What the funding covers
- Full tuition and bench fees, worth up to $35,000 a year.
- A stipend of $20,000 a year for master's students and $25,000 to $30,000 for PhD students, depending on qualifications and progress.
- Campus housing: shared for single students, a two-bedroom unit for married students.
- Health insurance for you and dependants living on campus, and relocation support for the visa and travel.
Who can apply
- Applicants to a master's, master's/PhD or PhD programme in science or engineering at KAUST.
- Admission is merit-based, after a faculty assessment and possibly an interview.
- Students with outside sponsorship that pays a stipend may not be eligible for the fellowship.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
How to apply
- Choose your programme on KAUST's admissions site and check its requirements.
- Apply online in the round for your intake; for autumn 2027 the deadline is 3 January 2027 (tentative).
- Upload transcripts, references, test scores and a statement of purpose.
- Shortlisted applicants are invited to interview; decisions for this round are due on 14 February 2027.
Before you apply: things to know
- Programmes are in science, engineering and computing only.
- You cannot hold another full scholarship that pays a stipend alongside the KAUST Fellowship.
- Round dates are tentative and can change, so check the admissions timeline before you apply.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next typical deadline (Jan 3, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Oct 11, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Oct 25, 2026Ask your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Nov 8, 2026Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Nov 22, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Dec 6, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Dec 20, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Dec 27, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Jan 3, 2027Typical deadline