King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

KAUST is a graduate-only research university on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, where Master's and PhD students from over 120 nationalities tackle global challenges in energy, food, health and water — with AI as a core enabler. Over 90% of admitted students receive the KAUST Fellowship, covering full tuition, a living stipend, housing, flights and health insurance.

Why study at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)?

At KAUST, your research sits at the centre of everything. As a purely postgraduate university, we bring together outstanding students, world-leading faculty and some of the best-equipped labs and Core Facilities anywhere.

It's an environment built for ambitious, curiosity-driven scientists and engineers who want their work to make a real-world difference.

All admitted students receive the KAUST Fellowship, which is a comprehensive award that covers full tuition, a living stipend, housing, flights and health insurance.

Ranked No.1 in Saudi Arabia for materials science, chemistry, natural sciences, and electrical engineering, and the No. 1 Arab University by Times Higher Education (THE).

1,700

postgraduate students

16

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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Upcoming Open Days & Webinars

October

2026

Multiple dates

Discover KAUST Webinar Series

Virtual

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About King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Established in 2009, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is an international, graduate-only research university on the shores of the Red Sea in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. English is the language of instruction, and the University is dedicated entirely to Master's and doctoral education integrated with mission-driven research.

KAUST exists to advance science and technology where it matters most, with a special focus on energy, food, health and water desalination, and artificial intelligence as a cross-cutting enabler. Research and teaching are organised across three academic divisions — Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering;Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering;and Physical Science and Engineering — supported by world-class Core Labs and research centres.

With students, faculty and researchers drawn from more than 120 countries, KAUST offers a collaborative, interdisciplinary community where talented people from every background work side by side. It was also the first mixed-gender campus in Saudi Arabia, and remains a place where discovery is pursued for the benefit of the Kingdom and the world.

View the prospectus for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Departments at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

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

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.

Physical Science and Engineering division at KAUST

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.

Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering division at KAUST

The Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) 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 bioscience, environmental science and engineering, marine science and plant science — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty with exceptional access to the Red Sea and world-class laboratories. Our students and researchers work to secure food and water, protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and understand how living organisms adapt to their environments — tackling pressing national and global challenges, and helping build a sustainable future for the Kingdom and the world.

Biomedical Sciences division at KAUST

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.

Student life at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (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.

Disciplines available at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Agriculture

Biological Sciences

Chemistry

Computer Science

Engineering

Environmental Sciences

Geography

Geology

Materials Science

Mathematics

Physics

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Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay tuition?

Over 90% of 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 else does the KAUST Fellowship include?

Alongside full tuition, the fellowship provides a monthly living stipend, on-campus housing, medical and dental coverage, and relocation support.

What language are programmes taught in?

All teaching and research at KAUST is conducted in English.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. KAUST is a family-friendly community with on-campus housing, schooling and childcare, and many students and researchers relocate with their families.

Where is KAUST located?

In Thuwal, on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, around an hour north of Jeddah and its international airport.