The academic adventure of a lifetime has begun for 70 young Saudi scholars. 

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) welcomed the 18th cohort of the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) during its Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO), held on campus from June 23 to 25, 2026. 

The three-day onboarding experience introduced students to KAUST’s flagship undergraduate scholarship, while offering them guidance, helping them build relationships, and ensuring they become familiar with the University where many will ultimately return to pursue graduate studies. Last year, KGSP alumni accounted for 15 percent of KAUST’s graduating class, reflecting the program’s enduring contribution to the University’s research community. 

“You are here because you have shown passion, an eagerness to learn, and a readiness to make an impact on Saudi Arabia’s research and development,” KAUST Vice President of Education and Advancement Professor Arwa Al-Aama said to students during the orientation. “You are joining a program where we deeply care about every one of you and will continue to support you until you return to KAUST and graduate.” 

Legacy of impact 

Founded in 2008, KGSP supports Saudi Arabia’s top high school graduates in earning STEM-focused bachelor’s degrees at leading universities abroad before applying for graduate studies at KAUST. Designed to develop future leaders, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, the program helps strengthen the Kingdom’s knowledge economy and global competitiveness. Since its inception, KGSP has sent more than 750 students to top universities. 

Dr. Mariam Awlia, who earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in bioscience from KAUST, is now a national results-based monitoring and evaluation specialist with the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization in Riyadh. She was a member of KGSP’s inaugural cohort, earning a Bachelor of Science from University College London. She told this year’s PDO that KGSP did not just give her an education. It helped shape her sense of purpose and impact. 

“When I think back, the connection is clear: a curiosity for science, exposure to global perspectives, a sense of responsibility to contribute. That is what KGSP builds,” Awlia told Cohort 18. “It builds individuals who don’t just succeed, but who serve.” 

Continuous KAUST support 

Unlike most scholarship programs, KGSP gives students the support of an entire university. During PDO, Cohort 18 met KAUST faculty who will guide them throughout their studies in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Atif Shamim called on students to follow their passions. “When you build your career around what you love, work stops feeling like work and becomes a journey of purpose and joy.” 

Earth Systems Science and Engineering Assistant Professor Bicheng Yan also offered words of encouragement to the latest KGSP cohort. “Embrace exploring the world of knowledge with curiosity, and learn from practice.” 

For many students, KGSP marks the next step in a long-standing connection with KAUST, following earlier participation in programs such as the Science, Technology, and Engineering Program (STEPs) and Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI), as well as the High-Potential Program, the High School Summer Program, and Olympiad preparation programs. Now, through KGSP, these young scholars are also global ambassadors of Saudi talent. 

“Always remember that you are not only representing yourselves, but also your families, your home university, and your country,” Al-Aama told the students. “We are all excited to see you go on and do great things, and then come back to help all of us as we continue to do great work for the Kingdom.”