KAUST Scholarship 2027 in Saudi Arabia | Fully Funded KAUST Fellowship

If you are looking for a fully funded scholarship in Saudi Arabia for 2027, the KAUST Fellowship 2027 is an opportunity worth exploring. The fellowship supports graduate students admitted to King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.

The funding covers major study and living costs, including tuition and bench fees, a monthly living stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and relocation support. KAUST also states that admitted students receive the fellowship automatically, although some externally sponsored or partnership-funded students may have different arrangements.

The scholarship is available for Master’s (MS), MS/PhD, and PhD programs across KAUST’s STEM disciplines. The university’s current study page lists programs in areas including computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, mathematics, bioscience, environmental science, marine science, statistics, chemistry and more.

For Spring 2027, applications are open only to PhD applicants, with a deadline of 27 September 2026. For Fall 2027, applications for MS, MS/PhD and PhD programs open on 28 September 2026, with a deadline of 3 January 2027. KAUST notes that these dates are tentative and may change.

KAUST Scholarship 2027 – Overview

The current KAUST Fees & Funding page states that the fellowship can be worth approximately USD 70,000–80,000 per year, depending on the student’s circumstances.

The source material supplied for this article also highlights the same funding structure and deadlines.

What Does the KAUST Fellowship 2027 Cover?

The KAUST Fellowship is designed to remove many of the financial barriers associated with graduate study.

1. Full Tuition and Bench Fees

KAUST covers tuition and bench fees, with the university currently stating a value of up to USD 35,000 per year.

2. Monthly Living Stipend

Students receive a living allowance of:

• USD 20,000 per year for Master’s students
• USD 25,000–30,000 per year for PhD students

The exact PhD amount depends on qualifications and academic progress.

3. On-Campus Accommodation

Base accommodation is included in the fellowship. KAUST states that shared accommodation is available for single students, while married students may receive two-bedroom accommodation. Housing upgrades can involve an additional charge.

4. Health Insurance

Health insurance is included for students and eligible dependents living on campus.

5. Relocation Support

The fellowship includes relocation assistance covering visa, relocation and travel costs associated with the student’s initial move to KAUST. KAUST also states that relocation assistance covers the student’s return home upon graduation.

6. Research Facilities

Students have access to KAUST’s advanced research facilities and laboratories, supporting research across science, engineering and technology fields.

Important Note

KAUST states that some students with external sponsorship or funding may not be eligible for the KAUST Fellowship. Applicants receiving substantial external financial support should disclose this to the university.

Programs Available at KAUST

The KAUST Fellowship supports graduate study across a broad range of STEM disciplines.

Some of the available programs include:

Biological and Environmental Sciences

• Bioscience
• Marine Science
• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Plant Science
• Bioengineering

Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences

• Computer Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Applied Mathematics and Computational Science
• Statistics

Physical Sciences and Engineering

• Chemical Engineering
• Chemical Science
• Earth Science and Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering

Biomedical Sciences

• Biomedical Engineering
• Biomedical Sciences

The current KAUST study portal lists 17 graduate study areas for the 2027 admissions cycle.

Who Can Apply for the KAUST Scholarship 2027?

The KAUST Fellowship is intended for graduate applicants from around the world who meet the university’s academic and admission requirements.

According to KAUST’s current entry requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old when they enter the university.
• Master’s applicants need a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
• PhD applicants normally need a relevant Master’s degree.
• The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
• Applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.
• Applicants must submit the required academic documents, CV, statement of purpose, referee information and passport identification page.

KAUST also explains that academic results are considered alongside other aspects of an applicant’s profile, including motivation and potential.

English Language Requirements

For most applicants, KAUST requires evidence of English proficiency.

The current minimum scores include:

• IELTS: 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each section
• TOEFL iBT: 5 overall, with at least 4.5 in each section under the current scoring system
• PTE Academic: 71 overall, with at least 67 in each section
• Cambridge C1/C2: 185 overall, with at least 176 in each section

An English test is not required if you earned a degree through in-person study at an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand. KAUST also lists an exemption for applicants who previously completed a degree at its Thuwal campus.

KAUST does not accept Medium of Instruction certificates or the Duolingo English Test for its standard graduate admission requirements.

Is the GRE Required for KAUST?

No.

The GRE General Test or PGAT is not compulsory for the KAUST graduate application. However, KAUST states that a strong score may strengthen an application.

Required Documents for KAUST Scholarship 2027

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Online application form
• Official university transcripts
• Degree certificate or evidence of degree completion
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose
• Contact details for three referees
• English language test score, where required
• Passport identification page
• GRE or PGAT score, if submitting one
• Additional program-specific documents where applicable

KAUST requires supporting academic documents to be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

The source article also identifies transcripts, degree certificates, research statements, CVs, references, English test results and passport documentation among the application materials.

KAUST Scholarship 2027 Deadlines

There are two important admissions periods for 2027 entry.

The Fall 2027 application round opens on 28 September 2026. KAUST states that the published dates are tentative and may change depending on application volume.

Important: Applicants should always confirm the deadline on the official KAUST admissions timeline before submitting their application.

How to Apply for KAUST Scholarship 2027

The KAUST Fellowship does not require a separate scholarship application. You first apply for admission to an eligible KAUST graduate program.

Step 1: Choose Your Program

Review the available KAUST Master’s, MS/PhD and PhD programs and select one that matches your academic background and research interests.

Step 2: Check the Deadline

Review the official admissions timeline and identify the appropriate Spring or Fall 2027 application round.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, passport information, English test results and referee details.

Step 4: Create an Application Account

Create an account through the official KAUST application portal and complete the required sections.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Upload your supporting documents and submit your application before the relevant deadline.

Step 6: Complete the Admissions Process

KAUST reviews applications, conducts faculty review, and may invite selected applicants for an academic interview or test. Final admission decisions are communicated by email.

Step 7: Receive the Fellowship

If you are admitted and are eligible for the fellowship, the KAUST Fellowship is included automatically. There is no separate fellowship application.

Is There an Application Fee?

No.

KAUST’s current FAQ states that there is no cost to submit an application to study at KAUST.

However, applicants are responsible for costs associated with required English-language tests, as these are not covered by the fellowship.

Official application: KAUST Application Portal
Official admissions information: KAUST Admissions
Official funding details: KAUST Fees & Funding
Official deadlines: KAUST Admission Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the KAUST Scholarship 2027?

The KAUST Scholarship 2027 commonly refers to the KAUST Fellowship, which provides financial support to eligible students admitted to KAUST graduate programs. It covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, relocation assistance and provides a living stipend.

Is the KAUST Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. KAUST describes the fellowship as fully funded for admitted Master’s and PhD students, with coverage including tuition, housing, health insurance, relocation support and a living stipend. Some externally sponsored students may have different arrangements.

Do I need a separate scholarship application?

No. KAUST states that there is no separate application for the KAUST Fellowship. The fellowship is automatically included for eligible admitted students.

Can international students apply?

Yes. KAUST welcomes students from around the world and has a highly international student community.

What is the minimum GPA for KAUST?

The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. KAUST notes that many admitted applicants have higher GPAs.

Is IELTS required for KAUST?

An official English test is generally required unless the applicant qualifies for one of KAUST’s stated exemptions. The standard IELTS requirement is 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each section.

What is the KAUST Fellowship deadline for 2027?

The Spring 2027 PhD deadline is 27 September 2026, while the Fall 2027 deadline for MS, MS/PhD and PhD applicants is 3 January 2027.

Final Summary

The KAUST Scholarship 2027, officially known as the KAUST Fellowship, offers a fully funded pathway for graduate study in Saudi Arabia. It supports eligible Master’s, MS/PhD and PhD students with tuition, accommodation, health insurance, relocation assistance and a substantial living stipend. KAUST currently states that the fellowship is automatically provided to admitted students, subject to exceptions for certain external sponsorship arrangements.

For students targeting Spring 2027 PhD admission, the current deadline is 27 September 2026. For Fall 2027 MS, MS/PhD and PhD admission, the deadline is 3 January 2027. Since KAUST notes that dates can change, applicants should verify the timeline before submitting.

For more scholarship opportunities, application guides and international study updates, follow World Scholarship Finder.

Application link

Official application: KAUST Application Portal
Official admissions information: KAUST Admissions
Official funding details: KAUST Fees & Funding
Official deadlines: KAUST Admission Timeline