KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) in Saudi Arabia

Applications are now open for the KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) in Saudi Arabia. This fully funded research internship is for undergraduate students in their 3rd year or above and for master’s students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). You can choose from over 100 research projects, and your internship can last from 2 to 6 months.

There is no application deadline, so you can apply at any time of the year and pick your own start and end dates. KAUST covers your tuition, housing, return flights and a monthly stipend of USD $1000. There is no application fee. You will need a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4 point scale (or equivalent) and proof of English proficiency. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host University: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
• Host Country: Saudi Arabia
• Degree Required: 3rd year or above undergraduate students and master’s students
• Duration: 2 to 6 months
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Application Deadline: Open all year round
• Application Fee: None

What This Scholarship Offers:

What You Receive

• A monthly stipend of USD $1000 to cover your living expenses
• Full tuition fee coverage, so you pay nothing for the program
• A private bedroom and bathroom on campus, so you have comfortable housing without paying rent
• Return airfare to KAUST, so your travel costs are covered
• Access to core laboratories and major research and community facilities
• Social and cultural activities that help you settle in and make friends

What You Gain

• Hands on research experience on a real project, supervised by leading KAUST faculty
• Practical skills that are valuable for further study or any career
• A chance to present your findings at conferences or publish papers, as many past participants have done
• Strong preparation for a master’s or PhD at KAUST or other globally ranked universities
• A network of friends and contacts from more than 100 nationalities and top universities around the world
• The freedom to schedule your internship at a time that suits your academic calendar

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• You must be an undergraduate student in your 3rd year or above, or a master’s student.
• You must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4 point scale (or equivalent).
• You must show proof of English language proficiency.
• Your internship must last between 2 and 6 months.

Who cannot apply: Current PhD candidates, current KAUST students and KAUST alumni are not eligible.

Already graduated? You can still apply if you will have completed your degree within one year of the internship start date.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall, with at least 6 in each section
• TOEFL: 4.5 overall, with at least 4 in each section
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 64 overall, with at least 61 in each section
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 176 overall, with at least 169 in each section
• Duolingo English Test: 110 overall, with at least 100 in each section

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Documents Required:

• Official transcripts in English for all degrees
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member at your current institution
• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
• Statement of Purpose
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Important Tips:

• You can only submit one application to KAUST at a time, so choose your project carefully.
• Contact your recommender early so they are ready when KAUST reaches out.
• Check that your passport will be valid for at least 6 months beyond your internship dates.
• There is no fixed decision date, so apply as early as you can.

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How to Apply:

1. Visit the KAUST internship projects page and browse the list of over 100 active projects.
2. Read each project’s details, including the nature of the work, the recommended student background and the desired research outcomes.
3. Choose the project that best matches your interests and background.
4. Click the Apply button on that project page.
5. Complete the application form and upload your documents.
6. Tell your recommender about your application in advance. KAUST will contact them directly, so you do not need to upload the letter yourself.

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