Summary
The KAUST Global Fellowship Program is a prestigious, fully funded 3-year postdoctoral opportunity at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. Open to exceptional early-career researchers and scientists worldwide, the program enables fellows to conduct independent research on global challenges that benefit humanity, supported by competitive stipends, research funding, housing, and family benefits.
- 🌍 Eligibility: Open to international applicants of all nationalities; there is no age restriction.
- 🏛️ Host University: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia.
- 🔬 Fellowship Type: Fully funded postdoctoral fellowship for exceptional early-career researchers, scientists, and young leaders.
- ⏳ Duration: 3 years of independent research at KAUST.
- 💰 Financial Benefits: Up to $40,000 in research funding and a $75,000 annual living stipend.
- 🏠 Additional Benefits: Medical insurance, accommodation, relocation allowance, annual travel allowance, and schooling for up to two children.
- 🧪 Research Areas: Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE); Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE); and Physical Science and Engineering (PSE).
- 🎯 Research Themes: Health and wellness; sustainable environment and essential needs; energy and industrial leadership; and economies of the future.
- 🎓 Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. within four years of the application deadline and must complete the Ph.D. before the fellowship begins.
- 🤝 Host Requirement: Applicants must identify a KAUST faculty member willing to host and support their proposed research.
- 📄 Required Documents: CV/resume, two research papers, a three-year research plan, a letter of support from a KAUST professor, and two recommendation letters.
- 📝 Application Process: Complete the application template in English, provide all required documents, and ensure that both applicants and referees register accounts on the PlutoEdu platform.
- 📅 Application Timeline: Stage 1 (Concept Note): 1 September–1 October 2026; Stage 2 (Full Proposal, by invitation): 15 November 2026–15 January 2027.
- ⏰ Final Deadline: 15 January 2027.
- ✈️ Relocation: Successful fellows are expected to relocate to KAUST, Saudi Arabia, for the three-year research project.
Key Information Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) |
| Location | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia |
| Program Level | Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Funding Coverage | Fully Funded ($75,000/year salary + $40,000 research grant) |
| Eligible Nationalities | All Nationalities (Open to all international applicants) |
| Application Fee | None ($0) |
| Final Deadline | January 15, 2027 |
Location
- Country: Saudi Arabia
- Host University: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Subject Area
Fellowships are available within three primary academic divisions:
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
- Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
- Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
Key Research Focus Pillars:
- Health and wellness
- Sustainable environment and essential needs
- Energy and industrial leadership
- Economies of the future
Scholarship Description
The KAUST Global Fellowship seeks to attract top-tier international postdoctoral talent to foster high-impact scientific discoveries. Selected fellows receive complete financial and logistical support throughout their 3-year term, including:
- Annual Living Stipend: $75,000 per year
- Research Grant: Up to $40,000 in research support funding
- Living Accommodation: On-campus furnished housing provided
- Healthcare: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage
- Family Support: Schooling allowance for up to two children
- Travel & Relocation: Relocation allowance and annual travel allowances
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Open to candidates of all nationalities with no age restrictions.
- Academic Qualifications: Must hold a Ph.D. completed within four years of the application deadline, or complete the Ph.D. before the fellowship start date.
- Host Faculty: Must identify and obtain an agreement/letter of support from a KAUST faculty member willing to host the research.
- Research Plan: Must submit a detailed, independent 3-year research plan aligned with one or more of KAUST’s core research focus areas.
- Residency: Must be willing to relocate to KAUST in Saudi Arabia for the duration of the 3-year appointment.
- Budget & Compliance: Must adhere to the program’s budget rules and application guidelines.
Required Documents
- Complete Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- 3-Year Research Plan
- Two representative research papers
- Letter of Support from a KAUST host professor
- Two Letters of Recommendation
How to Apply
- Prepare Application Documents: Write your research plan and all application materials in English using the official templates provided.
- Secure Host Endorsement: Connect with a KAUST faculty member in your research domain to secure their agreement to host your project.
- Register on the Portal: Both the applicant and recommendation referees must register an account on the PlutoEdu application platform.
- Submit Application by Stage: Upload and submit your concept note and full application package through the online portal within the specified stage windows.
Last Date (Application Deadlines)
The application process consists of two stages:
- Stage 1 (Concept Note): September 1, 2026 – October 1, 2026
- Stage 2 (Full Proposal – by invitation only): November 15, 2026 – January 15, 2027
