KAUST Fellowship
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Saudi Arabia)
- Where you study
- Saudi Arabia · Thuwal, near Jeddah
- Study level
- Master's
- PhD
Fall 2027 (MS, MS/PhD, PhD): applications open on 28 September 2026 and close on 3 January 2027; decisions on 14 February 2027. Spring 2027 (PhD only) closed on 27 September 2026. KAUST says the dates are tentative.
Why: No nationality restriction is stated and the campus counts more than 120 nationalities; Somalia is not named, so confirm on the admissions pages.
Admitted MS, MS/PhD and PhD students in science and engineering; the university has students of more than 120 nationalities.
In short
The KAUST Fellowship supports admitted Master's and PhD students at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. It is fully funded, and Somali applicants are likely eligible, but should confirm on the admissions pages.
How competitive
Competitive
Admission is selective, but almost every admitted student receives the fellowship.
English requirement
IELTS or TOEFL required
Fields of study
Science, engineering, computing, bioscience, environmental and energy fields
What it covers
The fellowship includes tuition, a living stipend, travel, health insurance and accommodation. KAUST says more than 90% of admitted students receive full tuition support, a monthly stipend, housing, medical coverage and relocation assistance.
- Tuition feesIncluded
- Living allowanceIncluded
- TravelIncluded
- Health insuranceIncluded
- Visa costsNot stated
- AccommodationIncluded
- FamilyNot stated
Over 90% of admitted students receive full tuition support, a monthly stipend, housing, medical coverage and relocation assistance (the KAUST Fellowship).
Only what the official source states. "Not stated" means we could not confirm it, not that it is excluded.
Who can apply
It is for admitted Master's, MS/PhD and PhD students in science and engineering. Somali applicants are likely eligible, but should confirm on KAUST's admissions pages.
- Applicants must be admitted to an MS, MS/PhD or PhD programme.
- Study must be in science or engineering.
- MS applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree and a strong GPA.
- PhD applicants need a relevant master's degree and a strong GPA.
- Somali applicants are likely eligible; confirm on the admissions pages.
- Submit IELTS or TOEFL if your degree was not taught in English.
- Academic requirement
- A bachelor's degree (for MS) or a master's degree (for PhD) in a relevant science or engineering field with a strong GPA.
English requirement
IELTS or TOEFL required
IELTS or TOEFL is required if your degree was not taught in English. Check KAUST's official requirements page for the minimum scores.
KAUST asks for a TOEFL iBT or IELTS result from applicants whose degree was not taught in English; the minimum scores are on the official requirements page.
Never assume IELTS is needed. Only the official page and the university you apply to decide.
Documents you will need
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificate
- CV
- Motivation letter / personal statement
- Recommendation (reference) letters
- English test result (IELTS or TOEFL)
- Passport (or national ID)
Online application with transcripts, degree certificates, a CV, a statement of purpose, three recommendation letters, an English test result and your passport.
How to apply
- 1Read the official admissions pages and confirm your eligibility.
- 2Choose an MS, MS/PhD or PhD programme in science or engineering.
- 3Prepare transcripts, degree certificates, a CV and a statement of purpose.
- 4Arrange three recommendation letters, an English test result if required, and your passport.
- 5Apply online through the official application website.
- 6Submit by 3 January 2027 for Fall 2027; dates are tentative.
Prepare well
- Start early so you have time to gather transcripts and degree certificates.
- Ask for your three recommendation letters well before the deadline.
- Write a clear statement of purpose that explains your academic goals.
- Check the English-test rule and minimum scores on the official requirements page.
Important notes
- Somalia is not named in the eligibility information; confirm your eligibility on the admissions pages.
- Fall 2027 dates are tentative. The listed deadline is 3 January 2027.
- The fellowship is competitive, and admission is selective.
Official source
ZitTalent explains; the official website decides. Always check the official page before you apply, and apply only there.
Official page last checked 27 September 2026
The explanation was written by AI from the verified facts and the official page, then checked by fixed rules: any amount, date, score or document the source does not state is removed.