Every student admitted to KAUST receives the KAUST Fellowship. It covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, housing, and medical and dental coverage for the whole duration of graduate studies.
KAUST is King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, a graduate research university in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. Applications for 2027 entry are open now. One thing to note upfront: the official page does not state a final deadline, so applying early is the smart move.
The key details at a glance
| Detail | What the official page says |
| Organisation | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| Location | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia |
| Programs | Master’s and PhD (graduate studies) |
| Funding | KAUST Fellowship for all admitted students |
| Living allowance | USD 20,000–30,000 per year, based on qualifications and progress |
| English requirement | TOEFL iBT 81 or IELTS 6.5 |
| Deadline | Not stated — applications opened in mid-August |
What the fellowship covers, in real terms
Full tuition support means you pay nothing for your courses. The living allowance of 20,000 to 30,000 US dollars per year works out to roughly 1,650 to 2,500 dollars per month. The exact amount depends on your qualifications and how you progress through your degree.
Housing is included, and so is medical and dental coverage. KAUST also provides relocation support to help you move to Saudi Arabia. One honest detail: the page notes that charges may apply for dependent housing and dependent medical and dental coverage. If your family will join you, budget for that.
Who can apply — and who should think twice
KAUST admits students from around the world. Its admissions site notes more than 120 nationalities on campus, with international students making up close to half of the student body. You apply for graduate study — Master’s and PhD programs. There are no undergraduate degrees here, so school-leavers should look elsewhere.
The English requirement is specific. You need a minimum TOEFL score of 81 on the internet-based test, or 6.5 on IELTS. Only official scores are accepted, and the KAUST admissions code is 4107.
There is one exemption. If you earned your degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, you do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score.
The GRE is not required for admission. KAUST does, however, strongly encourage applicants to take the general GRE test. A high quantitative score can strengthen your application. If you take it, the KAUST code is 4139.
Documents you must prepare
Start gathering these early. Strong documents take time.
- Official transcripts, mark sheets, graduation certificates, or academic records from every institution you attended. Upload scans in the native language plus certified English translations. Every transcript must include the university’s grading scale.
- Three letters of recommendation, submitted directly by your recommenders through the application. Ask professors or advisors who supervised your research or taught you in your major field. Good letters include comparative statements, such as top 1 percent of class, and real insight into your research ability.
- Your curriculum vitae (CV).
If you are offered admission, you must send the official final transcript in a sealed envelope to the Office of Admissions before you arrive. International post takes time, so plan for delays.
Why this scholarship stands out
Many “fully funded” scholarships cover tuition but leave you to find rent money. The KAUST Fellowship is different: tuition, a real monthly allowance, housing, and health coverage come as one package for every admitted student. That is rare, and it is stated plainly on the official page.
The setting matters too. KAUST is a purpose-built research campus on the Red Sea coast, with students and faculty from more than 120 nationalities. For a Master’s or PhD student, that means world-class labs and a genuinely international daily life — not just a degree.
Three honest notes before you apply
First, the deadline. The official application page says applications for 2027 entry opened in mid-August, but it does not give a closing date. Do not wait for one to appear. Prepare your documents now and submit as soon as you are ready.
Second, the recommendation letters matter more than most applicants think. KAUST explicitly calls them important. Choose recommenders who know your work deeply, and ask them early. Professors are busy, and rushed letters read like rushed letters.
Third, this is a research university. Your application should show research interest and ability, not just good grades. Your CV and your recommendation letters are where that shows.
How to apply
You apply online through the KAUST admissions system. Create your application, upload your transcripts, CV, and English test scores, and make sure your three recommenders submit their letters through the system directly. Double-check that every transcript includes the grading scale. Missing grading scales are a common cause of delays.
More fully funded scholarships: the Clarendon Fund at Oxford and the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships.
Questions applicants ask
Is the KAUST Scholarship really fully funded?
Yes. According to the official application page, every admitted student receives the KAUST Fellowship, which includes full tuition support, a monthly living allowance of 20,000 to 30,000 US dollars per year, housing, medical and dental coverage, and relocation support for the duration of graduate studies.
What is the application deadline?
The official page does not state a closing date. It says applications for 2027 entry opened in mid-August. Because no deadline is published, you should apply as early as possible.
Do I need the GRE?
No. KAUST does not require the GRE for admission, but it strongly encourages applicants to take the general test, since a high quantitative score can strengthen an application.
Who is exempt from the English test?
Applicants who earned a degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand do not need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Can my family join me at KAUST?
The fellowship covers your housing and medical and dental coverage, but the official page notes that charges may apply for dependent housing and dependent medical and dental coverage. Contact the Office of Admissions for details if your family will join you.
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