KAUST Global Fellowship 2026 for International Students
Applications are now open for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2026 in Saudi Arabia. International applicants from all around the world are welcome to apply for this prestigious fellowship program. The KAUST Fellowship is a three-year program that allows fellows to conduct independent research focused on global transformation and innovations that serve humanity. There is no application fee, and candidates from any country are eligible to apply.
The KAUST Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded postdoctoral program open to researchers from around the world. It aims to attract and support outstanding early-career researchers, scientists, and young leaders in advancing innovative research. Fellows will receive a $75,000 annual salary, $40,000 in research funding, health insurance, housing, education for up to two children, a relocation allowance, and an annual travel grant.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), founded in 2009, is a private research institution and the first mixed-gender university in Saudi Arabia. It consistently ranks among the top universities in the Arab world, holding the number one position in the Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings for two consecutive years. KAUST was ranked 19th globally in the 2016 Nature Index Rising Stars for high-quality research and recognized in 2019 as one of the fastest-growing young universities worldwide.
KAUST Global Fellowship 2026 Details
| University: | King Abdullah University of Science & Technology |
| Duration: | 3 Years |
| Fellowship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Saudi Arabia |
| Last Date: | 1 January 2026 |
Financial Benefits
- Up to $40,000 in research funding
- $75,000 annual living stipend
- Medical insurance
- Accommodation
- Schooling for up to 2 children
- Relocation allowance
- Annual travel allowance.
Research Areas
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
- Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
- Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
Documents Required
- Two Research Papers
- Research Plan
- Letter of Support from a KAUST Professor
- Two Letters of Recommendation.
- CV or Resume
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2026 in Saudi Arabia, international students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Individuals of various nationalities are encouraged to apply.
- There are no age restrictions.
- Your Ph.D. must have been completed within four years of the application deadline.
- You must complete your Ph.D. before the fellowship begins.
- You should be willing to relocate to KAUST for the three-year research project.
- Find a KAUST faculty member who agrees to host your research.
- Your research must concentrate on one or more of the following topics:
- health and wellness,
- the sustainable environment and essential needs,
- energy and industrial leadership,
- economies of the future.
- Your research plan should span three years.
- You must adhere to the budget rules outlined in the application.
- You must complete the form provided.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the KAUST Fully Funded Fellowship 2026 in Saudi Arabia for international students is 1st January 2026.
How to Apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship?
- The application form must be completed using the provided template and written in English.
- Make sure your application is comprehensive and includes all essential documentation by the deadline.
- To use the system and provide the required documentation, both you and the referees writing your recommendations must first register an account on the PlutoEdu website.
