The KAUST Global Fellowship Program is calling on outstanding early career researchers to apply for its 2027 cohort. Hosted by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, this merit based program supports postdoctoral researchers who want to lead independent, high impact research while building a path toward a fully independent academic career. If you hold a recent PhD and have a bold research idea, this fellowship gives you the funding, mentorship, and facilities to turn that idea into reality. For more BS, MS,Phd, Postdoc Positions visit here.
Key Details:
Here is a quick overview of what makes this fellowship stand out.
- Host institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Fellowship duration: Up to 3 years
- Eligibility window: PhD awarded within the last 4 calendar years
- Location: Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Nationality: Open to applicants of all nationalities
- Call cycle: Call 2027 opens 1 September 2026
KAUST was founded in 2009 on the eastern shores of the Red Sea and is recognized as the most acclaimed postgraduate research university in the Middle East. Over its first fifteen years, it has grown into a global hub for fellow led scientific discovery, offering a research first environment where fellows have direct access to world class laboratories and equipment.
What This Fellowship Offers:
The KAUST Global Fellowship Program is designed to remove financial and logistical barriers so fellows can focus entirely on their research. Successful applicants receive a generous support package that includes the following.
- Annual research budget of up to 40,000 USD
- Annual stipend of up to 75,000 USD
- Fully covered accommodation on the KAUST campus
- Childcare and schooling support for fellows with families
- Medical insurance coverage for the duration of the fellowship
- Travel and relocation allowance to help fellows move to Saudi Arabia
- Access to professional development programs designed to build long term academic and industry skills
Beyond the financial package, fellows also benefit from mentorship provided by a KAUST host faculty member, known as the Host PI, whose research interests align with the fellow’s proposed project. This mentor supports and empowers fellows as they design and lead their own original research at KAUST.
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Research Priorities and Academic Divisions:
Every proposal submitted to the KAUST Global Fellowship Program must align with one of four national research priorities that support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
- Economies of the Future
- Health and Wellness
- Sustainable Environment and Essential Needs
- Energy and Industrial Leadership
Proposals must also fit within the programs offered by one of KAUST’s academic divisions.
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
- Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
- Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
- Biomedical Sciences Division (BioMed)
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Eligibility Criteria:
Before you begin your application, confirm that you meet the following requirements.
- You must have been awarded a PhD degree within the last 4 calendar years. For example, applicants applying in January 2027 must have received their PhD after January 2023.
- You must expect to complete your PhD before the fellowship begins.
- You must be ready and willing to relocate to KAUST for the full 3 year research project.
- You must identify up to 2 KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with your proposed work.
- You must meet Saudi Arabia’s residency and work permit requirements to obtain the necessary visa.
The program particularly encourages applications from women researchers to help promote a better gender balance in science and engineering fields.
A well justified career break due to parental leave or military or civil service will be considered for exceptions to the four year rule. No exceptions apply to other voluntary career breaks.
KAUST affiliated postdocs, incoming postdocs, and external applicants may all apply, though the conditions differ slightly.
- Applicants affiliated with KAUST for less than 12 months at the time of the deadline may apply as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and secure a Host PI support letter.
- Incoming KAUST postdocs are treated as external, non affiliated applicants and still require a Host PI support letter.
- KAUST alumni who were affiliated with KAUST for more than 12 months as an MSc, PhD, or Postdoc are not eligible.
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Finding Your Host PI:
A defining feature of this fellowship is the requirement to secure a Host PI, a KAUST faculty member who supports your research direction and mentors you throughout the fellowship. At the concept note stage, you only need to identify up to 2 potential faculty members whose work aligns with yours. A formal Host PI support letter is only required if you are invited to submit a full proposal at Stage 2.
You can search the KAUST Faculty Directory to identify researchers whose interests match your proposed project before you apply.
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Two Stage Application Process:
The KAUST Global Fellowship Program uses a two stage selection process, giving applicants a clear path from initial idea to full proposal.
Stage 1: Concept Note
- Applications accepted from 1 September to 1 October 2026
- No Host PI letter is required at this stage
- You must list up to 2 KAUST faculty members whose research fits your proposal
Stage 2: Full Proposal (By Invitation Only)
- Applications accepted from 15 November 2026 to 15 January 2027
- Only applicants who secure Host PI support are invited to this stage
- The full proposal must follow the official Call 2027 template
A webinar for prospective applicants is planned for August 2026, with the exact date to be confirmed on the official website.
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How to Apply:
Follow these steps to submit a complete and competitive application.
- Download and read the Application Guidelines, Concept Note Template, and Full Proposal Template from the official how to apply page.
- Prepare your most recent CV, limited to 4 pages.
- Select up to 2 of your strongest publications to attach.
- Complete the Concept Note using the provided template for Stage 1.
- Submit everything through the official online application platform.
- If invited to Stage 2, secure your Host PI support letter and submit the Full Research Proposal using the official template.
All applicants and their referees must register on the application platform to upload documents and track their submission status. Applications must be written in English, and only complete submissions with all required documents will be reviewed at each cut off date.
Only one proposal may be submitted per applicant per cycle, so take time to prepare a strong, well aligned concept note before Stage 1 opens.
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Life as a KAUST Global Fellow:
Fellows are expected to live and work at KAUST in Saudi Arabia on a full time basis and cannot hold other primary employment during the fellowship. You may continue to apply for other fellowships or jobs while your KAUST application is under review, but if you accept another offer, you must notify the Fellowship Office. Similarly, you may hold funding from another institution, but if selected, your full time commitment must remain with your KAUST fellowship project.
Your proposed research must demonstrate genuine novelty. Extensions of your PhD thesis or current ongoing projects are not eligible, so use this opportunity to propose something original and forward looking.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must hold a PhD awarded within the last four years, propose independent research aligned with KAUST’s research priorities, and secure a KAUST faculty member as their Host PI.
Can foreign nationals apply?
Yes. The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities. Nominees must meet Saudi Arabia’s residency and work permit requirements to obtain a visa and join the fellowship.
Do I need a Host PI at KAUST?
Yes. You must identify and secure a KAUST faculty member as your Host PI before your full proposal stage. The Host PI must provide a support letter to be included in your application.
Can I collaborate with multiple KAUST faculty members?
Yes, but you must designate one primary Host PI. Additional collaborations can be described within your proposal.
What is considered a career break?
Well justified career breaks due to parental leave or military or civil service are taken into consideration for exceptions to the four year rule. No exceptions apply to other voluntary career breaks.
Can my proposed project be an extension of my PhD or current work?
No. Proposals must demonstrate novelty and innovation beyond your PhD work or current projects.
Can I reapply if I was not selected?
Yes, you may reapply once, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria and have the support of a Host PI.
Can I participate remotely or part time?
No. Global Fellows are expected to live and work at KAUST in Saudi Arabia full time and cannot hold any other primary employment during the fellowship.
What is the maximum budget that can be requested for a proposal?
The research budget varies by discipline. Applicants should download and review the official documents on the how to apply page for details specific to their field.
When will I be notified about my application status?
All applicants are informed of their application status at every step of the selection process. Detailed feedback is only provided to those nominated, and most communication comes directly from the KAUST Global Fellowship Program office.
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