KAUST University Scholarships 2025

Application Status

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is inviting exceptional students to join KAUST on a full-funded scholarship. This prestigious scholarship is a great opportunity to get free education at one of the best universities. The university not only offers MS and PhD program but also MS degree leading to PhD with full-funded opportunity. 

KAUST is among the 100 top ranked universities of the world and got recognition in a short time due to its cutting-edge facilities, scientific & academic excellence and multi-cultural vibrant environment.  

Programs Offered 

KAUST is offering MS Program of 1.5 years without thesis and with thesis, the duration is 2 years. 

PhD program includes eight semesters that last for 2 years with 4 summer sessions. 

The best thing about KAUST is it offers MS programs leading to PhD on full-funded scholarships. For this category, students will be promoted to fully-funded PhD program directly after completing their MS at KAUST.

The offered programs in MS/MPhil and PhD are as:

• Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship only MS

• Applied Mathematics and Computational Science MS & PhD

• Statistics MS & PhD

• Applied Physics MS & PhD

• Chemistry MS & PhD

• Mechanical Engineering MS & PhD

• Electrical and Computer Engineering MS & PhD

• Earth Science and Engineering MS & PhD

• Material Science and Engineering MS & PhD

• Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering MS & PhD

• Environmental Science and Engineering MS & PhD

• Chemical Engineering MS & PhD

• Bioengineering MS & PhD

• Bioscience MS & PhD

• Computer Science MS & PhD

• Marine Science MS & PhD

• Plant Science MS & PhD

Benefits 

Accepted applicants will be eligible for financial support and of various benefits while studying at the KAUST.

• No tuition fees for the enrolled International applicants.

• A handsome monthly stipend of $20,000-30,000 will be provided every year to bear living expenses and the amount depends on degree program and qualification of the student.

• Accommodation will be free and provided by the administration.

• Other expenses regarding health and dental problems will be covered as well. 

• Scholarship also covers travelling cost of their students.

All these financial benefits are provided so that students can solely focus on their studies and research during their program. 

Eligibility 

Language Requirement

Mode of studies is English and thus, all applicants are required to submit English Proficiency Evidence. However, applicant can still secure admission if he has below score than the required score but fulfill all other requirements of admission. Another extra course of Advanced English Language Communication will be taught in the first semester of degree program at KAUST. 

English Language requirements include Academic IELTS 6.5 band (minimum 5.5 in all modules) / TOEFL 79 (minimum 17 in all sections) / Academic PTE 62 (59 in separate sections) / CAE 176. 

In case if you do not have the Official English Score report at the time of application, you can still proceed with the application and submit it with a note that you are waiting for the results. 

Academic Requirement

Applicant must have GPA higher than 3.0 on scale 4. An excellent GPA is your previous degree qualify you more in securing admission as it enhances 75% chances of acceptance. You may still balance an average GPA with research work/projects/internships/relevant field expertise or any other evidence of excellence. 

MS/PhD Requirement

A bachelor’s degree in the relevant field of study is require to secure admission in MS program. You cannot be eligible if you choose to change your major in MS other than the one you have an undergraduate degree before. 

For PhD, undergraduate and MS degrees are required in only relevant field of study to be eligible for PhD program. 

How to Apply

Applications are being accepted through online portal. Apply link. No application fees is required. 

Required Documents

Scanned Official transcript of Bachelor’s degree for MS program application and both BS and MS degree transcripts for the PhD application are required. Graduation certificate or official Degree should be submitted too. Other certificates and academic records of previous education should also be attached to application. 

Curriculum Vitae (CV) with all personal information of the applicant including full name as in passport, birth date, mail address, electronic contact details (email & phone number) and academic details from high school till the latest date with start and finish timeline should be added. 

If you have any publication, add Abstract of it as well. 

Details of extracurricular activities (volunteer work/sport/hobbies or interest/other socially or culturally engaging activities) are encouraged to add in CV. 

FAQs

May I apply with English Proficiency Certificate instead of Official Test Report?

Official Test Report is included in the language requirements. You may submit the application with a note of waiting for results but you have to submit it later for eligibility. 

Do I have to submit Reference letters during application submission?

No, university will contact the Referees through their email you added during the process of application. 

What if any referee fails to submit recommendation on my behalf?

It is advised to contact the selected Referees in advance and seek their permission for adding their email. Further remind them to fill recommendation for you before the deadline.