Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is accepting applications for PhD programs starting in January 2027. Applicants must submit their forms by September 27, 2026.
KAUST will accept applications for Master of Science (MS), combined MS/PhD, and PhD programs from September 28, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Classes for this intake will start in August 2027, according to the university’s admissions schedule.
Through the KAUST Fellowship, the university covers eligible admitted students’ tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and relocation costs. It also pays a monthly allowance for living expenses.
KAUST Fellowship for MS Students
MS applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. KAUST offers a 1.5-year program without a thesis and a two-year program with a thesis.
MS fellowship recipients receive $20,000 a year. KAUST pays this allowance in monthly installments, alongside the fellowship’s other benefits.
KAUST Fellowship for PhD Students
PhD applicants need a relevant master’s degree from a recognized institution. KAUST lists the usual duration of its PhD program as four years.
PhD fellowship recipients receive $25,000 to $30,000 a year, paid monthly. The amount depends on their qualifications and academic progress.
Bachelor’s graduates can also consider the combined MS/PhD program, available in selected subjects. This route takes around 5.5 to six years. Students who meet the progression requirements can continue to the PhD without submitting a new application.
What Does the KAUST Fellowship Cover?
KAUST pays full tuition and bench fees, which it values at up to $35,000 a year. The fellowship also provides standard accommodation and health insurance.
Standard housing includes shared accommodation for single students and two-bedroom accommodation for married students. Eligible students can request housing upgrades for an additional fee. Health insurance also covers eligible dependents living on campus.
KAUST provides visa, travel, and relocation support for the student’s initial move to the university and return home after graduation. Some students with external sponsorship or funding may not qualify for the fellowship.
KAUST Fellowship 2027 Application Dates
KAUST has separate admission rounds for its January and August 2027 intakes. MS applicants can apply for the August intake, while PhD applicants can choose either intake.
| Stage | January 2027 intake: PhD only | August 2027 intake: MS, MS/PhD and PhD |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | Currently open | September 28, 2026 |
| Application deadline | September 27, 2026 | January 3, 2027 |
| Scheduled decisions | November 8, 2026 | February 14, 2027 |
| Classes begin | January 17, 2027 | August 29, 2027 |
Eligibility and Academic Requirements
KAUST welcomes graduate applicants from around the world. Applicants must be at least 18 years old when they enroll and meet the qualifications for their chosen program.
The minimum GPA is 3.0 out of 4.0, or its equivalent. KAUST says most admitted applicants have higher grades.
Students completing their current degree can apply with their latest academic record. They must provide final official transcripts before enrollment. GRE and PGAT scores are optional.
English Language Requirements
KAUST’s current admission requirements list the following standard English scores:
| Test | Minimum overall score | Minimum score in each section |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7 | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 5 | 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | 71 | 67 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | 185 | 176 |
The TOEFL figures use the 1–6 scoring scale introduced in January 2026. English test results remain valid for two years.
Saudi nationals and PhD applicants may qualify for conditional admission with lower scores and a required English course in their first year. For IELTS, this includes 6.5 overall, with at least 6 in each section.
KAUST provides exemptions for qualifying degrees completed in person at accredited institutions in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, and degrees completed at its Thuwal campus. Applicants should review the full English requirements and exemption rules.
Applicants can submit their forms without an English test result. However, they must meet the relevant English conditions before enrollment.
Available Fields of Study
KAUST lists graduate programs across 17 science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Degree options vary by subject.
Fields include computer science, applied mathematics, applied physics, bioscience, bioengineering, chemistry, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental science, marine science and statistics. Applicants can review the complete list in the KAUST program directory.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare:
- Academic transcripts and degree records.
- A CV.
- A statement of purpose of about 750 words.
- Contact details for three referees.
- A passport identification page, or a Saudi national ID where applicable.
- English test results, if available.
How to Apply for the KAUST Fellowship
Applicants should choose their program and intake through the KAUST admissions website, then complete the online application.
There is no separate fellowship application. Eligible admitted students receive the KAUST Fellowship automatically, with the details set out in their offer letter. Exceptions apply to certain external sponsorships and partnership arrangements. Fellowship application guidance
Applicants can apply to only one academic program per year. They should review their forms carefully before submission, as KAUST generally does not allow changes afterward.
Applicants do not need to secure a faculty advisor before applying. MS/PhD and PhD applicants can identify faculty members they would like to work with in their application.
Find out more details about KAUST Fellowship (PhD) and KAUST Fellowship (MS).
Visit EduNation to find scholarships from around the world.
Follow EduNation on Instagram and Facebook.
The post Fully-Funded KAUST Scholarship 2027 for MS and PhD in Saudi Arabia appeared first on ProPakistani.
