The KAUST Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in Saudi Arabia. This fully funded scholarship is available for master’s and PhD programmes at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. The KAUST Scholarship 2027 covers full free tuition support, an annual living allowance of up to $30,000, on-campus housing, medical and dental coverage, and relocation support. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the KAUST Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.
Established in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university devoted to finding solutions for some of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges in the world, as well as in Saudi Arabia, in the areas of food and health, water, energy, environment, and the digital domain. KAUST is curiosity-driven and interdisciplinary.
Admission to KAUST is merit-based. The university currently hosts students from over 60 countries and has received applications from students attending more than 220 universities worldwide. At KAUST, every admitted student receives the KAUST Fellowship. Enrol in our renowned graduate programmes tuition-free. Live on the shores of the Red Sea, conducting groundbreaking research in our state-of-the-art research centres.
Work on some of the most pressing issues facing the world today, from environmental crises to global water and food supply challenges. Explore next-level research with our world-class faculty to solve the problems of the future today.
KAUST Scholarship Highlights
| Degree Programmes | Master’s / PhD |
| Scholarship Provider | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| Study Destination | Saudi Arabia |
| Fields of Study | Click here to find all the available degree programmes. |
| Programme Duration | Master’s: 2 Years, and PhD: 3 Years |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
KAUST Scholarship Benefits
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship provides the recipients with the following benefits:
- Full Free Tuition Support
- Monthly Living Allowance (From $20,000 to $30,000 annually, depending on qualifications and degree progress)
- On-Campus Housing
- Medical and dental coverage
- Relocation Support
Eligibility Requirements for the KAUST Scholarship 2027
The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the KAUST Scholarship:
- English is the required language, with a test score of 79 for TOEFL IBT or 6.5 for IELTS.
- Students from all countries are eligible to apply.
- Applicants must meet all the entry requirements for the master’s or PhD degree programme.
- The GRE is not mandatory; however, it will be a plus if you have it.
Step-by-Step Application Process for the KAUST Scholarship 2027
The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:
Step 1: Click here to start the online application through the application tool of KAUST.
Step 2: Upload the following documents via the KAUST online application tool:
- Official university transcripts: You must submit an official, complete university transcript/mark sheet/graduation certificate/academic record from every institution previously attended. A scan of the official transcript provided by the university in the native language must be uploaded into the online application along with the certified English translation. Your transcript must include the university grading scale for all documents submitted. If offered admission, an official final transcript must be sent to the Office of Admissions before arrival (during the onboarding process) in a sealed envelope.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A summary of your job experience, research experience, and any other relevant information should also be submitted with your application. If you have publications, please include abstracts of these in your resume.
- Statement of purpose: 750 words (approximately) concerning your past work, preparation for the intended field of study, relevant background and interests, academic plans, and career objectives. Please describe your reasons for applying to the particular KAUST programme for which you are seeking admission.
- Three letters of recommendation: You must have three letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf. Letters of recommendation are important and should be written by professors or advisors under whom you have pursued research or taken courses in your major field of study. Recommendation letters should be submitted through the application directly from the recommender. Recommenders should provide details about how he/she knows your work, as well as comparative statements (e.g., top 1% of class, best in past five years, etc.) and insight into your research ability.
- English language test score:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 with at least 5.5 in all individual sections.
- TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test): 79 overall, with at least 17 in all individual sections; the KAUST Admissions code is 4107.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 62 overall, with at least 59 in all individual sections.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 176 overall, with at least 169 in all individual sections.
- An English score is not required if the applicant received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination): KAUST does not require the GRE for admission; however, you are welcome to submit your scores if you have taken the exam. Official test results can be sent directly to KAUST Admissions using the GRE code 4139.
Step 3: Submit the application. Important Note: There is no application fee.
KAUST Scholarship Application Deadline
The application deadlines for the KAUST Scholarship 2027 are 17 January 2026 or 1 October 2026.
For further information about the KAUST Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official website: