Application Period for Stage 2: 15 November – 15 Januarym 2027
LOCATION: Saudi Arabia
The KAUST Global Fellowship Program attracts and supports outstanding emerging research leaders from around the world, empowering them to build a path towards a fully independent career. The program inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers to address global challenges and create opportunities that benefit humanity.
ELIGIBILITY:
This merit-based program targets excellent postdoctoral researchers with breakthrough ideas that can complement, support, and advance the major research priorities of KAUST.
Applicant’s Eligibility:
For an applicant to be eligible for this Fellowship:
Must have been awarded a Ph.D. degree, within four calendar years – those applying for CALL 2027, must have received their Ph.D. after January 2023 inclusive;
Must expect to complete their Ph.D. before the start of their Fellowship, if Ph.D. is now awarded yet;
Must be ready to move to KAUST to undertake their proposed three-year research project;
Must identify in the application at least one (up to three) potential KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with the proposed work.
People of all nationalities are welcome to apply. They encourage female applications to promote a better gender balance in science and engineering.
Candidates must satisfy all Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requirements to obtain resident status.
Applications are shared with the named faculty for review; only faculty-supported applications advance to the full proposal stage. If you’ve already secured a host, are affiliated with KAUST, or are joining KAUST, name only that one faculty.
Proposal Eligibility:
To be eligible for this Fellowship, the proposal should:
Focus on one or more of the KAUST research missions: Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Red Sea;
Have an outline for a three-year duration;
Follow the budget and financial guidelines of the call;
Use the provided Call 2027 templates for the Concept Note and the Full Research Proposal (by invitation only)
Align with the programs of the KAUST academic divisions:
Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
Biomedical Sciences Division (BioMed)
Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
Two-Stage Application Process – Deadlines
Stage 1 (concept note)
Accepting applications:
1 September – 1 October
Stage 2 (Full Proposal, By Invitation)
Accepting applications:
15 November – 15 January
BENEFIT:
The fellowship offers one of the most competitive funding packages available for early-career researchers.
Successful fellows will receive:
US$75,000 annual living stipend
Up to US$40,000 in dedicated research funding for their project
Three years of fully funded support
Comprehensive medical insurance
On-campus accommodation
Schooling support for up to three children
Relocation allowance
Annual travel assistance
Access to world-class laboratories and research infrastructure
Fellows also benefit from professional development opportunities, including leadership training, mentoring programmes, teaching certificates, and networking with international academic and industry partners.
