Masters, PhDFully Funded

KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded Masters and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Important note about the source: The official fellowship URL provided (https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/study/fellowships) currently displays a “Page Could Not Be Found” message on the KAUST website. No fellowship details, benefits, eligibility, or deadlines are visible on that page at this time.

Provider: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Host country: Saudi Arabia
Deadline: Rolling — main cycle closes January 15 each year
Region: Thuwal

Official source

Topics

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded Masters and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is open to African students applying to study in Saudi Arabia at the Masters, PhD level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters, PhD · applicants for Saudi Arabia
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters, PhD
Deadline: Rolling — main cycle closes January 15 each year

Key eligibility criteria

International applicants with strong undergraduate record in science, engineering, mathematics or computer science
English proficiency required.

What the fully funded award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Health insurance
Research/thesis support

About the KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded Masters and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (2026)

## Overview Important note about the source: The official fellowship URL provided (https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/study/fellowships) currently displays a “Page Could Not Be Found” message on the KAUST website. No fellowship details, benefits, eligibility, or deadlines are visible on that page at this time. What this brief does and does not include: - What is verifiable from the source page: Only that the specific KAUST “Fellowships” page at the URL above is unavailable (404 error). - What is not visible on the source page: Fellowship benefits, stipend, tuition coverage, eligibility criteria, test requirements, academic fields, timelines, or application procedures. - What you will find below: Practical, general guidance to help African applicants navigate graduate STEM fellowships at KAUST when an official page is temporarily unavailable—how to confirm the latest details, prepare core application materials, anticipate common requirements, and plan for visas and document authentication specific to Saudi Arabia. All program-specific claims (benefits, deadlines, scores, amounts) should be verified directly with KAUST once the correct page is accessible. How to proceed when the official page is down: - Use the site search on kaust.edu.sa to look for “fellowship,” “graduate admissions,” “MS/PhD funding,” or relevant program names. - Check the main Study/Admissions sections of the KAUST website and individual academic program pages for funding information. - If available, use the website’s Contact or Admissions pages to request the current fellowship link. - If you find alternate URLs (e.g., a graduate admissions portal or department pages), verify that they are on the official kaust.edu.sa domain. - Consider viewing an archived snapshot (e.g., web archives) only to orient yourself—then verify every detail directly with KAUST before acting. This brief is written to help you prepare effectively while you confirm the current, official fellowship information with KAUST. ## Benefits & Funding Details Details are not available on the source page. Do not rely on third-party summaries. Instead: - Confirm coverage directly with KAUST once you locate the current fellowship page. Ask explicitly about: - Tuition and fees coverage - Monthly living stipend - Housing or housing allowance - Health insurance (medical/dental/vision) - Relocation/flight support - Research funding, conference travel, and lab resources - Duration of support for Masters vs. PhD and any continuation criteria (e.g., academic performance, progress reviews) - Request a written breakdown (or official PDF) and keep a copy for visa and budgeting purposes. - Clarify whether any benefits are taxable in Saudi Arabia or your home country and whether family/dependents are supported. ## Eligibility Requirements The source page does not list eligibility. To avoid missing key criteria, confirm with KAUST directly. While you verify, prepare for the types of expectations commonly seen for competitive STEM graduate fellowships: - Academic background - A strong undergraduate (and, if applicable, Master’s) record in STEM fields relevant to your intended research. - Solid preparation in core mathematics, programming, and foundational science/engineering courses as applicable. - Language proficiency - English-language proficiency is typically required for graduate-level STEM programs taught in English. Expect to present a recognized test score unless you qualify for an exemption; verify acceptable tests and minimums with KAUST. - Research readiness - Evidence of research interest and potential (e.g., final-year project, thesis, publications or preprints, lab experience, internships). - Fit with research areas - Clear alignment with faculty interests, labs, and centers you hope to join. Be prepared to articulate your fit in your statement of purpose and, if invited, in interviews. - Integrity and conduct - Satisfactory academic and disciplinary records; background checks may be part of a subsequent visa/residence process. Always check whether there are: - Country-specific eligibility notes - Field-specific prerequisites (e.g., coursework or portfolio) - Minimum GPA or class-of-degree thresholds - Any restrictions on prior degrees or concurrent funding ## Application Process The process is not described on the source page. While you locate the correct page, prepare for the kinds of steps commonly involved in competitive graduate fellowships: - Discover and confirm the official application portal - Apply only through KAUST’s official portal on the kaust.edu.sa domain or a clearly linked, university-run system. - Create an account and complete the online form - Enter accurate personal data, education history, and research interests. - Identify your target program and research area - Shortlist faculty whose work matches your interests; prepare to mention this fit in your application. - Line up referees well in advance - Confirm institutional email addresses, secure their consent, and provide your CV and statement draft for context. - Schedule and complete language testing if required - Allow time for score reporting; check whether direct score submission is required by KAUST. - Prepare for interviews (if any) - Be ready to discuss your research interests, methods, and motivation; practice clear, concise responses. - Monitor your email and application portal - Respond promptly to any requests for clarifications or missing documents. Before submitting: - Proofread every section for accuracy and consistency. - Ensure names and dates match across documents. - Confirm that uploads meet format and size specifications. ## Required Documents The source page does not list documents. The following are commonly required for competitive STEM Master’s/PhD applications; verify each item’s necessity and format with KAUST: - Passport - Valid passport bio-data page; ensure at least 18–24 months’ validity from your intended start date. - Academic records - Official transcripts for all post-secondary study (with grading scale). - Degree certificates/diplomas (provisional accepted only if allowed; replace later with final). - Official translations for any document not in English (by a certified translator). - Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé - Focus on research experience, methods/tools, projects, presentations, publications, awards. - Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement - 1–2 pages explaining your research interests, preparation, and fit with KAUST labs. - Research Proposal (often for PhD) - A concise concept note or proposal outlining your intended area and methods. - Letters of Recommendation - Typically two or three from professors or research supervisors who know your technical work. - English-language proficiency test - IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent if required; verify acceptable tests, score submission codes, and waiver rules. - Portfolio or writing sample - Only if relevant to your field (e.g., CS/AI code samples, engineering designs, or a published paper). - Identity and compliance - National ID, recent passport photos, and any university or government forms specified by KAUST. Document authentication and notarization (for Saudi visa/residency later): - Expect to need attested academic documents for Saudi processing. Commonly: - Notarization and/or certification in your home country. - Authentication by your Ministry of Education/Foreign Affairs. - Legalization by the Saudi Embassy/Consulate in your country. - Start early: These steps can take weeks to months in some African countries. ## Selection Criteria Not described on the source page. Based on common practice in research-intensive STEM graduate fellowships, prepare to be evaluated on: - Academic excellence - Rigor of your curriculum, grades, class rank (if available), honors/awards. - Research potential - Evidence of independent inquiry, problem-solving, and technical depth (projects, publications, code, designs). - Fit with research priorities - How well your interests align with available labs and faculty expertise. - Communication skills - Clarity of your written statement and interview performance in English. - Recommendations - Specific, evidence-based letters highlighting your strengths, ethics, and perseverance. - Technical readiness - Quantitative skills, programming/statistical tools, lab techniques relevant to your target area. - Growth trajectory - A coherent story of progress, resilience, and increasing responsibility in research or engineering tasks. To strengthen your file: - Show quantifiable outcomes (e.g., datasets built, models deployed, prototype tested, competition rankings). - Link to a professional repository or portfolio if allowed (clean code, readme, reproducibility). ## Important Dates & Deadlines No dates appear on the source page. To avoid missing the correct cycle: - Seek the current deadline on the official KAUST website or its admissions portal. - Note that some programs admit in multiple intakes or on a rolling basis; others use fixed annual deadlines—verify which applies. - Allow time for: - English test scheduling and score reporting (often 2–6 weeks). - Transcript requests and sealed/official copies. - Recommendation letters (give referees at least 3–4 weeks). - Document attestation and embassy legalization (can be lengthy). - Visa processing and medical tests. Suggested personal timeline (adjust once you confirm official dates): - 10–12 months before intended start: shortlist programs, contact potential referees, start test prep. - 6–9 months before: take language tests; draft statement; request transcripts. - 3–6 months before: finalize application; submit; prepare for interviews. - After offer: complete medicals, attest documents, begin visa procedures, and arrange housing/travel. ## Tips for African Applicants Because the official fellowship details are not visible at the source link, focus on readiness and risk management: Strengthen your application now: - Map your research fit - Identify 2–4 faculty whose work closely matches your interests; prepare a short, evidence-based paragraph on why. - Create a research-forward CV - Emphasize methods, tools, datasets, experiments, results, and your exact contributions. - Draft a compelling statement - Show a clear problem you care about, the skills you’ve built, and how you plan to advance the field. - Cultivate strong recommendations - Choose referees who can speak to your research aptitude; provide them with your materials and deadlines. Manage documents early: - Transcripts and certificates - Order official copies; include grading scales. If your university is slow, request several sets. - Translations - Use certified translators; include both original and translated versions. - Name consistency - Ensure your name is identical across passport, transcripts, and test registrations. Plan for English proficiency: - Choose the test accepted by KAUST and available in your country; book early (centers fill up). - Use official practice materials; aim to exceed any published minimums when you find them. - Keep your test results valid through the expected start date. Prepare for Saudi-specific processes: - Document attestation - Expect to legalize degrees through your Ministry of Education/Foreign Affairs and the Saudi Embassy/Consulate. Start immediately after you accept an offer. - Medical exam and police clearance - These are commonly required for visas/residence in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. Keep vaccination and medical records organized. - Visa and entry - Universities in Saudi Arabia typically sponsor your student status; confirm steps, required documents, and any pre-departure approvals with KAUST once admitted. Address common African applicant hurdles: - Limited testing dates - Register early for language tests; consider travel to a nearby city/country if necessary and safe. - Internet and power stability - Back up critical uploads; use cloud storage; submit ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute disruptions. - Payment or portal access issues - If any application fee or portal step is unclear, contact KAUST Admissions for guidance; do not rely on unofficial agents. - Verifying authenticity - Keep originals; scan clearly; ensure institutional stamps/signatures are legible. Be ready to show sealed envelopes if requested. - Financial planning for pre-arrival costs - Budget for tests, document attestation, medicals, and initial travel—some of these costs occur before any stipend or support begins. Professional communication: - Use a consistent, professional email address. - Title files with clear names (Surname_Firstname_DocumentType.pdf). - In emails, be concise, polite, and include your application ID (once assigned). Safety and credibility checks: - Only trust information on the official kaust.edu.sa domain or directly from KAUST staff. - Beware of anyone promising guaranteed admission or charging “placement” fees. - Keep copies (PDF/screenshots) of official fellowship descriptions and offer letters for visa and compliance steps. ## Why This Scholarship Matters Although the official fellowship page is unavailable at the provided URL and we cannot verify program-specific details from that source, graduate fellowships in STEM at research-intensive universities in the Middle East can be transformative for African scholars: - Access to advanced laboratories, high-performance computing, core facilities, and interdisciplinary research ecosystems. - Intensive research mentorship, with opportunities to co-author papers, build patents or prototypes, and present at international conferences. - A pathway to global research networks spanning academia, industry, and startups. - Training that elevates technical depth and leadership capacity, with downstream benefits for innovation and development at home. - Exposure to diverse scientific communities and regional R&D priorities that complement African research needs (e.g., water, energy, food systems, climate resilience, AI for development, biosciences). Next steps for you: - Verify the current KAUST fellowship page and capture the official details in writing. - Align your materials with the program’s scope and any listed criteria—especially research fit. - Build a realistic timeline that covers testing, documents, references, and potential visa steps. - Apply early, monitor your portal/email diligently, and keep your documents organized for fast turnaround. Because the URL you provided currently resolves to a “Page Could Not Be Found” notice, treat any external summaries with caution. Once you retrieve the correct official page on kaust.edu.sa, rely on it for definitive information about benefits, eligibility, and deadlines, and use the guidance above to submit a polished, timely application from Africa with confidence.

What the Fully Funded KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded Masters and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Health insurance
Research/thesis support

KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded Masters and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology eligibility for Saudi Arabia applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

International applicants with strong undergraduate record in science, engineering, mathematics or computer science
English proficiency required.

Documents required for the KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded Masters and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded Masters and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/study/fellowships and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "International applicants with strong undergraduate record in science, engineering, mathematics or computer science; English proficiency required.". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/study/fellowships, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Rolling — main cycle closes January 15 each year (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded Masters and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded Masters and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters, PhD level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and be able to relocate to Saudi Arabia for the duration of the programme.

Is the KAUST Fellowship — Fully Funded Masters and PhD at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Rolling — main cycle closes January 15 each year. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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