How to Get Admission in KAUST

What KAUST is, in plain terms

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate-only research university on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. It does not offer bachelor's degrees — you apply only at the M.S. or Ph.D. level, and the language of instruction is English.

KAUST is built around science and engineering research, so admission is closely tied to your academic background and your fit with a faculty member's research. Treat the application as a research application, not just a form to fill in.

Degrees you can apply for

KAUST admits applicants to graduate degrees and a few non-degree pathways. The two degree options are the M.S. and the Ph.D.; there is also an M.S./Ph.D. pathway and short non-degree options such as internships. Choose the program (for example, a division within Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a natural science) that matches your background.

• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• M.S./Ph.D. pathway
• Internships and short non-degree options (not full degrees)

The KAUST Fellowship — full funding for admitted students

According to KAUST's official admissions site, every admitted degree student automatically receives the KAUST Fellowship — there is no separate scholarship application to submit (students funded through specific external sponsorships are the exception). The Fellowship is a full-funding package.

KAUST states that the Fellowship covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, on-campus accommodation, and health insurance for students living on campus. The exact stipend amounts and coverage terms are set by KAUST and change over time, so confirm the current figures on the official KAUST fees and funding page before relying on them — do not assume an amount from any unofficial source.

• Full tuition coverage
• A monthly living stipend
• On-campus housing/accommodation
• Health insurance for students living on campus
• No separate fellowship application — awarded with admission

How the application works, step by step

KAUST runs a single online application. The usual flow is: find a program, create an account, complete the online application, upload your documents, and submit before the deadline in the admissions timeline.

Typical supporting documents for a research university like KAUST include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency. The exact required documents and any standardized-test expectations are listed on the official "how to apply" and "required documentation" pages — check those for your specific program rather than guessing.

• Find your program and identify potential faculty/research areas
• Create an account and start the online application
• Upload transcripts, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters
• Provide English-proficiency evidence (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS) where required
• Submit before the published deadline

Tests, English and how to stand out

As a graduate research university, KAUST weighs your academic record, research experience, statement of purpose, and recommendations heavily. Standardized tests such as the GRE may be considered or recommended for some programs, and English-proficiency proof (TOEFL or IELTS) is commonly expected for applicants whose prior instruction was not in English — confirm exactly what your chosen program asks for on the official requirements page.

A strong, specific statement of purpose that connects your background to KAUST research, plus recommenders who can speak to your research ability, generally matters more than any single number. No guide, agent, or service can promise you a place — admission is decided by KAUST.

Living in Saudi Arabia as an admitted student

KAUST is a residential campus, and admitted international students will need the appropriate entry documentation to study in Saudi Arabia; the university's admissions and student-services teams guide admitted students through this process. Treat any entry or residence requirement as a neutral practical step and verify the current rules on the official Saudi government source.

As at any university, students are expected to follow the institution's code of conduct and local laws. This is general information, not immigration advice — always confirm current requirements on the official government source before you travel.