covers tuition and bench fees, accommodation, health insurance, relocation support, and provides a living stipend.

There is also no application fee for applying to study at KAUST. However, applicants should understand that some students with external sponsorship or funding may not be eligible for the standard KAUST Fellowship.

Is There a Saudi Arabia Government Scholarship Available for 2027?

Saudi Arabia offers various scholarship and higher education opportunities for international students, but the KAUST Scholarship is a university-based graduate funding opportunity, rather than a general Saudi government scholarship.

KAUST applicants should therefore follow the university’s own admission process and requirements. The KAUST Fellowship is linked to admission to eligible KAUST graduate programs and is normally awarded automatically to admitted students who qualify.

Is It Difficult to Get Into KAUST?

Admission to KAUST is competitive. The university states that it takes a holistic approach when reviewing applications, considering academic achievements as well as qualities such as motivation and potential impact in the scientific community.

Meeting the minimum GPA or English-language requirement does not guarantee admission. A strong academic record, relevant academic background, clear research interests, a well-prepared statement of purpose, and strong references can all be important parts of a graduate application.

KAUST Scholarship Selection Process

The KAUST admission process generally follows several stages:

1. Online application submission
2. Initial admissions review
3. Faculty review
4. Academic interview and/or test if selected
5. Final admission decision

The university reviews applications for completeness before they move forward for faculty consideration. Applicants selected for further evaluation may be contacted for an interview with faculty from their subject area.

KAUST Global Fellowship 2027

The KAUST Global Fellowship should not be confused with the regular KAUST graduate scholarship.

The Global Fellowship is a postdoctoral research fellowship for researchers who have recently completed a PhD. For the 2027 call, applicants must generally have received their PhD after January 2023, or expect to complete it before the fellowship begins.

For the 2027 call, the concept-note stage is scheduled for September 1 to October 1, 2026, while invited applicants can submit full proposals from November 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027.

Therefore, students searching for a Master’s or PhD scholarship should apply through the regular KAUST graduate admissions process, not the Global Fellowship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible for KAUST scholarship?

International students who meet KAUST’s academic and admission requirements can apply for eligible Master’s, MS/PhD, and PhD programs. Applicants generally need a relevant bachelor’s degree for Master’s admission and a relevant master’s degree for PhD admission, along with the required GPA and English proficiency.

Is there a Saudi Arabia Government scholarship available for 2027?

There are different scholarship opportunities in Saudi Arabia, but the KAUST Scholarship is a university-based graduate funding program. Students applying to KAUST should follow the university’s own admissions and fellowship process.

Is it difficult to get into KAUST?

KAUST admission is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Applications are reviewed holistically, with academic performance, motivation, research interests, and other aspects of the applicant’s profile considered.

What are the details of the KAUST scholarships for 2027?

The KAUST Fellowship provides admitted graduate students with full tuition and bench fee coverage, accommodation, health insurance, relocation support, and a monthly stipend. The current annual stipend is $20,000 for MS students and $25,000–$30,000 for PhD students, depending on qualifications and academic progress.

Is IELTS required for KAUST?

For most applicants, an accepted English-language test is required. KAUST currently lists IELTS 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each section, although applicants who meet certain degree-based exemptions may not need an English test.

What courses are offered at KAUST?

KAUST offers graduate programs in 17 STEM disciplines, including Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Bioscience, Bioengineering, Chemistry, Statistics, Marine Science, Environmental Science and Engineering, and several other fields.

Is KAUST free for international students?

For admitted students who receive the KAUST Fellowship, tuition and major study-related costs are covered. The fellowship also provides accommodation, health insurance, relocation support, and a living stipend.

Who is eligible to apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2026?

The KAUST Global Fellowship is a separate postdoctoral program. Eligibility is generally based on having received a PhD within the specified period; for the 2027 call, applicants must have received their PhD after January 2023 or expect to complete it before the fellowship starts.

How to get admission in KAUST?

Applicants should choose an eligible graduate program, prepare the required academic and personal documents, create an online application, submit it before the relevant deadline, and complete any further interview or assessment requested by KAUST.

What is the deadline for the KAUST scholarship?

For Spring 2027, the current PhD application deadline is September 27, 2026. For Fall 2027, the deadline for MS, MS/PhD, and PhD applicants is January 3, 2027. These dates are currently listed by KAUST as tentative and should be checked before applying.

How much does KAUST pay for PhD students?

The current KAUST Fellowship provides a PhD stipend worth approximately US$25,000–US$30,000 per year, depending on qualifications and academic progress. In addition, tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and relocation support are included under the fellowship.

Final Thoughts

The KAUST Scholarship 2027 in Saudi Arabia provides an opportunity for international students to pursue fully funded graduate education in a research-focused university. Master’s, MS/PhD, and PhD programs are available across a wide range of STEM disciplines, while the KAUST Fellowship can cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance, relocation expenses, and a living stipend.

Students interested in applying should carefully select a program that matches their academic background, prepare their documents early, and check the official KAUST admissions timeline for the latest deadline before submitting the application.

Apply Now

• Official KAUST Scholarship & Admissions Website: KAUST Official Admissions Portal
• KAUST 2027 Admission Timeline: Check KAUST Admission Deadlines
• KAUST Application Portal: Apply Online to KAUST