King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

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Top reasons to study here

  • State-of-the-art research and community facilities host an international community from over 120 nations.
  • Learn and work alongside leading faculty while conducting research that impacts society.
  • KAUST offers fully-funded internships and graduate programs. This funding covers travel expenses, housing, insurance and generous monthly stipends.

History

First opened in 2009, KAUST is a research university devoted to finding solutions to some of the world’s most pressing scientific and technological challenges. It is quickly becoming recognized as one of the world’s leading institutions, ranking #1 Top University Under 20 Years Old (A3 academic rankings 2018) and #2 Under 20 Years Old (Nature Index Young Universities 2021). In 2023, KAUST ranked #1 in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings 2023.

Education

KAUST offers graduate-level programs focused around 16 STEM disciplines. The Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, and PhD programs are designed to give top students the ability to learn and work alongside leading researchers in state-of-the-art facilities to gain the skills and experience necessary to have an impact on society.

 

For students in their 3rd/4th year of their undergraduate program or currently studying a master’s degree, KAUST offers fully funded 3 - 6 month research internships through the Visiting Students Research Program. This hands-on research program gives students exposure to working in KAUST’s labs and what life is like living on KAUST campus.

Research

KAUST is a curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary problem-solving environment, with state-of-the-art labs, distinguished faculty and talented students. With a focus on the areas of food and health, water, energy, environment and the digital domain, KAUST provides its members the platform to tackle the worlds pressing challenges.

KAUST’s 12 core labs are centrally organized​​, shared-user facilities that provide direct access to specialized research equipment operated by expert staff with advanced degrees in science and engineering. Core labs staff partner with researchers to collaborate on projects, fulfill service requests and train users to operate independently.​

Career

A VSRP internship can help you to stand out among your peers by providing hands-on research experience, access to high-end labs, and mentorship by KAUST faculty, staff and students. Tangible outcomes of the experience include conference presentations, papers published, and participating in academic seminars and events etc. 

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarships

Below you will find scholarships related to King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.

Independent provider
Grant
900 SAR
Deadline
Not specified
Scholarships for Pakistani Students in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

​​​Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000000 INR
Deadline
Anytime
Education Future International Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Education Future
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
25 Mar 2025
Mary Doctor Fine Arts Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Blumenthal Performing Arts
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
25 Mar 2025
Gordon Hay Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Blumenthal Performing Arts
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
15 Sep 2025
Headway’s Book Lovers Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Headway
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Jun 2025
1040 Abroad International Studies Scholarship Initiative
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

1040 Abroad
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
30 Jun 2025
Essay Writing Contest from EduLegit
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Edulegit
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
09 Jul 2025
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
02 Jul 2025
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Diamant Gerstein
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
15 Feb 2025
Fighting Bullying With Technology
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

1902 Software
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2025
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
2000 USD
Deadline
01 Sep 2025
The Rick Blight Leadership in Action Scholarship for Athletes
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
WMI Scholars Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Wells Mountain Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
20 May 2025
PlagiarismSearch 2025 Essay Contest
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

PlagiarismSearch
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2025
Voice Talent Online Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Voice Talent Online
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 GBP
Deadline
Not specified
Pearl Lemon Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Pearl Lemon
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Teen Changemakers Essay Contest
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

International Bipolar Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Shield Your Body
Location not available

For a complete overview of scholarships for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), visit our scholarship search.

University Ranking

Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
201
2023
201
2022
201
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
100 -5
2023
95
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world.

Student services

The Visiting Students Research Internship Program is administered by Office of Admissions and Student Recruitment at KAUST.

To support students from our graduate programs, KAUSTs Graduate Affairs Operations team has a broad range of functions and services, designed to deliver the support framework that underpins the Admissions, Graduate Development and Services and Alumni Affairs.

Housing services

All students at KAUST share accommodation with 2-3 other students, but get their own private bedroom & bathroom and share living areas. All apartments are pre-furnished.The student apartments incorporate a distinctive blend of traditional regional architecture with modern influences and are located within walking distance to teaching, research and shopping areas.

Library services

The KAUST library offers a unique opportunity to study with a view of the Red Sea. The library is equipped with computer workstations, collaborative learning spaces, group study rooms, quiet zones, and a wellness lounge.

ICT services

We offer IT support to all students arriving at KAUST as well as providing an office space and lab safety training.

Medical services

We provide medical insurance for the entire duration of the internship. Our on-campus clinic KAUST Health offers a broad range of services that focus on a holistic approach to prevention, treatment, and follow-up for our patients. We pair highly qualified and caring medical professionals with medical technology to keep you well and provide support and treatment if you become unwell.

Campus life

Located on the shore of the Red Sea, KAUST is a 39 km2 private campus located about 1 hour north of Jeddah. Built with sustainability in mind, it is the first university campus in the world to be awarded a LEED Platinum rating.

KAUST has a medical clinic, restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, fitness centers, schools, daycare centers, private beaches, water parks and even a golf course. These facilities are easy to access as the campus has been designed for walking and cycling, but there is also free on-demand community bus services.

Sports facilities

KAUST community members enjoy a wide range of sports, fitness and leisure activities, including golf, watersports, boat trips, fitness classes, sports coaching, and a cinema.

3 sports clubs offer access to swimming pools, gyms, sports arenas, squash and tennis courts, a rock-climbing wall, indoor children’s soft play areas, bowling alley, outdoor football fields and sports tracks. There is also a comprehensive fitness class and sports club schedule.

KAUST’s Golf Club offers mini-golf, a driving range, and a 9-hole golf course, while the Water Sports and Diving Center provide boat trips, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Student clubs

A wide range of student groups have been set up at KAUST from a chess, and origami clubs to scuba diving and cycling clubs. KAUST runs a Student Life office, supporting students setting up new groups or helping students connect through regular community activities.

Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2023

GSSA 2023

The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2023. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 8 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!

Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction Awards

Gallery

Student Reviews

One of the best experience of my life!
Anonymous rated 5 out of 5 stars

I spent 3 months in KAUST as part of the Visiting Student Research Program. I heard about this opportunity by my advisor, I am very happy I decided to accept and submit my application. Looking back to it I can say that it has been of the best experience of my life, I had the opportunity to meet and get to know a lot of interesting people from all over the world. The...

How i feel about the school i attended.
Ibrahim Aliyu rated 3 out of 5 stars

The school has a very good standard curriculum. The students are well behaved. The faculty is okay and nice.

intersted in this
Anonymous rated 4 out of 5 stars

1 year field experience and also did project related to my field

Thuwal, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

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