Physical Science and Engineering division at KAUST at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) | About the University Department | 7 PhD programmes in English

The Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) 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 chemistry, chemical engineering, applied physics, materials science, mechanical engineering, earth science and energy resources — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty in some of the region's most advanced laboratories. Here, deep science meets real-world innovation: our students and researchers work at the frontiers of energy, advanced materials and sustainability to tackle pressing national and global challenges, and help build a sustainable future for the Kingdom and the world.

Why study at the Physical Science and Engineering division 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 applied physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, earth science and engineering, and energy resources and petroleum engineering.

Work at the frontier of energy, advanced materials, catalysis and clean technology, using KAUST's world-class Core Labs — among the best-equipped nanofabrication, imaging and characterization facilities in the region.

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

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 Physical Science and Engineering division at KAUST

At The Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division, deep science meets real-world innovation. Our faculty and students investigate matter at every scale — from atoms and molecules to advanced materials, devices and systems — to design the technologies that address the defining challenges of our time.

Our research spans catalysis and chemistry, polymers and composites, energy production, storage and conversion, water purification, novel materials and nanodevices, earth and geosciences, and CO₂ capture and sequestration. This work is fundamental and applied in equal measure, aligned with KAUST's national Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) priorities and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Supported by world-class Core Labs and a deeply interdisciplinary culture, PSE prepares graduates to lead discovery and innovation across energy, materials and sustainability — in industry, academia and research.

Student life at the Physical Science and Engineering 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 Physical Science and Engineering division at KAUST

Acoustics Engineering

Analytical Chemistry

Artificial Intelligence

Chemical Engineering

Climate Science

Computational Chemistry

Energy Technologies

Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Engineering

Geochemistry

Geophysics

Hydrology

Inorganic Chemistry

Machine Learning

Manufacturing Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Nanotechnology

Optical Physics

Organic Chemistry

Chemistry

Materials Science

Physics

Environmental Sciences

Geology

Palaeontology

Petroleum Engineering

Physical Chemistry

Quantum Mechanics

Semiconductors

Solid State Physics

Synthetic Chemistry

Theoretical Physics

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Frequently asked questions

What programs does PSE offer?

The PSE Division offers master's (M.S.) and Ph.D. degrees across applied physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, earth science and engineering, and energy resources and petroleum engineering — each combining rigorous foundations with interdisciplinary, research-led study.

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 PSE admissions pages for specifics.

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 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.

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.

Main campus

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Thuwal

Saudi Arabia

Visit website Register interest

Physical Science and Engineering division at KAUST