King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarships for Master’s and PhD 2026 | Fully Funded

Scholarships for International

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) scholarships are one of the best Scholarshi[s in the region and the world, offering fully funded scholarships for outstanding students seeking to pursue graduate studies in science and engineering. All admitted students to KAUST graduate programs (Master’s, MS/PhD, and PhD) automatically receive the KAUST Fellowship, which provides full academic and financial support.

Scholarship Details and Funding

Host Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) – Saudi Arabia.

Eligible Degrees:

Master of Science (M.S.)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Combined Master’s/PhD (MS/PhD)

*You will find all the details about the available programs via this link.

Funding Offered:

Full tuition fees.
Annual living allowance ranging between USD 20,000 – 30,000 (depending on degree level and academic progress).
On-campus housing (including basic facilities) – estimated at USD 7,000/year.
Comprehensive medical and health insurance – valued at USD 1,450/year.
Relocation support (visa, airfare, and settling-in allowance).
Total fellowship value is estimated between USD 70,000 – 80,000 per year.
Additional housing and insurance fees may apply for students bringing dependents or family members.

Important Dates

Application Deadline (Round 1): October 1, 2025.
Spring Semester 2026 Start Date: January 25, 2026 (for MS/PhD and PhD programs only).
Fall Semester 2026 Start Date: August 30, 2026 (available for all programs).

Degrees Requirements

Master of Science (M.S.)

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (engineering, mathematics, physical, chemical, or biological sciences).
A total of 36 credit hours, distributed as follows:
- Core courses: 9–15 credits
- Elective courses: 9–15 credits
- Research or final project: 12 credits
Program duration: 3 semesters + 1 summer session.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Students progress through three key milestones:
1. Passing the qualifying exam.
2. Successfully defending the dissertation proposal.
3. Preparing and defending the doctoral dissertation.

Required Documents

English Proficiency Test:
- Minimum TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.5.
- Exemption: Applicants holding a degree from an accredited institution in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
Academic Transcript:
- Official copy from each university attended.
- Certified English translation with grading scale attached.
  Final, sealed official transcripts required upon admission.
Three recommendation letters from professors or academic supervisors familiar with your research and academic potential (submitted directly by referees through the online system).
Curriculum Vitae (CV).
GRE scores are recommended but not mandatory. A strong quantitative score strengthens admission chances.

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How to Apply

Submit the online application through KAUST’s admissions portal.
Upload all required documents (certificates, transcripts, certified translations).
Provide referee details (referees will be contacted directly by KAUST).
Await communication from the admissions committee for potential interviews.

Important Notes

All admitted students are automatically granted the KAUST Fellowship (unless funded externally).
Financial support covers the initial relocation to KAUST and return after graduation only.
Recommendation letters must be submitted directly by referees via the system; submissions by applicants are not accepted.