Want a master’s or PhD where somebody else pays the bills? The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Fellowship could be your ticket. It covers your tuition, pays you a monthly stipend, gives you a place to live, and takes care of your health insurance and your move to Saudi Arabia. KAUST values the whole package at USD 70,000 to USD 80,000 per year.
The deadline is close, though. The Fall 2027 application closes on 3 January 2027. This guide walks you through everything you need to apply, wherever you call home. If you want to compare it with other fully funded options, see the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and the Martingale Foundation Scholarships.
KAUST Fellowship at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host university | KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia |
| Degree levels | MS, MS/PhD and PhD |
| Fields | 17 STEM disciplines |
| Funding | Tuition, stipend, housing, health insurance, relocation |
| Value | USD 70,000 to 80,000 per year |
| Fall 2027 deadline | 3 January 2027 |
| Decisions released | 25 February 2027 |
| Classes start | 29 August 2027 |
| Open to | Applicants from any country |
About KAUST
KAUST opened in 2009 on the Red Sea coast in Thuwal. It focuses on graduate research, and more than 120 nationalities study there. English is the language of instruction. Times Higher Education data lists about 69% international students and a student-to-staff ratio of 8.5 to 1.
Graduates do well after leaving. KAUST says its master’s alumni have joined companies like Google and Tesla, and others moved into consulting, oil and gas, biomedical research and government service. Students from Mexico and Germany, for example, describe the campus as a true cultural melting pot.
What the Fellowship Covers
- Tuition and bench fees: worth up to USD 35,000 per year.
- Monthly stipend: USD 20,000 per year for master’s students, which works out to about USD 1,667 per month. PhD students receive USD 25,000 to USD 30,000, depending on qualifications and progress.
- Housing: shared accommodation for single students and two-bed accommodation for married students. Upgrades cost extra.
- Health insurance: covers you and eligible dependents living on campus.
- Relocation support: visa, relocation and travel costs.
Relocation help applies only to your first move to KAUST and your trip home after graduation.
What about daily costs? KAUST students report spending around USD 1,320 per month on average. Campus buses, gyms, swimming pools, two beaches and high-speed internet are free. Our guide on how to find affordable universities abroad can help you budget for any study destination.
One catch: students with external sponsorship or funding may not qualify for the Fellowship.
Programs You Can Study
For Fall 2027, master’s programs are open in these areas:
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Science
- Applied Physics
- Life Sciences and Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences
- Marine Science
- Crop Science and Biotechnology
- Statistics
- Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (master’s only)
Electrical engineering graduates have a strong fit here. Electrical and Computer Engineering accepts MS, MS/PhD and PhD applicants for Fall 2027.
The master’s is a 36-credit program. You can finish in 1.5 years without a thesis or in 2 years with one. Every student also completes at least one January Winter Enrichment Program, a mix of academic, entrepreneurial and cultural activities. You can also swap in a research-based summer internship for part of your credits. If a PhD is your goal, compare this with the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship.
Who Can Apply
You need to meet these basics:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject for the master’s (a relevant master’s for the PhD)
- Age 18 or older on entry
- A GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale or equivalent
- Proof of English proficiency
The minimum GPA only gets you in the door. About 90% of admitted applicants score above 3.3, and 75% score above 3.5.
English Test Minimums
- IELTS Academic: 7 overall, at least 6.5 in each section
- TOEFL iBT: 5 overall, at least 4.5 in each section (KAUST code 4107). Confirm which scale applies to your test on the official page.
- PTE Academic: 71 overall, at least 67 in each section
- Cambridge C1/C2: 185 overall, at least 176 in each section
Scores stay valid for two years. KAUST does not accept Duolingo, medium-of-instruction certificates or TOEFL MyBest scores.
You can skip the test if you studied in person for a degree in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand. You can also apply without a score, but you must meet the minimum before you enroll. Some other programs waive the test entirely, as our guide to studying in Germany without IELTS on a scholarship shows.
Documents You Will Need
- Transcripts: official records showing courses, grades and the grading scale. If your degree is still in progress, a partial or unofficial transcript works for now. Upload a certified English translation if needed.
- CV: full name, contact details, education, work experience, research, publications and interests.
- Statement of purpose: about 750 words on your background, field, plans and goals.
- Three referees: academic or professional email addresses only, never personal ones. If you finished your last degree over three years ago, professional referees are fine.
- Passport copy: a clear scan of the page with your photo and details.
- GRE or PGAT: optional, valid for five years.
Referee requests go out the moment you enter their details, and KAUST expects references within seven days of the deadline. Warn your referees early.
Key Dates
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Round 2 applications open | 28 September 2026 |
| Round 2 deadline (MS, MS/PhD, PhD) | 3 January 2027 |
| Decisions released | 25 February 2027 |
| Fall semester starts | 29 August 2027 |
KAUST calls these dates tentative, so recheck the timeline page before you submit. The Spring 2027 round is for PhD applicants only, and its deadline passed on 27 September 2026. Master’s applicants have one shot this cycle: 3 January 2027.
How the Application Works
- Submit online. Create your profile and apply through the KAUST portal before the deadline.
- Admissions check. The team confirms your documents are complete and contacts you about anything missing.
- Faculty review. A committee ranks applications and shortlists the strongest.
- Online interview. Faculty from your subject area talk with you about your background, interests and goals.
- Decision. You receive an email. If you win a place, reply quickly, because KAUST can withdraw an offer if you wait too long.
Decisions are final, and KAUST does not give individual feedback.
Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Do not wait for the last week. Transcripts, translations and referee replies take time.
- Name your research interests. Tell the committee which topics excite you and why KAUST fits them. Funded research roles like the Monash University PhD Scholarship show how specific projects can be.
- Brief your referees. Share your CV and goals so their letters compare you with classmates, as KAUST asks.
- Include an English score now. It strengthens your file, even though you can submit it later.
- Practice for the interview. Be ready to explain past projects in plain language.
Official Links
Always rely on KAUST’s official pages for the latest dates and requirements.
Disclaimer: Fellowship terms, allowances and dates can change. Verify all details directly with KAUST before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KAUST Fellowship really fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition, a monthly stipend, base housing, health insurance and relocation support. Students with external sponsorship or funding may not qualify, so check with the admissions office if another sponsor is paying for your studies.
Do I need the GRE or an English test?
The GRE and PGAT are optional, though a strong score can help. You may apply without an English test score, but you must meet the minimum before enrolling. Some in-person degrees from English-speaking countries are exempt.
What GPA do I need?
The minimum is 3.0 on a 4-point scale or equivalent. In practice, about 90% of admitted applicants score above 3.3, and 75% score above 3.5, so aim as high as you can.
Can I apply for the Spring 2027 intake?
Spring 2027 is open only to PhD applicants, and its first-round deadline passed on 27 September 2026. Master’s applicants should aim for Fall 2027 and send everything in by 3 January 2027.
Can my family come with me?
Married students get two-bed accommodation, and health insurance covers eligible dependents living on campus. KAUST shares detailed fellowship terms with admitted students, so ask about family arrangements once you receive an offer.
About the Author
Damilare Abogunrin
Content Writer | FundedAbroad.com
Damilare Abogunrin writes about international career opportunities, scholarships, internships and visa-related jobs. Through his work at FundedAbroad.com, he helps readers discover opportunities abroad, understand application requirements and find official application channels.
He focuses on making opportunity listings clear, practical and easy to understand, so readers can assess eligibility and prepare stronger applications. He encourages applicants to verify job details and immigration requirements directly with employers and official sources.