Author: Hammad Ishaq
Last verified on: September 20, 2025

Overview: What the Program Is, Who Runs It, Purpose

• What: The KAUST Fellowship is the full funding scholarship awarded automatically to admitted students at KAUST’s graduate programs (Master’s, MS/PhD track, and PhD). No separate scholarship application is required in most cases (except for certain partnership‐ or externally funded programs) — the fellowship is granted upon admission. (KAUST)

• Who Runs It: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. It is a graduate research university, focusing on science, engineering, and technology. (KAUST)

• Purpose: To attract outstanding international students to KAUST, promote research and innovation in science and technology, strengthen global knowledge, and support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s goals in research, development, and economic transformation. (KAUST)

Benefits / Funding: Amounts, Duration, What Is/Isn’t Covered

The KAUST Fellowship includes:

What may not be fully covered or have limitations:

• Dependent housing or medical/dental coverage for family members may have additional charges. (KAUST)

• Relocation support is for initial move and return; ongoing travel may not be included. (Default)

• Fellowship value depends on academic progress, qualifications—for example, which round you apply in, your profile, etc. (Default)

Eligibility

• Citizenship / Residency: Open to international students of all nationalities. (KAUST)

• Academic Level: Applicants can apply for:

  • Master’s (M.S.) programs (Fall entry only) (Default)

  • MS/PhD integrated tracks (Default)

  • PhD programs (Default)

• Degree Requirements:

  • For M.S.: Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the program (science, engineering, mathematics, etc.) from a recognized institution. (Default)

  • For PhD: Master’s in relevant field OR in many programs, the MS/PhD track allows entrance after a Bachelor’s degree under certain conditions. (Default)

• Minimum Age: Must be at least 18 years old at the time of entry. (Default)

• GPA / Academic Performance: Competitive GPA required. As a guide: most admitted have GPAs above 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale); 75% above ~3.5. Minimum acceptable is ~3.0 equivalent. (Default)

• English Proficiency:

  • Minimum TOEFL iBT score: 81 OR IELTS: 6.5. (KAUST)

  • Exemption if degree was awarded from an institution in English‐speaking countries (USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand). (KAUST)

• GRE: Not mandatory. Strong GRE (especially quantitative) may enhance application. (KAUST)

Timeline & Deadlines

Additional timeline info:

• MS programs are offered Fall only. (Default)

• PhD and MS/PhD track applications accepted in both Spring & Fall. (Default)

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Decide which program (M.S., MS/PhD track, or PhD) and research area. Browse KAUST’s Study Options for programs offered and respective start dates. (Default)

2. Check eligibility & entry requirements: GPA, degree relevance, English proficiency, etc. Use KAUST’s Entry Requirements page. (Default)

3. Gather required documents (see checklist below).

4. Create an account on the KAUST admissions portal and complete the online application. (Default)

5. Upload all required supporting documents: transcripts, recommendation contacts, proof of English proficiency, etc. (KAUST)

6. Submit before the relevant deadline for your desired intake/round. Early application is advised. (Default)

7. Undergo review: KAUST’s admissions committee evaluates applications; there may be interviews or additional tests depending on program. (KAUST)

8. Receive offer and fellowship details: If admitted, the fellowship is included unless you have external sponsorship. Offer letter will outline all benefits. (Default)

Required Documents Checklist

Below are the documents KAUST requires / strongly recommends. Make sure everything is ready before deadline:

• Official transcripts / academic records from all post-secondary institutions attended; include mark sheets, grading scale; translations if documents are not in English. (Default)

• Bachelor’s degree certificate (and Master’s certificate if applying PhD) or proof of expected graduation. (Default)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé, including research / work experience, publications (if any), academic honors. (KAUST)

• Statement of Purpose (≈ 750 words recommended), describing academic background, research interests, career goals, and why KAUST / your chosen program. (KAUST)

• Contact info for 3 referees who can supply letters of recommendation. The system will notify referees to submit letters. (KAUST)

• English proficiency test score: TOEFL iBT or IELTS. If exempt (degree from English-language university), proof of that. (KAUST)

• Copy of passport photo page (or national ID if applicable) showing personal details. (Default)

• Any additional items specified by your chosen program (e.g. GRE test scores if you wish, optional; publications; research proposal if applying PhD). (KAUST)

Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look For

• Academic excellence: GPA, rigor of prior coursework, class ranking, relevance of major. Strong academic record is critical. (Default)

• Research potential: Publications, research experience (projects, labs), clarity of research interest. Especially important for PhD / MS/PhD track. (KAUST)

• Fit to program / advisor: Alignment of research interests with KAUST’s faculty and research priorities. If possible, identify potential supervisors or labs. (Default)

• English proficiency & communication: Clear Statement of Purpose; strong letters of recommendation; good scores. Ability to articulate goals. (KAUST)

• Timeliness and completeness: Submitting full application before the deadline, with all documents. Missing items or last-minute applications are at a disadvantage. (Default)

Practical Tips to Strengthen an Application

• Begin application process early. Collect transcripts and reference letters ahead of time.

• If a GRE is optional but you have a strong quant / analytical score, include it; it can help especially in quantitative disciplines.

• Tailor your Statement of Purpose: show how your background leads naturally into your choice of program and how KAUST’s resources would help; mention specific faculty or labs if possible.

• Get strong recommendation letters: professors or supervisors who know your work well; letters with specific comparisons (e.g. top 5% in class) are valued.

• Check English proficiency requirements early; schedule tests (IELTS / TOEFL) with enough time for scores to arrive before deadline.

• If your bachelor's degree is not from a country where instruction is in English, provide clear evidence of English language ability.

• Apply in Round 1 if possible; earlier rounds may give better chances before programs fill up.

• Ensure all required documents are clear, legible, properly translated, with correct grading scales. Mistakes in transcripts or missing grading scales often cause delays or rejections.

Official Links & Apply Now

• KAUST Admissions main page – “Admissions Kaust” portal where you begin your application: Explore KAUST Admissions (https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/) (Default)

• KAUST Fees & Funding page – details of the Fellowship benefits: Fees & Funding at KAUST (https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/fees-funding) (Default)

• KAUST Entry Requirements – requirements for application, English, GPA etc.: Entry Requirements (https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/how-to-apply/entry-requirements) (Default)

• KAUST Admission Timeline – deadline dates, rounds, intake info: Admission Timeline KAUST (https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/how-to-apply/admission-timelines) (Default)

• Apply Now Portal – the online application form is accessed via the Admissions portal; begin here: KAUST Apply Now (https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/) (Default)

FAQ

1. Do I need to submit a separate application for the KAUST Fellowship?
   No. All admitted graduate students (M.S., MS/PhD track, PhD) automatically receive the KAUST Fellowship, unless they are funded through an external or partnership program. (Default)

2. Can I apply if I only have a Bachelor’s degree (no Master’s) and want a PhD?
   Yes — in KAUST’s MS/PhD track, you can begin PhD path after Bachelor’s. Otherwise, for direct PhD entry, a Master’s may be required in many cases depending on the discipline. Check your specific program. (Default)

3. When is the latest deadline to apply for Fall 2026?
   Round 2 deadline is 17 January 2026; there is also a Round 3 (e.g. 11 April 2026) but many programs may have closed by then. Applying by Round 2 is safer. (Default)

4. Is GRE required?
   No. GRE is not required, but a strong GRE, especially quantitative section, can help your application stand out. (KAUST)

5. What if I studied in English (in non-English-speaking country)? Will I be exempt from English test?
   English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS) is required unless your degree is from an institution in the USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. If yes, proof of that degree/instruction is required. (KAUST)

Call-to-Action

If you meet the above criteria and are interested in an excellent fully funded graduate opportunity in STEM, start your application now. Visit the KAUST Apply Portal (https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/) to begin your application. Also review the Fees & Funding, Entry Requirements, and Admission Timeline pages for details.

Disclaimer: Always double-check deadlines, program details, and eligibility on the official KAUST website; the information above is based on the latest published sources as of last verification but may change.