King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing Master’s (M.S.), combined Master’s/PhD (MS/PhD), and PhD degrees in Saudi Arabia. These scholarships provide comprehensive financial support, including tuition, living stipends, housing, and more.
KAUST Scholarships for Master’s and PhD Programs – Fully Funded (2026)
Institution Overview
- University: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Language of Instruction: English
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Combined Master’s/PhD (MS/PhD)
Financial Benefits
- Full Tuition Coverage: No tuition fees
- Annual Living Stipend: Between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on degree level and academic progress
- On-Campus Housing: Estimated at $7,000 per year
- Comprehensive Medical and Health Insurance: Valued at approximately $1,450 per year
- Relocation Support: Including visa assistance, airfare, and settling-in allowance
- Total Fellowship Value: Estimated between $70,000 and $80,000 per year
- Additional Support: Extra housing and insurance fees may apply for students bringing dependents
Application Deadlines
- Round 1: Applications open on August 15, 2025; close on October 1, 2025
- Round 2: Applications close on January 17, 2026
- Round 3: Applications close on April 11, 2026
- Spring Semester Start: January 25, 2026 (for MS/PhD and PhD programs only)
- Fall Semester Start: August 30, 2026 (available for all programs)
- *Note: Applications received after Round 1 will be considered in subsequent rounds.
Eligibility Criteria
- Recommendation Letters: Three letters from academic or professional references
- GRE Scores: Recommended but not mandatory; strong quantitative scores can enhance application
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Official academic transcripts with certified English translations
- Three recommendation letters
- English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
- GRE scores (if available)
- Research proposal or statement of purpose
Additional Information
- No Application Fee: There is no cost to apply for KAUST graduate programs.
- Automatic Fellowship: All admitted students are automatically considered for the KAUST Fellowship; no separate application is required.
- Application Limitations: Applicants may submit only one application per year and can apply to only one academic program per year.