KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, Saudi Arabia

The KAUST Global Fellowship Program attracts and supports outstanding emerging research leaders from around the world. It empowers them to build a clear path toward a fully independent research career and inspires the next generation of scientists and engineers to address global challenges. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

What We Offer:

• Pursuing Fellow-Led Research
  A unique opportunity for early-career researchers to design and lead their own research project from day one, building their own career path with full support from world-class experts, top-tier mentorship, and an exceptional international community.
• Research Facilities
  Fellows have easy access to all necessary research tools and equipment, unparalleled laboratory facilities on campus, and support from experienced colleagues and their host Principal Investigator.
• Three Years of Funding
  Up to $40,000 in dedicated research funding plus a yearly living stipend of $75,000. This includes a comprehensive benefits package with medical insurance, on-campus accommodation, schooling for up to three children, relocation allowance, and annual travel assistance. Fellows can focus on research full-time with complete financial security.
• A Global Network
  KAUST’s extensive international research partnerships help Fellows build successful international collaborations for their future careers.
• Personal and Professional Development
  Training programs include the KAUST Mentoring Program, the Harvard HE Teaching Certificate, and Leadership programs or certificates. Fellows also enjoy networking with other Fellows and successful alumni.
• A Sense of Community
  More than 110 nationalities live, work, and study on campus. KAUST offers a dynamic international ecosystem where education, research, innovation, and industry converge, creating a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.

The KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship accelerates the university’s impact, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It fosters global and local partnerships, supports commercialisation, and enhances economic and societal development through transformative research.

Eligibility:

Applicant Eligibility

For an applicant to be eligible for this Fellowship:

• Must have been awarded a Ph.D. degree within four calendar years (applying in January 2027 must have received their Ph.D. after January 2023 inclusive)
• Must expect to complete their Ph.D. before the start of their Fellowship
• Must be ready to move to KAUST to undertake their proposed three-year research project
• Must identify in the application up to two KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with the proposed work (Host PI support required at a later stage)

People of all nationalities are welcome to apply. We encourage female applications to promote gender balance in science and engineering. Candidates must satisfy all Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requirements to obtain resident status.

Proposal Eligibility

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 Letter of Intent and the Full Research Proposal
• Align with the programs of the KAUST academic divisions: Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE), Physical Science and Engineering (PSE), and Biomedical Sciences Division (BioMed)

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Application Timeline

Call 2027 opens on 1 September 2026.

• Stage 1: Application Process (September – January)
  • Receipt of Applications and Letter of Intent
  • Eligibility check
  • Expression of support from KAUST Faculty
  • Invitation for full proposals
  • Submission of Concept Note (1 September to 1 October 2026) – No Host PI letter required at this stage
• Stage 2: Evaluation of Applications (February – May)
  • Internal and External reviews of proposals and applicants
  • Invitation of shortlisted applicants to Interview
  • Virtual Interviews
• Stage 3: Selection and Nomination (June)
  • Announcement of results and nomination of Global Fellows!

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Required Documents:

Before applying, download and carefully read the instructions, materials, and templates provided below:

• Application Guidelines
• Concept Note Template
• Full Proposal Template
• Application Kit (All documents)

The following documents must be uploaded and submitted with the online application form:

• Most recent CV (max 4 pages)
• Up to two selective publications (attachments)
• Concept note (template) – Stage 1
• Full research proposal (template) – Stage 2

Applicants and their referees are required to sign up to the application platform to access the system and submit the required documents.

Webinar for Prospective Applicants – August 2026 (Date to be confirmed)

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