Applications are open to apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship for the 2026 session. A prestigious fellowship program hosted by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, is inviting applications from outstanding early-career researchers and scientists from all around the world, regardless of their academic background to apply. The fellowship offers an incredible opportunity to the fellows to conduct independent research in a ‘Research First’ environment. The objective of the fellowship is to empower outstanding early-career researchers and provide them with complete support to carry out innovative research at KAUST, Saudi Arabia, for the duration of 3 years.
The fellowship is highly competitive; applicants holding excellent academic achievements with breakthrough ideas are highly encouraged to apply. The KAUST global fellowship offers comprehensive support. The coverage includes a yearly stipend of $75,000, medical allowance, accommodation with other perks and benefits that we will discuss later in this post. The application process is online. There is no application fee required. Applicants interested in the fellowship need to submit their online application by January 1st, 2026. Read more details about the fellowship below.
Details About KAUST Global Fellowship 2026, Saudi Arabia
- Country: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Eligible Countries: All Nationals
- Host Institute: KAUST
- Fellowship Duration: 3 years
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: January 1st, 2025
Fellowship Coverage
The fellowship offers a wide range of benefits, which include:
- An annual research budget of up to 40,000 USD
- An Annual stipend of 75,000 USD
- Accommodation for the duration of the fellowship
- Childcare and schooling allowance
- Medical Insurance
- Travel & Relocation allowance
- Professional development programs
Research Areas
The KAUST research priorities are aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which are:
- Economics of the Future
- Health & Wellness
- Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs
- Energy & Industrial Leadership
Benefits
- A Kaust host with similar research intent with mentor and support you throughout your independent research
- The fellows will advance their research knowledge
- The fellows will have complete access to the institute’s state-of-the-art research facilities, tools, and equipment.
- Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Eligibility Criteria:
- KAUST fellowship is accepting applications from all nationalities
- Applicants must have completed a PhD within 4 years of the application deadline
- Applicants’ proposed research project must align with one or more KAUST strategic research areas
- Secure a host from KAUST to host you for your research
- Applicants must be committed to independent research
Inelgibility
- Applicants have not secured a host before the application deadline
- Completed PhD before 2022
- The research proposal does not align with KAUST’s strategic areas
Required Documents
- An updated CV (mention publication record)
- Research Proposal
- Letter of Support from KAUST host
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Academic Transcripts
Also, Check:
How to Apply for KAUST Global Fellowship 2026?
Here is the step-by-step guide to apply for the KAUST fellowship:
- Step 1: Make sure you are meeting the eligibility criteria
- Step 2: Contact a KAUST host and secure a letter of support
- Step 3: Prepare the complete documents
- Step 4: Submit your online application via the KAUST official fellowship portal
For more details, visit the official link below: