KAUST Global Fellowship 2027: $75,000 Annual Stipend + Research Funding
The KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 is open worldwide. Early-career researchers can apply for a three-year, full-time postdoctoral fellowship at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, with a US$75,000 annual stipend, field-dependent research funding of up to US$40,000 per year, housing, insurance, relocation support and family benefits.
Benefits and funding
The fellowship supports an original three-year project aligned with KAUST priorities in Food, Water, Energy, Health, Artificial Intelligence or Red Sea research.
- Living stipend: US$75,000 per year (US$6,250 per month).
- Research budget: up to US$20,000/year for CEMSE, US$30,000/year for PSE, and US$40,000/year for BESE or Biomedical Sciences.
- Housing and health: accommodation depending on family status and medical insurance.
- Relocation: a flat US$3,000 allowance, or standard university rates, for eligible external fellows; university-booked flights are separate.
- Family support: schooling for up to three children aged four or above and daycare subsidy for younger children.
- Travel and development: annual travel assistance plus mentoring, teaching and leadership programmes.
Eligibility requirements
- Hold a PhD awarded in January 2023 or later, or complete the PhD before the fellowship begins.
- Relocate to KAUST and conduct the three-year project on-site.
- Propose original research aligned with a KAUST division and at least one strategic area.
- Identify one to three potential KAUST faculty hosts; no host letter is required at Stage 1.
- Submit one mandatory and up to two selected first-author or joint-first-author peer-reviewed publications. Field-appropriate conference papers may be accepted.
- Meet Saudi residence and work-permit requirements if nominated.
Who cannot apply?
The Call 2027 guidelines state that KAUST MSc/PhD alumni are not eligible. KAUST-affiliated postdoctoral researchers may apply only under the internal-applicant rules, including no more than 12 months of KAUST affiliation at the full-proposal deadline.
English-test requirement
Applications and templates must be completed in English. No named English test or minimum score is listed in the official Call 2027 sources.
Required documents
- Completed online application form.
- Current CV with relevant publication list, maximum four pages.
- Concept Note using the official template, maximum three pages under the detailed guidelines.
- One mandatory and up to two selected eligible publications.
- Two signed reference letters submitted with Stage 1.
- Names of one to three potential KAUST Host PIs.
How to apply
- Read the latest Call 2027 guidelines and download the official Concept Note template.
- Choose the KAUST division and strategic research area fitting your project.
- Research and name one to three suitable KAUST faculty hosts.
- Prepare the CV, Concept Note, publication file(s), and two signed reference letters.
- Create an account and complete the official Formstack application.
- Submit the complete package online by 1 October 2026. No cutoff time or time zone is listed, so apply early.
Important dates
- Call opened: 1 September 2026.
- Stage 1 deadline: 1 October 2026; exact cutoff time and time zone not listed.
- Screening and faculty review: October–November 2026.
- Invited full-proposal window: 15 November 2026 to 15 January 2027.
- Review and interviews: February–May 2027 (indicative).
- Expected arrival: second half of 2027, subject to visa and onboarding.
Selection notes
KAUST first screens submissions for eligibility and completeness. Faculty members review eligible Concept Notes and indicate hosting interest; at least one eligible faculty member must support an application before it advances.
Invited full proposals are evaluated for scientific excellence, originality, feasibility, innovation, strategic alignment and host-lab suitability. Highest-ranked candidates proceed to a virtual interview and final nomination.
Frequently asked questions
Is the KAUST Global Fellowship fully funded?
KAUST provides a US$75,000 annual stipend, field-dependent research funding and a broad benefits package. Applicants should budget using the exact official benefits above.
Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes. It is open to all nationalities, subject to Saudi residence and work-permit requirements.
Do I need a confirmed KAUST host?
No. External applicants identify one to three potential hosts at Stage 1. At least one host must later express support for the application to advance.
Is IELTS or TOEFL required?
No named English test or score is listed. The application must be written in English.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is listed in the reviewed official sources.
What is the deadline time zone?
KAUST lists 1 October 2026 but does not publish an exact cutoff time or time zone. Submit before the final day.
Official sources
Verification disclaimer
Independently checked against primary KAUST sources on 8 September 2026. ScholarshipHubNow is not affiliated with KAUST. Details can change; recheck the latest official guidelines before submitting. Where KAUST did not state a fact—such as the Stage 1 cutoff time/time zone, an application fee, or a named English test—this article reports it as not listed.
