Division of Computer, Electrical, Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) at KAUST at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) | About the University Department | 7 PhD programmes in English

The Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division sits at the heart of KAUST, a graduate-only research university on the Red Sea. We offer master's and Ph.D. programs across computer science, electrical and computer engineering, applied mathematics and computational sciences, and statistics — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty, with exceptional research facilities and a genuinely interdisciplinary culture. Here, the next generation of scientific leaders tackle complex national and global challenges, and help create a sustainable future for the Kingdom and the world.

Why study at the Division of Computer, Electrical, Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) at KAUST?

Over 90% of admitted students receive the KAUST Fellowship — full tuition, a living stipend, on-campus housing, health insurance and relocation — so you can focus entirely on your research.

Choose from master's and Ph.D. programs in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences, and Statistics — with the flexibility to work across disciplines.

Learn from internationally renowned faculty within a small, highly international graduate community, with the kind of one-to-one access and mentorship larger universities can't offer.

Access world-class research facilities and computing infrastructure — including the Shaheen III supercomputer — to tackle real national and global challenges in AI, data science, communications and beyond.

Study entirely in English on a modern, fully residential campus on the Red Sea, within a safe, family-friendly community drawing talent from more than 100 nationalities.

1,700

postgraduate students

7

listings on FindAPhD

No. 1

in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings (2023 - 2026), No. 48 in Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Ratings, 8 subjects in QS World University Subject Rankings top 100.

Thuwal Saudi Arabia

main campus

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About the Division of Computer, Electrical, Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) at KAUST

At The Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division at KAUST, we embrace a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to research, leveraging expertise and cutting-edge resources across disciplines to tackle complex national and global challenges.

This collaborative approach has fueled impactful research projects—both fundamental and goal-oriented—in diverse areas, including telecommunications, extreme computing, artificial intelligence, and the analysis of environmental, physiological, and social data.

Building on our strong research foundation and aligning with KAUST's new strategic focus on national Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) priorities, we are refining our research efforts to contribute to the RDI's four key pillars.

Student life at the Division of Computer, Electrical, Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) at KAUST

KAUST is a safe, self-contained community on the shores of the Red Sea, home to students, faculty, and their families from more than 100 nationalities. On-campus housing, healthcare, shops, restaurants, and banking are all within walking or cycling distance — and there's no need for Arabic, as English is the working language throughout.
Families are well looked after. The KAUST School provides international (IB) education from nursery through to secondary, alongside childcare, playgrounds and year-round family activities across the campus.
Outside the lab, life centres on the coast: private beaches, a marina and yacht club, and diving on some of the world's healthiest coral reefs, plus a golf course, gym, pools, sports courts and a full calendar of clubs, societies, and cultural events.
Jeddah — with its international airport and the historic Al-Balad district — is around an hour away, putting the wider Kingdom and international travel within easy reach.

Subjects available at the Division of Computer, Electrical, Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) at KAUST

Actuarial Science

Applied Mathematics

Artificial Intelligence

Climate Science

Communications Engineering

Computational Chemistry

Computational Mathematics

Computational Physics

Data Analysis

Data Science

Dynamics

Econometrics

Electrical Engineering

Electronic Engineering

Financial Economics

Financial Management

Fluid Mechanics

Investment

Machine Learning

Marine Sciences

Mathematical Modelling

Meteorology

Nanotechnology

Operational Research

Computer Science

Environmental Sciences

Mathematics

Engineering

Materials Science

Pure Mathematics

Software Engineering

Statistics

Stochastic Processes

Theoretical Physics

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Frequently asked questions

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants typically hold a strong bachelor's degree (for M.S.) or a relevant bachelor's/master's (for Ph.D.) in a related field, along with transcripts, references and English-language evidence. Requirements vary by program — see the CEMSE admissions pages for specifics.

What programs does CEMSE offer?

The CEMSE Division offers master's (M.S.) and Ph.D. degrees across four academic programs: Computer Science;Electrical and Computer Engineering;Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences;and Statistics. Each combines rigorous foundations with interdisciplinary, research-led study, preparing graduates for careers in industry, academia and research.

Do students live on campus?

Yes. KAUST is a residential university, and students live within the gated campus community on the Red Sea, with housing, dining and recreation all on site.

What funding and support are available?

All admitted students receive the KAUST Fellowship. No separate application is required — all applicants are considered automatically during admissions. It covers full tuition and fees, a monthly living stipend, on-campus housing (with utilities), health insurance, and relocation support, so you can focus entirely on your studies and research.

What is the language of instruction?

All teaching, research and campus life at KAUST are conducted in English, so no Arabic is required to study or thrive here.

Main campus

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Thuwal

Saudi Arabia

Visit website Register interest

Division of Computer, Electrical, Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) at KAUST