Study in Saudi Arabia | KAUST Fellowship 2026

February 26, 2026 7:20 am

Study in Saudi Arabia | KAUST Fellowship 2026

Imagine earning your graduate degree at a university that doesn’t just waive your tuition—it actually pays you a generous salary to study. If you are a driven scientist, engineer, or innovator looking for a fully funded path to a master’s or PhD, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Fellowship for the 2026 intake is your ultimate destination.

Forget scrounging for student loans or working odd jobs to make ends meet. At KAUST, every single admitted student receives this prestigious fellowship automatically. Also, this means you can bypass the financial stress and dive straight into groundbreaking research at one of the world’s most technologically advanced campuses, located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.

What the KAUST Fellowship Actually Provides

This isn’t your average scholarship. It is a comprehensive investment in your future as a researcher. The moment you accept your offer, you unlock a package designed to eliminate all financial obstacles:

Full Tuition Coverage: You pay exactly zero for your master’s or PhD education.
A Generous Living Stipend: You will receive an annual living allowance between $20,000 and $30,000. This is your money to cover living costs, personal expenses, and savings.
Premium Housing: You get access to secure, modern on-campus housing.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Full medical and dental insurance keeps you healthy without extra bills.
Relocation Assistance: KAUST helps with travel and moving costs to get you to Saudi Arabia smoothly.
World-Class Facilities: You gain unrestricted access to state-of-the-art labs, supercomputing resources, and innovation hubs.

Consequently, you can pour 100% of your energy into your research and academic growth, knowing your basic needs are fully covered.

Are You the Researcher They Want?

KAUST scouts for talent globally. They seek individuals with a burning curiosity and a strong academic backbone, ready to tackle challenges in science and engineering.

To secure a spot, you need to check these boxes:

Global Eligibility: This opportunity is open to applicants from every country. International diversity is welcome here.
Academic Credentials: You need a relevant bachelor’s degree (to apply for a master’s) or a master’s degree (to apply for a PhD).
Strong Transcripts: You must submit official academic records from every university you have attended.
Professional Endorsements: Secure three letters of recommendation from professors or research supervisors who know your work ethic.
A Polished CV: Your updated Curriculum Vitae should highlight your academic achievements and any research experience.
English Proficiency: You must prove your language skills.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 81.
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
- Exemption: You automatically bypass this if you hold a degree from the USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
GRE Policy: While the GRE is not mandatory, submitting a strong score can significantly boost your application profile.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Why You Should Apply Now

Applications for the 2026 academic year are officially live. However, this is not a race to the deadline; it is a race for limited lab space and advisor attention. The admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis.

Therefore, waiting until the last minute could mean missing out on your preferred research project. The fellowship is guaranteed upon admission, so your only goal is to get that acceptance letter.

Ready to Redefine Your Future?

Studying at KAUST is more than getting a degree; it is about joining a community of problem-solvers in a purpose-built city of innovation. You will work on research that matters, using tools that others only dream of accessing.