Chasing a graduate degree in science or engineering without the tuition bill or the living-cost stress that usually comes with studying abroad? The KAUST Scholarship 2027 might be the answer, offering one of the most generous fully funded packages available anywhere for Master’s and PhD students.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a graduate research university on the shores of the Red Sea, focused on tackling major global challenges in food, water, energy, environment, and the digital domain. Every single student admitted to KAUST automatically receives the KAUST Fellowship, so there’s no separate scholarship form to chase down.
However, with two application rounds and different deadlines for Spring and Fall 2027 entry, it’s easy to miss your window if you’re not tracking the right date. Therefore, knowing exactly which round applies to your intended start date matters just as much as putting together a strong application.
Quick Facts
- Host Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia
- Program Type: Master’s, MS/PhD Track, PhD, and Postgraduate Diploma
- Funded By: KAUST Fellowship (automatic for all admitted students)
- Eligible Applicants: All nationalities worldwide
- Round 1 Deadline: September 27, 2026 (Spring 2027 entry)
- Round 2 Deadline: January 3, 2027 (Fall 2027 entry)
About the KAUST Fellowship
KAUST was established in 2009 as a research-focused graduate university, and it’s since built a reputation as one of the best-funded academic institutions in the Middle East. The KAUST Fellowship isn’t a competitive add-on scholarship — it’s built directly into admission, meaning every student who gets in is automatically covered.
As a result, applicants can focus entirely on putting together a strong academic and research profile, rather than juggling a separate scholarship essay or application process on top of their degree application. If you’re comparing fully funded options across regions, the Chevening Scholarship 2027 in the UK is worth a look for a different kind of funded route into graduate study.
What’s Covered (Financial Benefits)
The KAUST Fellowship covers the full cost of studying and living on campus. Recipients receive:
- 100% tuition coverage for all academic and course fees
- On-campus housing
- An annual living allowance ranging from roughly $20,000 to $30,000, depending on qualifications and degree progress
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance
- Relocation support to help with the move to Saudi Arabia
Callout: The living allowance alone puts this scholarship well ahead of many “tuition-only” awards — it’s closer in generosity to the One Young World Leading Scholarship 2026 in terms of covering more than just the academic basics, though the funding structure works quite differently.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for KAUST admission and the automatic Fellowship, you must:
- Be applying for a Master’s, MS/PhD Track, PhD, or Postgraduate Diploma program
- Meet a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (competitive applicants typically score higher)
- Demonstrate English proficiency, with a minimum TOEFL score of 79 or IELTS score of 6.5
- Be a citizen of any country worldwide — there are no nationality restrictions
- Meet all standard entry requirements for your chosen degree program
The GRE is not mandatory, though submitting a strong score can strengthen a competitive application. Eligibility windows like this are worth checking closely against your target intake, much like the country-specific requirements on the University of Milan DSU Scholarship.
Required Documents
Before you apply, gather the following:
- Academic transcripts from all previous institutions
- A statement of purpose outlining your research interests and goals
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS score report)
- CV or resume detailing your academic and research background
- GRE score, if available (optional but recommended)
How to Apply
- Choose your intended intake — Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 — since each has a different deadline.
- Apply through the official KAUST admissions portal for your chosen Master’s, MS/PhD Track, PhD, or Postgraduate Diploma program.
- Submit before your round’s deadline: September 27, 2026, for Spring 2027, or January 3, 2027, for Fall 2027.
- Upload all required documents accurately, since incomplete applications can delay review.
- Wait for an admissions decision — if admitted, you’re automatically enrolled in the KAUST Fellowship with no extra paperwork needed.
Therefore, applicants targeting Fall 2027 have more runway to prepare strong transcripts, a compelling statement of purpose, and English test scores well ahead of the January deadline.
Why This Scholarship Is Worth the Effort
Few fully funded scholarships combine full tuition, housing, a five-figure annual stipend, and relocation support in a single automatic package. In addition, KAUST’s research focus on pressing global challenges gives STEM-focused students access to world-class labs and funding that many universities simply can’t match.
If you’re exploring more fully funded paths into graduate study, browse our full list of scholarships to compare KAUST against other options that fit your field and timeline.