KAUST Scholarship 2027 Announced: Fully Funded MS and PhD Opportunities in Saudi Arabia

The KAUST Scholarship 2027 offers international students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. The university is accepting applications for different graduate programs, including Master of Science (MS), combined MS/PhD, and PhD programs.

For students planning to begin a PhD in January 2027, the current application deadline is September 27, 2026. Another admission round will open on September 28, 2026, for programs beginning in August 2027.

One of the major benefits is that eligible admitted students are automatically considered for the KAUST Fellowship, which can cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance, relocation support and a monthly living allowance.

KAUST Scholarship 2027 Application Schedule

KAUST has separate admission rounds for the January and August 2027 intakes. The January intake is available for PhD applicants, while the August intake includes MS, MS/PhD and PhD options.

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Applicants should select the correct intake while completing their online application because admission dates and available programs vary between rounds.

What Does the KAUST Fellowship Cover?

The KAUST Fellowship is the main financial support provided to eligible admitted students. It is designed to cover many of the major costs associated with graduate study.

The university states that fellowship support can include full tuition and bench fees, with the value of these costs reaching up to $35,000 per year. Students can also receive university accommodation and health insurance.

The fellowship may additionally provide support for the student’s initial relocation to Saudi Arabia and travel arrangements when returning home after graduation.

Housing arrangements can vary depending on the student’s circumstances. Standard accommodation includes shared housing for single students, while married students may receive two-bedroom accommodation. Housing upgrades may be available for an additional charge.

Health insurance can also extend to eligible dependents who live on the KAUST campus.

MS and PhD Funding at KAUST

Students applying for an MS Scholarship in Saudi Arabia generally need a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. KAUST offers different MS pathways, including a 1.5-year non-thesis option and a two-year thesis-based program.

According to the provided scholarship information, MS fellowship recipients receive an allowance of approximately $20,000 per year, paid through monthly installments.

For the KAUST PhD Scholarship, applicants normally need a relevant master’s degree. The usual PhD duration is around four years.

PhD fellowship recipients can receive approximately $25,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on qualifications and academic progress.

Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree may also apply for the combined MS/PhD route where available. This pathway generally takes around 5.5 to six years and can allow students to progress into doctoral study without submitting a new application if they satisfy the progression requirements.

Eligibility and English Language Requirements

KAUST accepts graduate applications from students from different countries. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment and must satisfy the academic requirements for their selected program.

The minimum academic requirement is generally a 3.0 GPA out of 4.0, or an equivalent qualification. However, KAUST notes that many successful applicants have higher academic records.

Students who are still completing their current degree can apply using their latest academic records. Final official transcripts will be required before enrollment.

English proficiency is also part of the admission requirements. Standard minimum scores include:

• IELTS: 7 overall, with at least 6.5 in each section
• TOEFL iBT: 5 overall under the January 2026 scoring scale, with at least 4.5 in each section
• PTE Academic: 71 overall, with at least 67 in each section
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 185 overall, with at least 176 in each section

Some applicants may qualify for English-language exemptions or conditional admission depending on their educational background and circumstances.

Fields of Study and Required Documents

The university provides graduate programs across a wide range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines.

Available areas include computer science, applied mathematics, applied physics, bioscience, bioengineering, chemistry, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental science, marine science and statistics.

Before starting the application, students should prepare the required documents. These normally include:

• Academic transcripts and degree records
• Updated CV or resume
• Statement of purpose of around 750 words
• Contact information for three referees
• Passport identification page or applicable Saudi national ID
• English language test result, if available

GRE and PGAT scores are optional according to the admission information provided.

How to Apply for KAUST Scholarship 2027

The KAUST Fellowship 2027 does not require a separate fellowship application for eligible students. Applicants first apply for their selected graduate program through the KAUST admissions system.

Students should choose their preferred program and admission intake, complete the online application and upload the required documents.

Applicants can apply to only one academic program per year, so it is important to review the selected program and application information carefully before submitting the form.

A faculty advisor does not need to be secured before applying. However, MS/PhD and PhD applicants can mention faculty members whose research interests match their proposed area of study.

After admission, eligible students are considered for the fellowship automatically, with the exact funding details included in the admission offer.

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Final Words for Applicants

The fully funded KAUST Scholarship 2027 can provide substantial financial support for international students seeking graduate education in Saudi Arabia. The combination of tuition support, accommodation, health insurance, relocation assistance and monthly financial support makes the fellowship an important option for students interested in advanced STEM research.

Applicants should check their academic qualifications, English requirements, selected program and intake before submitting the application. Those interested in the January 2027 PhD intake should pay particular attention to the September 27, 2026 deadline, while applicants targeting August 2027 should prepare for applications opening on September 28, 2026.

Students should also review the latest KAUST admission instructions before applying because program availability, requirements and fellowship conditions can change.