Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is accepting applications for its 2027 graduate programs. PhD applicants seeking the January 2027 intake must submit their applications by September 27, 2026. The university will open applications for the August 2027 intake on September 28, 2026. That round covers MS, MS/PhD and PhD programs. The application deadline is January 3, 2027.
KAUST Fellowship Benefits
The KAUST Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support to eligible admitted students. It covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance and relocation costs. Students also receive a monthly allowance for living expenses.
KAUST covers tuition and bench fees valued at up to $35,000 annually. The university provides shared accommodation for single students and two-bedroom housing for married students. Students can request upgraded housing by paying an additional fee.
Health insurance also covers eligible dependents living on campus. KAUST provides visa, travel and relocation support for the initial move and return home after graduation.
Students with certain external sponsorships or funding arrangements may not qualify.
KAUST Fellowship for MS Students
MS applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution. KAUST offers a 1.5-year MS program without a thesis. Students can also choose a two-year program that includes a thesis. MS fellowship recipients receive $20,000 annually. The allowance is paid in monthly instalments alongside other fellowship benefits.
KAUST Fellowship for PhD Students
PhD applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree from a recognised institution. KAUST lists four years as the usual duration of its PhD program. PhD fellowship recipients receive between $25,000 and $30,000 annually. The university pays the allowance monthly. The amount depends on qualifications and academic progress.
Bachelor’s graduates can also apply for selected combined MS/PhD programs. This pathway takes around 5.5 to six years. Students meeting progression requirements can continue to the PhD without submitting a new application.
KAUST Fellowship 2027 Deadlines
For the January 2027 intake, only PhD applications are available. Applications are currently open, with a September 27, 2026 deadline.
KAUST expects to announce decisions for this intake on November 8, 2026. Classes are scheduled to begin on January 17, 2027.
For the August 2027 intake, applications open on September 28, 2026. This round includes MS, MS/PhD and PhD programs. The deadline is January 3, 2027, with decisions scheduled for February 14, 2027.
Classes are expected to begin on August 29, 2027.
Eligibility and Academic Requirements
KAUST accepts graduate applicants from around the world. Applicants must be at least 18 years old when they enroll. The minimum academic requirement is a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or equivalent.
However, KAUST says most successful applicants have higher grades. Students completing their current degree can apply using their latest academic record. They must provide final official transcripts before enrollment.
GRE and PGAT scores are optional.
KAUST English Language Requirements
KAUST accepts several English language tests for admission. Applicants need an IELTS score of at least 7 overall, with 6.5 in each section. For TOEFL iBT, the minimum overall score is 5, with at least 4.5 in each section. The university requires a minimum PTE Academic score of 71 overall and 67 in each section.
For Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, applicants need 185 overall and 176 in each section. The TOEFL requirements use the 1–6 scoring scale introduced in January 2026. English test results remain valid for two years.
Certain Saudi nationals and PhD applicants may qualify for conditional admission with lower scores. These applicants may need to complete an English course during their first year.
KAUST also provides exemptions for qualifying degrees completed in person at accredited institutions in several English-speaking countries. Applicants should check the university’s current exemption rules before applying. Applicants can submit an application without an English test result.
However, they must meet the applicable English requirements before enrollment.
Available Fields of Study
KAUST offers graduate programs across 17 science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Available fields include computer science, applied mathematics and applied physics. Other options include bioscience, bioengineering, chemistry and electrical and computer engineering.
Students can also pursue mechanical engineering, environmental science, marine science and statistics. Program availability and degree options vary by field.
Documents Required for KAUST Admission
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Academic transcripts and degree records
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement of purpose of around 750 words
- Contact details for three referees
- Passport identification page or Saudi national ID
- English test results, if available
Applicants should select their program and intake through the KAUST admissions system.
They must then complete and submit the online application. There is no separate application for the KAUST Fellowship.
Eligible admitted students receive the fellowship automatically, with details included in their admission offer. Applicants can apply to only one academic program per year.
They should carefully review their application before submission because KAUST generally does not allow changes afterward. Applicants do not need to secure a faculty advisor before applying.
However, MS/PhD and PhD applicants can identify preferred faculty members in their applications.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
