Saudi Arabia
5 Fulbright/KAUST Graduate Award NEW
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length18-24 Months |
Award Type
Specialized Grant Types
- Science/Public Health
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
- Yes
Award Profile
The Fulbright/KAUST Graduate Award offers students the opportunity to expand their knowledge in STEM at a world-class research university located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. With 100+ nationalities represented on campus, scholars will have the opportunity to engage with students, faculty, and researchers from around the world.
KAUST invests in its students so they can fulfill their intellectual and personal potential. Each Fulbright KAUST Scholar admitted to the University will be provided with the KAUST Fellowship which provides full tuition support, on-campus housing, roundtrip airfare, routine medical coverage within Saudi Arabia, and a monthly stipend.
In partnership with Fulbright, KAUST offers up to 5 scholarships for successful applicants to any of our Masters degree programs.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The KAUST Fellowship is provided for the duration of study at KAUST.
Orientation
Award recipients will be required to attend two orientations: a virtual pre-departure orientation administered by the Fulbright Program in the summer prior to the academic year, and an on-campus orientation prior to the week of classes starting. This allows for new students to network, build community, and become familiar with their surroundings.
Candidate Profile
The award competition is open to U.S. students who hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Academically talented graduating seniors may also apply before having their degree in hand. The grant is aimed at students who wish to complete a full master’s degree at KAUST. Holders of one Master's degree may apply for a second in a different field than the one they already obtained. The most competitive applications will demonstrate knowledge of and interest in Saudi Arabia and/or the MENA region. The Fulbright Program for Saudi Arabia offers grants on the basis of academic excellence, the leadership promise of the applicant, and their potential to both advance knowledge and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and Saudi Arabia.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Saudi Arabia is a nation with a rich cultural heritage and a bold vision for its future which attracts talent from around the world.
KAUST is an award-winning campus that has everything you need to live, work, study, and relax. Designed to inspire and motivate our faculty, students, and staff to maintain an active lifestyle, KAUST is more than a university. With state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a golf course, numerous dining options, elementary and secondary schools, and the Red Sea steps away, there is something for everyone.
KAUST offers daily buses into the main city of Jeddah, one hour from campus, where faculty, students, and staff can benefit from additional entertainment, dining, and cultural activities. An international airport is located in Jeddah, where KAUST community members can enjoy weekend trips and holidays at either in-country destinations or overseas adventures.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Special Application Instructions
Applicants will complete two applications, the Fulbright application and the university’s application (according to the university’s admissions procedures).
Foreign Language Proficiency
The language of instruction at KAUST is English.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
Letter of acceptance required prior to grant start
In addition to applying for the Fulbright Program, each candidate must apply through the university's application system. Receiving the Fulbright award is contingent upon acceptance to the degree program.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Those admitted to KAUST for the 2025 – 2026 academic year will receive the KAUST Fellowship. The fellowship includes all tuition, fees, on-campus housing, roundtrip airfare to campus, visa fees, routine medical coverage within Saudi Arabia, and a monthly stipend for the duration of study. An additional application is not needed to be considered for the fellowship and will be automatically awarded once admitted.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
The monthly stipend will be confirmed upon being admitted to KAUST.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Housing placement
Those admitted to KAUST for the 2025 – 2026 academic year will receive the KAUST Fellowship. The fellowship includes all tuition fees, on-campus housing, roundtrip airfare to campus, visa fees, routine medical coverage within Saudi Arabia, and a monthly stipend for the duration of study. An additional application is not needed to be considered for the fellowship and will be automatically awarded once admitted.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
A single person's estimated monthly cost of living is $803.6$ (3,014.4﷼), not including the cost of rent. Cost of living in Saudi Arabia is, on average, 35.5% lower than that in United States. Costs depend on lifestyle choices, but most students find that their daily living costs are fully covered by the monthly stipend provided to admitted students.
Dependents
Admitted students are permitted to bring spouses and dependents with them to campus, but conditions and additional costs may apply.
Housing Arrangements
All admitted KAUST students receive the KAUST Fellowship. The KAUST Fellowship includes on-campus housing. Single students will be placed in shared housing with private bathroom and bedroom. Students with dependents will be assigned individual housing for them and their family.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
KAUST Contact
Tisha Grande, tisha.grande@kaust.edu.sa