King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
A graduate research university on the Red Sea coast offering only master's and PhD programs. All admitted students receive a fellowship covering tuition, monthly stipend, housing, and medical insurance.
Last updated

Location
Thuwal
Established
2009
Degree levels
Master's, PhD
Instruction
English-taught
Rankings
Rankings are published annually by their respective organisations and change every year. Confirm the current-year position on the official ranking website before relying on it.
How to apply
Direct via KAUST
Region
Middle East →Admission tests
IELTSInternational English Language Testing System
Listed for this university: IELTS / TOEFL
British Council / IDP IELTS / Cambridge University Press & Assessment · Year-round (test dates and session times vary by test centre)
GREGraduate Record Examinations
Listed for this university: GRE (recommended)
ETS (Educational Testing Service) · Year-round, 365 days a year (once every 21 days, up to 5 times in any rolling 12 months)
Requirements change from one intake to the next — confirm the current ones on King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s official site (opens in a new tab) before you apply.
Applying to universities in the Middle East
- Application platform
- Direct via university
- Intakes
- Fall (Aug/Sep) · Spring (Jan)
- Student visa
- Student Residence Visa
- Working while studying
- Generally restricted; some universities permit on-campus work.
Official sources: UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research · Study in Saudi — Saudi Ministry of Education. Visa and work rules change — verify on the official source before relying on them.
Popular fields of study
Source: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology official website. Details here are for guidance only — tuition, deadlines, rankings and eligibility change every academic year, so confirm on the official university site before applying.
Related / Next steps
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Admissions guides
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KAUST Fellowship Guide: Full Funding for MS and PhD Students
How the KAUST Fellowship works at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia — full funding (tuition, stipend, housing, and medical) for admitted MS and PhD students, who is eligible, and how to apply.
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GRE for Gulf Graduate Programs: Where It Is Used
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