The KAUST Scholarship 2027 offers an exciting opportunity for international students seeking to pursue fully funded graduate studies at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. The scholarship is available for students applying to eligible Master’s and PhD degree programs beginning in Spring 2027. Designed to support talented students pursuing advanced study and research, the KAUST scholarship provides comprehensive financial assistance, including tuition coverage, a monthly living stipend, accommodation, medical and dental coverage, and relocation support for international students. Applications for the Spring 2027 intake are currently open, and prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their documents well before the deadline.
Application deadline: September 27, 2026.
KAUST Scholarship 2027 Overview
The KAUST Scholarship provides international graduate students with the opportunity to study at a research-intensive university in Saudi Arabia while undertaking advanced work in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related research areas.
Here are the key details:
- University: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Location: Saudi Arabia
- Study level: Master’s and PhD
- Intake: Spring 2027
- Duration: Approximately 2 years for Master’s programs and 3–4 years for doctoral programs
- Funding: Fully funded
- Tuition: Fully covered
- Monthly stipend: Provided
- Accommodation: On-campus housing provided
- Medical coverage: Included
- Dental coverage: Included
- Relocation support: Available for international students
- Eligible applicants: International students from around the world
- Application deadline: September 27, 2026
- Application method: Online
About King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) was established in 2009 and has developed into a major research-focused university in Saudi Arabia.
The university places a strong emphasis on scientific research, innovation, technology and graduate education. Its academic environment is particularly focused on research areas associated with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
KAUST’s research-oriented model makes it an attractive destination for students interested in developing advanced technical knowledge and contributing to research addressing scientific and technological challenges.
The university has also received international recognition for its research output. According to the information provided for this opportunity, KAUST was ranked 19th globally in the 2016 Nature Index Rising Stars recognition of universities experiencing rapid growth in high-quality research output and scientific publications.
What Is the KAUST Scholarship 2027?
The KAUST Scholarship is a comprehensive financial support package associated with admission to eligible graduate programs at KAUST.
Rather than requiring students to independently secure separate funding for tuition and living costs, admitted students are automatically considered for the scholarship according to the information provided.
This means that qualified applicants who are admitted to an eligible program can receive substantial financial support throughout their studies.
The scholarship is intended to allow graduate students to focus on their education and research without carrying the typical financial burden associated with international graduate study.
Master’s Programs at KAUST
The scholarship is available to students pursuing eligible Master’s degree programs.
The expected duration for Master’s studies is approximately two years.
During this period, students can undertake graduate-level coursework and research while becoming part of KAUST’s international academic and research community.
Students interested in Master’s study should carefully examine the specific admission requirements of their intended program because meeting the general scholarship conditions does not replace the academic requirements for admission.
PhD Programs at KAUST
The opportunity is also available to students seeking doctoral study.
KAUST’s PhD programs are research-intensive and generally require approximately three to four years, depending on the program, research requirements and individual academic progress.
Doctoral students can use their time at KAUST to develop specialised expertise, conduct original research and contribute to scientific knowledge in their chosen area.
Prospective PhD applicants should pay particular attention to identifying an appropriate research direction and demonstrating their academic and research preparation in their application.
Available Fields and Majors
The KAUST Scholarship is available across the academic subjects and research areas offered by the university.
The institution has a strong focus on:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Scientific research
- Advanced technological research
- Related interdisciplinary fields
Because the scholarship is tied to admission to KAUST graduate programs, applicants should review the programs currently offered by the university and select a field that matches their academic background, research interests and career objectives.
Applicants should also ensure that their previous academic qualifications satisfy the entry requirements of the specific program they select.
Financial Benefits of the KAUST Scholarship
One of the most significant features of the KAUST Scholarship is its comprehensive funding package.
According to the information provided, successful students can receive the following benefits.
1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage
The scholarship covers the student’s tuition fees for the eligible graduate program.
This can significantly reduce the financial cost of obtaining a Master’s or PhD degree abroad.
2. Monthly Living Stipend
Students receive a monthly stipend intended to help cover living expenses while studying at KAUST.
The stipend allows students to concentrate more fully on their studies and research without having to finance their everyday expenses entirely from personal savings.
3. On-Campus Accommodation
The scholarship includes access to on-campus housing accommodation.
This is particularly useful for international students relocating to Saudi Arabia because it reduces the difficulty and expense associated with finding private accommodation after arrival.
4. Medical Coverage
The financial package includes medical coverage, providing students with access to healthcare support during their studies.
5. Dental Coverage
Dental coverage is also included as part of the scholarship’s comprehensive support package.
6. Relocation Support
International students may receive relocation support, helping them manage some of the costs and practical challenges associated with moving to Saudi Arabia for their studies.
Taken together, these benefits make the opportunity particularly attractive to students who would otherwise find the cost of international graduate education difficult to manage.
Duration of the KAUST Scholarship
The expected duration depends on the level of study.
Master’s degree
The Master’s scholarship support is generally provided for approximately:
2 years
PhD degree
Doctoral scholarship support is generally provided for approximately:
3–4 years
The actual period of study and funding may depend on the student’s program, academic progress and applicable university requirements.
KAUST Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements for the Master’s or PhD program they intend to study.
The provided requirements include the following:
- Applicants must meet the entry requirements for their selected graduate program.
- International students from any country can apply.
- Applicants should be seeking admission for the Spring 2027 intake.
- Applicants must satisfy the applicable English-language requirements unless exempt.
- Applicants must provide three letters of recommendation.
- GRE scores are not mandatory, although they may strengthen an application when available.
Because admission requirements can differ between programs, applicants should not rely exclusively on the general scholarship requirements. They should also review the requirements for their chosen KAUST degree program.
English Language Requirements
English-language proficiency is an important part of the application.
The information provided lists the following minimum scores:
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- IELTS: 6.0
Applicants should make sure that their test results satisfy the university’s applicable requirements before submitting their application.
Who may be exempt from English-language test requirements?
According to the provided information, TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required if the applicant received their degree from an accredited institution in one of the following countries:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
Applicants should nevertheless verify their individual circumstances and the current requirements applicable to their program before submitting the application.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation.
Recommendation letters can provide admissions reviewers with independent evidence of an applicant’s academic ability, research potential, intellectual maturity and suitability for graduate-level study.
Applicants should therefore select recommenders who know their academic or research work well and can provide specific, meaningful assessments of their abilities.
Where possible, applicants should approach potential referees well in advance of the application deadline.
Is the GRE Required?
The GRE is not mandatory according to the information provided.
However, GRE scores may be considered advantageous if an applicant has them available.
Applicants should therefore avoid delaying their application solely because they have not taken the GRE, while also considering whether submitting a valid score could strengthen their particular application.
Required Documents for the KAUST Scholarship
Prospective applicants should prepare the required documentation before beginning or completing their online application.
The provided list includes:
Academic Transcript
Applicants should submit their academic transcript.
The transcript must be presented in English.
It should accurately demonstrate the applicant’s academic history and qualifications.
Degree Certificate
A degree certificate is also required and should be presented in English.
Applicants should make sure that their submitted documents clearly demonstrate completion of their previous degree.
IELTS or English-Language Test Result
Applicants who are required to demonstrate English proficiency should prepare a valid IELTS or TOEFL result according to the university’s requirements.
Applicants from non-English-speaking countries should pay particular attention to this requirement.
However, the provided information indicates that applicants who received their degree from accredited institutions in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand are exempt from submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Three Recommendation Letters
Applicants must provide:
Three letters of recommendation.
These should ideally come from individuals who can provide credible information about the applicant’s academic and research capabilities.
Current CV or Resume
A current curriculum vitae or resume should be included.
The CV should present the applicant’s academic background, research experience, publications, projects, awards, professional experience and other relevant achievements.
Valid Passport
International applicants should provide a valid passport.
Applicants should check the validity of their passport before submitting their application, particularly because an international move may require sufficient passport validity for visa and travel arrangements.
Passport-Size Photograph
A current passport-size photograph is also listed among the required documents.
Research Articles
Research articles may be included if available.
For research-focused Master’s and PhD applicants, publications or other evidence of research experience can help demonstrate preparation for graduate-level study.
Automatic Scholarship Consideration for Admitted Students
A notable feature of the opportunity is that, according to the provided information, all admitted students automatically receive the scholarship.
This means applicants do not need to compete for a limited number of separate scholarship awards after admission in the manner common to many external funding programs.
Instead, the scholarship is associated with admission to the eligible graduate program.
This makes the academic admission application especially important. Applicants should therefore focus on presenting a strong overall application that demonstrates their academic qualifications, research potential and suitability for their chosen program.
Who Should Consider Applying?
The KAUST Scholarship may be particularly relevant to students who:
- Want to pursue a Master’s degree in a research-focused environment.
- Are interested in pursuing a PhD abroad.
- Have strong academic qualifications.
- Want to develop advanced expertise in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
- Are interested in scientific research and innovation.
- Need comprehensive financial support for graduate education.
- Are prepared to relocate to Saudi Arabia.
- Have research interests compatible with KAUST’s academic programs.
- Meet the English-language requirements or qualify for an exemption.
- Can provide three strong recommendation letters.
- Are preparing for the Spring 2027 intake.
How to Prepare a Competitive Application
Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. Prospective applicants should use the application to demonstrate why they are a strong fit for their chosen program.
1. Choose the right program
Start by identifying the KAUST graduate program that best matches your previous degree, research interests and long-term goals.
Your academic background should make sense in relation to the program you select.
2. Research the academic environment
Applicants should investigate the university’s research areas and identify the areas that align most closely with their interests.
This can help candidates develop a more focused application.
3. Prepare your academic documents early
Do not wait until shortly before the deadline to request transcripts, degree certificates and recommendation letters.
International applicants may need additional time to obtain official documents or translations.
4. Prepare your CV carefully
Your CV should clearly communicate your academic and research achievements.
Where applicable, include:
- Research projects
- Publications
- Conference participation
- Academic awards
- Research experience
- Internships
- Relevant employment
- Technical skills
- Laboratory experience
- Academic achievements
5. Secure strong recommendation letters
Contact your referees early and provide them with enough information about the program and your academic goals.
This gives them an opportunity to prepare detailed and relevant recommendations.
6. Check your English-language status
Determine whether you need IELTS or TOEFL before submitting the application.
If you are required to provide a test score, make sure your result meets the stated minimum.
7. Apply before the deadline
Do not leave the application until the final day.
Technical issues, missing documents or problems uploading files can prevent an otherwise qualified applicant from completing the application successfully.
Application Deadline for KAUST Scholarship 2027
The stated deadline for the Spring 2027 KAUST Scholarship is:
September 27, 2026.
Prospective applicants should ensure that all required application components are completed and submitted before the stated deadline.
Since the deadline is approaching, applicants should begin gathering documents, contacting referees and reviewing program-specific admission requirements as early as possible.
How to Apply for the KAUST Scholarship 2027
The application process is conducted entirely online.
Applicants should begin by reviewing the available graduate programs and identifying the program that best fits their academic and research background.
The general process involves:
- Review KAUST’s Master’s and PhD programs.
- Select the degree and academic area that matches your interests.
- Review the admission requirements for the selected program.
- Prepare your academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Prepare your CV or resume.
- Arrange three recommendation letters.
- Prepare your valid passport and passport-size photograph.
- Prepare an English-language test result if required.
- Include research articles or other relevant research evidence if available.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit the application before September 27, 2026.
Applicants should use the official KAUST application portal and consult the university’s current instructions for the latest program-specific requirements.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
Before submitting an application, prospective students should keep several points in mind.
First, being an international applicant does not by itself guarantee admission. Candidates must still satisfy the admission requirements for their chosen Master’s or PhD program.
Second, the scholarship is described as being automatically awarded to admitted students, making the overall academic application extremely important.
Third, applicants should pay attention to English-language requirements. While the provided information lists TOEFL iBT 79 and IELTS 6.0 as minimum scores, certain applicants may be exempt based on where they obtained their previous degree.
Fourth, recommendation letters are a required component of the application. Candidates should not wait until the final days before contacting potential referees.
Finally, applicants should check all documents carefully before submission to ensure that the application is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About the KAUST Scholarship 2027
Is the KAUST Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The opportunity is described as a fully funded scholarship providing comprehensive financial support, including tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation, medical and dental coverage, and relocation support for international students.
Who can apply for the KAUST Scholarship?
International students from any country can apply, provided they meet the admission requirements for their selected Master’s or PhD program.
What degree levels are covered?
The opportunity covers eligible Master’s and PhD programs.
When does the 2027 scholarship begin?
The provided opportunity is for students beginning their studies in Spring 2027.
What is the application deadline?
The stated deadline is September 27, 2026.
How long does the Master’s program take?
The provided information states that Master’s programs are generally supported for approximately two years.
How long does the PhD program take?
Doctoral programs are generally expected to take approximately three to four years, depending on the program and academic progress.
Do I need IELTS?
Applicants generally need to meet the stated English-language requirement unless they qualify for an exemption.
The provided minimum scores are IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79.
Is the GRE compulsory?
No. The GRE is not mandatory according to the provided information, although a score may be advantageous if available.
How many recommendation letters are required?
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation.
Do all admitted students receive the scholarship?
According to the information provided, all admitted students automatically receive the scholarship.
Can applicants from outside Saudi Arabia apply?
Yes. The opportunity is specifically open to international students from countries around the world.
Where will students study?
Successful applicants will study at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.
Learn more HERE
Final Checklist for Applicants
Before submitting your application, make sure you have considered the following:
- Confirm that you meet the entry requirements for your selected program.
- Confirm that your academic background matches the program.
- Check the applicable English-language requirements.
- Determine whether you qualify for an English-language test exemption.
- Prepare your academic transcript in English.
- Prepare your degree certificate in English.
- Prepare your current CV or resume.
- Obtain three recommendation letters.
- Prepare a valid passport.
- Prepare a passport-size photograph.
- Include research articles if available.
- Review your selected program carefully.
- Check the application for missing information.
- Submit the application online before the deadline.
- Keep a copy of your submitted application and supporting documents.
Financial Support
- Full tuition support
- Monthly living allowance (ranging between $20,000-30,000 annually, depending on qualifications and progression through degree programs)
- Housing*
- Medical and dental coverage*
- Relocation support
* Charges may apply to dependent housing and medical and dental coverage.
Conclusion
The KAUST Scholarship 2027 is a significant opportunity for international students seeking fully funded Master’s or PhD study in Saudi Arabia. Through comprehensive financial support, the program is designed to allow admitted graduate students to concentrate on their academic development and research while studying at a research-intensive university.
The funding package includes full tuition coverage, a monthly living stipend, on-campus accommodation, medical and dental coverage, and relocation support for international students, making it an attractive option for students who want to pursue advanced education without the substantial financial burden normally associated with international graduate study.
The opportunity is open to international students from any country, while applicants must still satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen KAUST program. Candidates should also pay close attention to English-language requirements, recommendation letters and supporting documentation.
For students interested in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related research areas, KAUST can provide an international research environment in which to develop advanced knowledge and contribute to scientific innovation.
The Spring 2027 application deadline is September 27, 2026. Prospective applicants should begin preparing their documents and reviewing their chosen program as early as possible to ensure that they can submit a complete and competitive application before the deadline.
Official application: KAUST Graduate Admissions and application portal
For more information click HERE
