Introduction
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) offers graduate programs in science, engineering, and technology, and eligible admitted students receive the KAUST Fellowship. The fellowship can cover tuition and bench fees, provide a living stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and relocation support.
The important thing to understand is that the KAUST Fellowship is not a separate scholarship application. You apply for admission to a KAUST graduate program. If you are admitted and meet the fellowship conditions, the fellowship is normally included in your offer. Click here for more Fully Funded Scholarships.
For 2027 entry, KAUST currently lists:
- Spring 2027: PhD applicants only
- Fall 2027: MS, MS/PhD, and PhD applicants
- Spring 2027 deadline: 27 September 2026
- Fall 2027 deadline: 3 January 2027
KAUST states that these dates are tentative and may change according to application volume.
Quick Facts – King Abdullah University
| Category | Details |
| University | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Funding | KAUST Fellowship |
| Degree Levels | MS, MS/PhD, PhD |
| Tuition | Full tuition and bench fees |
| Stipend | Approximately US$20,000/year for MS and US$25,000–30,000/year for PhD, depending on qualifications and academic progress |
| Accommodation | Base accommodation included |
| Health Insurance | Included for students and eligible dependents living on campus |
| Relocation | Relocation, visa, and travel support |
| Application Fee | No application fee |
| Spring 2027 Deadline | 27 September 2026 – PhD only |
| Fall 2027 Deadline | 3 January 2027 – MS, MS/PhD, and PhD |
| English Tests | IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge |
| Research Proposal | Not a general university-wide requirement; check individual program requirements |
| Official Website | KAUST Admissions |
| Application Portal | KAUST Graduate Admissions |
What Is the KAUST Fellowship at King Abdullah University?
The KAUST Fellowship is the main funding package available to eligible admitted graduate students at KAUST.
Rather than applying for a separate scholarship after admission, students apply to a graduate program. KAUST states that admitted students automatically receive the KAUST Fellowship, except in certain cases involving external sponsorship or specific partnership arrangements.
This makes KAUST different from scholarships where students first apply to a separate funding competition and then apply to a university.
The fellowship is designed to allow students to focus on their graduate studies and research without carrying the normal tuition and housing burden.
Benefits – King Abdullah University
1. Full Tuition and Bench Fees
The fellowship covers full tuition and bench fees, with KAUST listing a value of up to US$35,000 per year.
This means eligible students do not normally have to pay the regular tuition costs associated with their graduate program.
2. Monthly Stipend
KAUST provides a living stipend.
The current official funding information lists approximately:
- MS students: US$20,000 per year
- PhD students: US$25,000–30,000 per year
The exact amount can depend on qualifications and academic progress.
KAUST’s onboarding information currently lists monthly figures of:
- MS: US$1,667 / SAR 6,250
- PhD below 30 credits: US$2,083 / SAR 7,812
- PhD above 30 credits: US$2,500 / SAR 9,375
3. Accommodation
Base accommodation is included.
KAUST states that shared accommodation is provided for single students, while two-bed accommodation is available for married students. Students can request a housing upgrade, but an additional fee may apply.
4. Health Insurance
Health insurance is included for students and eligible dependents living on campus.
KAUST’s onboarding information further states that international students and their legal dependents under KAUST sponsorship receive health insurance from arrival, subject to the applicable conditions.
5. Relocation Support
KAUST provides relocation support covering visa, relocation and travel costs.
However, students should understand that this does not mean unlimited travel throughout their studies. KAUST states that relocation assistance covers the student’s initial move to KAUST and return home upon graduation.
6. Overall Fellowship Value
KAUST currently estimates the total value of the fellowship at approximately US$70,000–80,000 per year, depending on the student’s circumstances.
The exact value received by an individual student can vary.
Who Can Apply to King Abdullah University?
KAUST accepts international applicants for its graduate programs.
For a general graduate application, applicants must satisfy the university’s academic and other admission requirements.
The main requirements include:
- A relevant bachelor’s degree for Master’s admission
- A relevant master’s degree for PhD admission
- At least 18 years of age at entry
- Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent
- English-language proficiency evidence, unless an applicable exemption applies
Eligibility Criteria – King Abdullah University
| Requirement | Official Requirement | Simple Explanation | Advice for Pakistani Students |
| Master’s academic qualification | Relevant bachelor’s degree | Your bachelor’s degree should match the program you choose | Check the specific program carefully |
| PhD academic qualification | Relevant master’s degree | A relevant master’s is normally required for PhD entry | Declare your exact degree type |
| Age | At least 18 at entry | Applicant must be 18 or older | No general upper age limit is listed |
| GPA | Minimum 3.0/4.0 or equivalent | This is the minimum permitted GPA | Do not assume 3.0 guarantees admission |
| Nationality | International applicants accepted | Pakistani students can apply | Apply as an international applicant |
| English | Accepted English test or qualifying exemption | You need approved proof of English proficiency | MOI from a Pakistani university is not accepted |
| Work Experience | No general requirement listed | Work experience is not universally required | Highlight relevant experience if you have it |
| Research Background | Holistic review | Research potential and academic fit matter | Explain your research interests clearly |
| Publications | No general publication requirement listed | Publications are not universally mandatory | Include them if you have them |
| Supervisor | No supervisor required before application | You do not need a faculty advisor before applying | Research faculty and program fit, but do not wait for a supervisor agreement |
KAUST uses a holistic admissions approach. The university says academic scores are not the only measure and that it also considers qualities such as motivation and potential impact in the scientific community.
A very important point about GPA
The official minimum GPA is 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
But this should not be interpreted as the GPA of a typical successful applicant.
KAUST reports that approximately 90% of admitted applicants have a GPA above 3.3, while approximately 75% have a GPA above 3.5.
So, meeting the minimum requirement makes you eligible to be considered. It does not guarantee admission.
Does King Abdullah University Accept Pakistani Students?
Yes. KAUST’s graduate admissions are open to international applicants, and there is no general nationality restriction excluding Pakistani students.
Pakistani applicants should focus on meeting the same academic, English-language and application requirements applicable to international students.
One issue deserves special attention:
KAUST does not accept a Pakistani university’s Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate as a substitute for the required English test.
English Language Requirements – King Abdullah University
KAUST currently lists the following English-language requirements for graduate admission:
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Minimum Individual Scores |
| IELTS | 7.0 | 6.5 in each section |
| TOEFL iBT | 5.0 | 4.5 in each section |
| PTE Academic | 71 | 67 in each section |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency | 185 | 176 in each section |
KAUST also states that English test scores are valid for two years from the test date.
Can you apply without an English test score?
KAUST allows applicants to submit an application without an English score in certain circumstances, but the university strongly encourages applicants to provide a valid score at the time of application because admission is competitive. If admitted, qualifying English results must be provided before enrollment where required.
Required Documents – King Abdullah University
KAUST’s general graduate application requires the following:
| Document | Mandatory / Optional | Preparation |
| Official university transcripts | Mandatory | Prepare complete records from all higher-education institutions |
| CV / Resume | Mandatory | Keep it clear and research-focused |
| Statement of Purpose | Mandatory | KAUST asks for approximately 750 words |
| Three referees | Mandatory | Provide suitable academic/professional contacts |
| English test score | Required evidence where applicable | Use an accepted official test |
| Passport copy | Mandatory for international applicants | Upload a clear page showing photo and personal details |
| GRE / PGAT | Optional | Submit only if useful for your application |
2. CV / Resume
Your CV should clearly show your:
- Educational background
- Research experience
- Projects
- Publications, if applicable
- Relevant technical skills
- Academic or professional experience
- Research interests
For a research-focused university such as KAUST, avoid creating a generic CV that gives equal space to unrelated activities.
Show the experience most relevant to your intended program.
3. Statement of Purpose
KAUST asks for a Statement of Purpose of approximately 750 words.
Your SOP should explain:
- Your academic preparation
- Your research interests
- Your academic plans
- Your career objectives
- Why the selected KAUST program fits your goals
Avoid this mistake
Do not simply write:
“KAUST is a world-class university and I want to study there.”
Instead, explain your academic journey, research interests and why the particular program is a logical next step.
Is a Research Proposal Required for King Abdullah University?
A separate research proposal is not listed as a general university-wide application requirement on KAUST’s current graduate entry-requirements page.
The general application requires documents such as:
- Transcripts
- CV
- Statement of Purpose
- Three referees
- English evidence
- Passport
However, individual programs can have additional requirements.
Therefore, applicants should always check the requirements for their specific KAUST program before submitting the application.
Do You Need a Professor or Supervisor Before Applying?
No general supervisor agreement is required before submitting the application.
KAUST’s admissions information does not require applicants to secure a faculty advisor before applying.
However, researching faculty members and understanding the research areas of your intended program can still help you prepare a stronger application.
The key is to distinguish between:
“I researched potential faculty and research areas.”
and
“I already have a confirmed supervisor.”
The first is useful preparation; the second is not presented by KAUST as a universal application requirement.
Application Deadlines – King Abdullah University
The current official admissions timeline lists two relevant 2027 entry rounds.
Spring 2027
Applicants: PhD only
Application deadline: 27 September 2026
Decision date: 8 November 2026
Semester begins: 17 January 2027
Fall 2027
Applicants: MS, MS/PhD and PhD
Applications open: 28 September 2026
Application deadline: 3 January 2027
Decision date: 14 February 2027
Semester begins: 29 August 2027
KAUST clearly notes that the dates are tentative and may change depending on application volume. Always confirm the current timeline before submitting.
How to Apply for King Abdullah University
The application process can be divided into five practical stages.
Step 1: Find the Right Program
Start by exploring KAUST’s graduate programs.
KAUST currently offers graduate study across areas including:
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Science
- Applied Physics
- Bioengineering
- Bioscience
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Earth Science and Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Marine Science
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Plant Science
- Statistics
- Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Program availability varies by degree and intake.
Choose a program based on your academic background and research interests.
Step 2: Check the Deadline
Before preparing the final application, identify the correct admission round.
For example:
- PhD applicants may be eligible for Spring 2027.
- MS applicants should look at the Fall 2027 intake.
- Fall 2027 applications open on 28 September 2026.
- The Fall 2027 deadline is currently 3 January 2027.
Do not wait until the deadline day.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your:
- Transcripts
- CV
- SOP
- Passport
- English test
- Three referee contacts
- Optional GRE/PGAT score, if applicable
If your academic documents require certified English translations, arrange them early.
Step 4: Create an Account and Complete the Application
KAUST’s official application guidance says applicants should create an account, complete the application and upload supporting documents.
You can log back into the account as documents become available and upload them before submission.
Make sure your information is consistent across:
- Passport
- Academic documents
- CV
- Application form
Step 5: Submit the Application
After uploading the required supporting documents, review the application carefully and submit it before the deadline.
KAUST states that applications should be complete before submission.
There is no application fee to submit a KAUST graduate application.
What Happens After You Apply at King Abdullah University?
KAUST’s official admissions process has five main stages.
Stage 1: Application Submission
You submit your completed application through the official portal.
Stage 2: Admissions Review
KAUST’s admissions team reviews the application and checks whether the required documents are in order.
If something is missing, the university may contact you.
Stage 3: Faculty Review Committee
Eligible applications are reviewed by a faculty committee.
Applications are evaluated and ranked against other applicants.
Stage 4: Academic Interview and/or Test
Shortlisted applicants may receive an invitation for an online academic interview.
The interview can focus on:
- Academic background
- Research interests
- Career goals
Stage 5: Final Decision
KAUST communicates the admission outcome by email.
If you receive an offer, pay attention to the response deadline because KAUST states that an accepted offer must be secured within the specified period.
How Much Does It Cost to Live at King Abdullah University?
KAUST reports that students spend approximately US$1,320 per month on average, although actual expenses depend on lifestyle.
The university says the fellowship stipend more than covers this average level of spending.
Your personal expenses can still vary depending on:
- Food choices
- Personal travel
- Entertainment
- Shopping
- Hobbies
- Other lifestyle choices
So students should still manage their stipend responsibly.
Official Link – King Abdullah University
