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​Admissions FAQs

Can anyone apply to KAUST?

​Yes. KAUST encourages students seeking to earn graduate degrees from Saudi Arabia and around the world to apply. Admission to KAUST is merit based. The University currently hosts students from over 60 countries and has received applications from students attending more than 220 universities around the world.

Is there an application fee?

​There is no application fee.

What are the application requirements?

There are six components to the KAUST Fellowship application, including:

  • Statement of purpose
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • University provided official copy of Transcripts / Mark sheets/ Graduation Certificate/ Academic Record from every institution previously attended. A scan of the transcript provided by the university in the native language must be uploaded into the online application form along with the certified English translation. Your transcript must include the university grading scale for all documents submitted. If offered admission, an official final transcript must be sent to the Office of Admissions prior to arrival (during the onboarding process) in a sealed envelope. You will receive an email with detailed instructions.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS English language proficiency score (A TOEFL or IELTS score is not required if the applicant received a degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.)
  • Official GRE scores (GRE submission is strongly encouraged and will enhance your application, but it is not a compulsory requirement for consideration.)

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

There is no minimum GPA requirement but the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7 out of 4.0. The 3.7 average means some admitted students had a higher GPA and some admitted students had averages slightly lower than 3.7. The review committee bases their decision on your application as a whole. 

KAUST receives applications from all over the world and therefore the Admissions staff is knowledgeable of different education systems and grading scales.

What is the minimum TOEFL, IELTS score required to apply to KAUST? Are applicants required to submit GRE scores?

All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, the language of instruction at KAUST. A score of 79 on the TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) or 6.5 on the IELTS is required (TOEFL or IELTS score is not required if applicant received a degree from a university from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand). Other English language test scores are not accepted, including TOEFL or IELTS scores for tests administered by an educational institution for admission to that particular institution. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years.

Submission of a General GRE score is not a compulsory requirement of the KAUST application however; it is encouraged and may enhance your application. For further information on the GRE test please visit the ETS website for test locations, dates, and times. KAUST admissions code is 4139. 

TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years. GRE scores are valid for five years

What is the Statement of Purpose?

The Statement of Purpose is a personal statement of 750 words about your past academic work and preparation related to your intended field of study, your academic plans for graduate study at KAUST, and your subsequent career objectives.


May I send my supporting documentation in after my application?

You are able to upload your documentation online. It is advisable to upload all required documentation prior to submitting your application.

Recommendations are confidential and should be submitted online by your referees directly to KAUST. Your recommenders will be prompted to do so. It is vital that you enter a valid email address.

May I apply before completing all my academic qualifications?

​You may apply before completing all of your academic qualifications; however you will need to complete the relevant section of the application form giving details of any outstanding marks and your expected date of completion. Your expected date of completion must be prior to the start of the term in which you apply. You must upload the most recent transcripts into your online application.

May I apply before receiving my official test scores (i.e. TOEFL/IELTS and GRE scores)?

​Those applicants who are unable to produce a English language proficiency test score or the optional GRE score by the deadline may still apply. However, you must submit your scores or upcoming test date including the confirmation/registration code to complete your application and enable it to move forward to the faculty review committee. (KAUST Admissions ETS TOEFL code 4107). (KAUST Admissions ETS GRE code 4139).

What is the admissions process? How will I be notified of the decision?

​A review committee will ensure your application is complete and is a fit for your selected program of application. Following a faculty academic assessment of your application you may be invited to interview. The interview is an integral part of the application process and must be considered as a competitive step where you demonstrate your motivation and good fit for the program and the University. A committee consisting of KAUST administrators and faculty will conduct the interview either online or in person depending on your location. All applicants will be notified of their decision by email.

How can I check my application status?

You can track the progress of your application by logging into your application to verify receipt of your documents and test scores.  The transcript portion will show incomplete until we receive a final official transcript (required only if you are offered admission).

Please click here to access and view the latest status of your KAUST AY online application.

Do academic records and other supporting documentation need to be in English?

​If your official transcripts or grade reports are not originally in English and the college or university you attended does not provide a translation of your transcript into English, you must provide an official translation (notarized by the your institution or Embassy with an appropriate seal or "chop") of your transcript into English. You may find and select a translation service of your choice. KAUST cannot provide referrals. It is preferable that your college or university provides an English translation of your official transcript.

Are current graduate students wishing to earn a second master's degree eligible for the KAUST Fellowship?

​Students holding an MS degree may be evaluated for admission to a second MS on a case by case basis. Students are generally encouraged to apply for a Ph.D. program if they have an appropriate MS degree.

If a student already receives a scholarship from another source, is that student eligible for a KAUST Fellowship?

Students who have scholarships that provide supplementary support such as for travel to a conference or the purchase of a computer, are eligible for a KAUST Fellowship.

Students are not permitted to hold a full scholarship that provides a monthly stipend in addition to a KAUST Fellowship. Questions related to the receipt of scholarships from other sources should be addressed to: admissions@kaust.edu.sa

Who should I contact during the application process?

​If you have any questions during the application process, you can contact the KAUST Admissions Office at admissions@kaust.edu.sa

Can I get credit for graduate courses taken at another institution?

​Graduate credit hours transferred from other programs may be applied to meet any Master's requirement. Up to 9 credits worth of graduate courses taken from another university or program that are equivalent in level and content to designated courses in the degree program may be counted towards meeting the major track requirement if their equivalence is confirmed by the Graduate Chair.

How can I find out the research interests of academic staff?

KAUST’s academic structure organizes interdisciplinary teams around research that applies science and technology to problems of human need, social advancement, and economic development. You can find out about our world-class faculty and individual staff interests and expertise on our staff profile page. Click here to see a list of faculty by research area.


Can I visit the university?

KAUST may accommodate groups of visitors when arranged by local universities. Inquiries for possible group arrangements may be made by contacting the Office of Admissions: admissions@kaust.edu.sa

The Admissions Office is not able to accommodate individual requests to visit the KAUST campus.

Do I need a faculty advisor before applying?

You do not need a faculty advisor before applying. Upon submission, MS/PhD and PhD applications will be reviewed by KAUST Admissions staff. Well-qualified candidates will be forwarded to faculty who may contact them to discuss their suitability for the program and research at KAUST.

Can I apply to more than one program?

​Currently students may not apply to more than one program.

What is the MS/Ph.D track?

​The MS/Ph.D program is an attractive option for students looking for fast entry into the world of research. Students can apply for the Ph.D program after completing a BS degree and are engaged in exciting research from the beginning of their program. The program typically takes four to five years to complete and students may complete a MS degree on the way to their Ph.D.

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