The KAUST Global Fellowship Program is designed to empower early-career researchers and scientists from around the world to pursue innovative research and build a path toward an independent career.
Based at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, this merit-based program supports outstanding postdocs with breakthrough ideas aligned with KAUST’s research priorities and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Fellows gain access to world-class facilities, funding, and a vibrant international community to turn their research ideas into reality. For more postdoc fellowships, click here.
Program Overview
The program aligns with KAUST’s four research pillars:
- Health & Wellness
- Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs
- Energy & Industrial Leadership
- Economies of the Future
Interested in More Fellowships? Follow links below
Key Benefits
- Funding: Up to $40,000 for research, plus a $75,000 annual stipend, medical insurance, accommodation, schooling for up to two children, relocation, and travel allowances.
- Independent Research: Pursue your own project with support from a host Principal Investigator (PI) and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
- World-Class Facilities: Utilize advanced tools and laboratories for your research goals.
- Global Community: Join a diverse network of over 110 nationalities for collaboration and networking.
- Professional Development: Access programs like the KAUST Mentoring Program, Harvard HE Teaching Certificate, and leadership training.
- International Network: Connect with global academic, industry, and government partners to build your career.
Also check: British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-27
Eligibility Criteria
Applicant Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- Have earned a Ph.D. within the last four years (e.g., after January 2022 for applications in January 2026).
- Expect to complete your Ph.D. before starting the fellowship.
- Be ready to relocate to KAUST for the three-year research project.
- Have a KAUST faculty member confirmed as your host PI.
- Meet Saudi Arabia’s residency requirements.
The program welcomes applicants of all nationalities and encourages applications from women to promote gender balance in science and engineering.
Also check: Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2026
Proposal Eligibility
Your research proposal must:
- Align with KAUST’s research priorities (Health & Wellness, Sustainable Environment, Energy, or Economies of the Future).
- Outline a three-year research plan.
- Follow KAUST’s budget and financial guidelines.
- Use the provided research proposal template.
Deadline
- Opens: July 1
- Closes: January 15, 2026
- All applications are reviewed after the January 15 deadline.
Also check: Digital Humanism Junior Visiting Fellowship
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in English via the PlutoEdu platform. Follow these steps:
- Sign up for the PlutoEdu platform to access the application system.
- Download and review the required documents:
- Application Guidelines
- Addendum for KAUST Affiliated Applicants
- Online Application Instructions
- Host PI Support Letter Template
- Research Proposal Template
- Application Kit (All Documents)
- All documents listed here can be downloaded from official website (link below)
- Prepare and upload the following:
- Most recent CV (max 4 pages)
- Two publications
- Research proposal (using the provided template)
- KAUST Host PI letter (using the provided template)
Also check: APART-USA Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers
Finding a Host PI
Identify a KAUST faculty member to host your research project. Explore KAUST’s faculty and research areas:
