Applying to KAUST - Your Complete Guide for Masters & Ph.D. Programs (Upcoming Admissions)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) offers graduate-level programs (M.S., Ph.D., or combined MS/PhD) across 16 disciplines in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For the Master’s program, students can choose between a 1.5-year non-thesis track or a 2-year thesis track. The Ph.D. program typically takes four years to complete. If you’re finishing your bachelor’s degree and are committed to a research career, you can also opt for the MS/Ph.D. track. This integrated program allows you to transition smoothly from a master’s degree into a Ph.D. without reapplying, provided you meet the academic progression criteria. Note that not all programs offer the MS/Ph.D. option. You can check the Study Options page to see which ones are included. 

Established in 2009, KAUST is a graduate research university devoted to finding solutions for some of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges in the world as well as Saudi Arabia in the areas of food and health, water, energy, environment, and the digital domain. It is ranked #18 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2025.

Given the high level of competition, applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and are encouraged to apply early. Admissions focus on research potential, academic excellence, and alignment with KAUST’s research domains: energy, environment, digital technology, water, and food/health.

Eligibility:

• Relevant academic background from a recognized higher education institution.

• For an M.S.: Bachelor’s in STEM; typically GPA ≥ 3.0 (most admitted ≥ 3.3).

• For Ph.D.: Master’s in a related field, or apply via the MS/PhD pathway.

• Evidence of English proficiency:
   • TOEFL iBT ≥ 79, IELTS Academic ≥ 6.5 with at least 5.5 in all individual sections.
   • Exempted if your degree was conducted in English from specified countries - the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand. 

• GRE: Not required but recommended; strong quantitative scores can strengthen your application.

Application includes:

• Statement of purpose (SOP) - Your statement of purpose should be a 750-word (approximately) statement concerning your past work, preparation for your intended field of study, relevant background and interests, academic plans, and career objectives. In the statement, you should describe your reasons for applying to the program for which you are seeking admission.
• CV
• 3 recommendation letters - You are required to provide the contact details of 3 people who can provide a letter of recommendation on your behalf. These contacts should ideally be professors or advisors under whom you have pursued research or taken courses in your major field of study.
  The statement they will be asked to provide should include details about how they know your work, comparative statements (e.g., top 1% of class, best in past five years, etc.), and insight into your research ability. During the admission process, KAUST will contact these people to provide the letter of recommendation.
• Official English language test score
• Transcript
• Passport copy
• Research proposal recommended for Ph.D. applicants.
• Only one application per academic year and applicant; editing allowed before submission only.
• No application fee.

Application Timeline (for Fall 2026 entry):

• Applications typically open in August 2025 and close around January 2026.
• Interviews between January–March, decisions by March–May.
• Coursework begins late August/September 2026

KAUST Fellowship: Fully Funded Support for All Admitted Students

Every admitted student - except those with external funding-is awarded the KAUST Fellowship, covering:

• Full tuition and bench fees (USD 35,000/year)
• Monthly stipend: ~$1,667/month (~USD 20,000/year) for M.S., increasing for Ph.D. students to $25,000–30,000 annually, based on progress.
• On-campus housing (utilities included), valued ~USD 7,000/year
• Health insurance (~USD 1,450/year)
• Relocation support, including visa and travel costs upon program start.
  Total value: USD 70K-80K per year.

There is no separate fellowship application - admission automatically includes the package.

Stipend, Housing & Additional Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: Paid by around the 25th each month; first stipend prorated based on arrival date.
• Housing and Utilities: Included; deducted a refundable SAR 4,000 security deposit (SAR 1,000/month for first four months).
• Visa and Relocation Cost Support: Provided with the first stipend.
• Annual Travel Allowance: For home-country visits, provided once for M.S.; annually for Ph.D.
• Health Insurance: Covers student (and dependents if applicable); activated once SaudI Iqama and phone number are set.

The average student living cost is approximately USD 1,320/month, depending on one's lifestyle.

Admission Interview Process & Timeline

• The application process involves:
  1. Online Interview/Test - technical evaluation based on academic background.
  2. Interview with Faculty or HR - often after shortlisting.
• Pace: Students report interviews occurring weeks after submission; offers may arrive 1-2 weeks following final interviews.
• Some applicants note a change in format depending on discipline (e.g., fewer 'personal interviews' this cycle). (Reddit)

Insights from Reddit: Real Student Experiences

• Scholarship consistency:
• Accommodation remains covered:
• Overall reputation:
• Medical, ethical concerns reported - a few Redditors raised serious issues regarding student well-being, medical care, and institutional accountability-though not representative of official policy.

“Yes, and anyone who gets accepted gets the same scholarship - Saudi or not… It covers tuition, medical insurance, housing and a good stipend.” (Reddit)

“Everything is free, aside from food... They all received free accommodation... food must be paid with your stipend.” (Reddit)

“All admitted students receive the benefits of the KAUST Fellowship… monthly living allowance, full tuition support... relocation support.”

What Should You Do Next?

1. Select your ideal KAUST graduate program and apply through the KAUST Admissions Portal, making accurate documentation available before January 2026.
2. Prepare application materials: SOP, CV, transcripts, three recommendation letters, proof of English proficiency, and a passport.
3. Expect interviews based on academic profile; prepare for technical, research-oriented, and personal questions.
4. Upon admission, review fellowship details in your offer letter, set up your Saudi Iqama and bank account to start receiving your stipend.
5. Plan your budget using the stipend and estimated monthly living costs; housing is included, and food must be prepaid using the stipend.
6. Join applicant and student communities (e.g., Telegram, Reddit) for real-time advice.