KAUST Scholarship 2027 in Saudi Arabia – Fully Funded Graduate Opportunity

Want to pursue a graduate degree in Saudi Arabia without the usual burden of tuition and living costs? The KAUST Scholarship 2027 could be an excellent opportunity for international students interested in advanced research and STEM education.

The scholarship is provided through the KAUST Fellowship at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Instead of submitting a separate fellowship application, students admitted to eligible graduate programs are generally considered for the fellowship automatically.

KAUST is a research-intensive university offering graduate education in areas such as engineering, computer science, biological sciences, mathematics, physics, environmental sciences and other technology-related disciplines.

KAUST Scholarship 2027 at a Glance

KAUST states that applications for 2027 entry open in mid-August 2026. Applicants should use the official admissions portal for the latest program-specific deadlines.

What Financial Support Is Available?

The KAUST Fellowship is designed to cover the major expenses associated with graduate study.

Depending on the student’s fellowship arrangement, support can include:

• Complete tuition coverage
• Monthly living allowance
• University accommodation
• Medical and dental coverage
• Relocation assistance

KAUST currently lists annual stipends of approximately $20,000 for M.S. students and $25,000–$30,000 for Ph.D. students, depending on qualifications and progression.

Some personal or dependent-related expenses may remain the student’s responsibility.

Which Programs Can Students Study?

KAUST’s graduate portfolio covers a wide range of STEM subjects, including:

• Computer Science
• Applied Mathematics and Computational Science
• Applied Physics
• Bioscience
• Bioengineering
• Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Marine Science
• Plant Science
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Earth Science and Engineering
• Statistics
• Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering
• Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Students should select a program that closely matches their previous education and research interests.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their selected graduate program.

For Master’s-level admission, a suitable Bachelor’s degree is generally required. Applicants seeking Ph.D. admission normally need an appropriate academic background that meets the requirements of the selected program.

KAUST lists 3.0/4.0 as the minimum permitted GPA, but the actual admission process is competitive. A higher GPA and a strong academic or research profile can strengthen an application.

English Language Requirement

Applicants normally need to demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for an approved exemption.

Current minimum scores include:

• IELTS: 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 81
• PTE Academic: 62
• Cambridge English: 176

Applicants should check the official requirements because accepted tests and exemption conditions may change.

Documents Needed

Before starting the application, prepare:

• Academic transcripts
• Updated CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Passport or national identification document
• English-language test result, if required
• Details of three referees

Your Statement of Purpose should explain your academic preparation, research interests, reasons for choosing KAUST and your future objectives.

Is There an Application Fee?

No. KAUST does not charge an application fee for its graduate application.

This allows prospective students to submit an application without paying a separate university application charge.

How to Apply?

The application is completed online through the KAUST admissions system.

Step 1: Choose a graduate program that fits your academic background.

Step 2: Check its specific admission requirements.

Step 3: Prepare your transcripts, CV, Statement of Purpose and other documents.

Step 4: Arrange your recommendation letters and English test, if required.

Step 5: Complete and submit the online application before the relevant deadline.

There is no separate application for the standard KAUST Fellowship; eligible admitted students are considered through the graduate admission process.

Why Consider KAUST?

KAUST is especially suitable for students who want more than a conventional classroom-based degree. Its graduate education is strongly connected with research, laboratories and interdisciplinary scientific work.

For students planning careers in research, academia, engineering, biotechnology, computing or scientific innovation, the university can provide a valuable international research environment.

Final Words

The KAUST Scholarship 2027 offers a potentially life-changing route to fully supported graduate study in Saudi Arabia. The combination of tuition coverage, living support, accommodation and healthcare makes it particularly attractive to international students.

However, KAUST admission is competitive. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically mean that an applicant will be selected. A convincing academic profile, relevant research interests, strong recommendations and a carefully written Statement of Purpose can make your application more competitive.

Always confirm the latest deadlines, eligible programs, admission criteria and fellowship conditions directly through KAUST before applying.

Official Application

KAUST Admissions: Official KAUST Admissions Website