Biomedical Sciences division at KAUST at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) | About the University Department | 2 PhD programmes in English

The Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) Division sits at the heart of KAUST, a graduate-only research university on the Red Sea. We offer Ph.D. programs in bioscience and bioengineering — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty with access to world-class laboratories and computational resources. Bringing together science, engineering and advanced digital tools, our students and researchers connect discovery with real-world impact: from precision medicine and disease to the engineering of living systems, tackling today's most pressing health challenges and helping build a healthier future for the Kingdom and the world.

Why study at the Biomedical Sciences division at KAUST?

All 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.

Our Ph.D. programs in bioscience and bioengineering, each built around several years of original research at the interface of the life sciences, engineering, computational methods and AI.

Address the world's most pressing health challenges — from precision medicine and infectious disease to neuroscience and aging — through bioscience, bioengineering and AI-driven approaches to human and planetary health.

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.

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

2

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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October

2026

Multiple dates

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

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About the Biomedical Sciences division at KAUST

The Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) Division brings together world-class science, technology and education to address today's most pressing health challenges. Through interdisciplinary research, advanced computational and digital tools, and strong partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem, BioMed connects discovery with real-world impact — supporting national priorities while contributing to global advances in health and disease.

Our research combines expertise in cell and molecular biology, structural biology, genomics, bioimaging, bioinformatics and AI with the engineering of living systems through synthetic biology, biodevices and biomaterials. Focus areas include epigenetics, infectious diseases, stem cells, aging, neuroscience and the microbiome, aligned with KAUST's Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) priorities and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Through this interdisciplinary approach, BioMed prepares graduates to lead discovery and innovation across the life sciences and human health — in industry, academia and research.

Student life at the Biomedical Sciences division 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 Biomedical Sciences division at KAUST

Biochemistry

Bioinformatics

Biomedical Engineering

Biophysics

Biotechnology

Cell Biology

Evolution

Genetics

Medical Physics

Microbiology

Molecular Biology

Nanotechnology

Materials Science

Biological Sciences

Structural Biology

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Frequently asked questions

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.

What funding is 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 programs does BioMed offer?

The BioMed Division offers Ph.D. degrees in bioscience and bioengineering, each built around several years of original research at the interface of the life sciences, engineering, computational methods and AI, in which candidates work closely with world-leading faculty to advance human health.

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 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 BioMed admissions pages for specifics.

Main campus

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Thuwal

Saudi Arabia

Visit website Register interest

Biomedical Sciences division at KAUST