The KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 is preparing to open applications for postdoctoral researchers seeking to develop fellow-led research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. The 2027 call opens on September 1, 2026, with Concept Notes accepted until October 1, 2026, followed by an invitation-only full proposal stage.
Background
The KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship (KGFP) is designed around researcher-led research, giving postdoctoral fellows an opportunity to develop their own research ideas while working within KAUST’s research environment.
According to the official fellowship information supplied, applications for the 2027 call are currently closed but are scheduled to open on September 1, 2026.
The programme uses a two-stage application process. Applicants initially submit a short Concept Note describing their proposed fellow-led research and explaining its alignment with KAUST’s current research priorities.
A Host Principal Investigator is not required at Stage 1, although applicants can identify up to three potential Host PIs in their application.
Stage 1: Concept Note
The first stage will run from:
September 1 – October 1, 2026
Applicants will submit a short Concept Note outlining their proposed research.
The Concept Note should communicate the central research idea and demonstrate how it aligns with KAUST’s current research priorities.
One important feature of the process is that applicants do not need to have a confirmed Host PI when submitting the initial Concept Note.
However, applicants may identify up to three potential Host PIs through the application form.
This gives prospective fellows an opportunity to begin the application process around their own research concept rather than waiting for a Host PI before entering Stage 1.
Stage 2: Full Research Proposal
Stage 2 is available by invitation only.
Following the review of Concept Notes and confirmation of Host PI support, selected applicants will be invited to submit a full research proposal.
The deadline for the invited full proposals is:
January 15, 2027
The full proposal will undergo committee evaluation.
Applicants therefore need to treat the Concept Note as an important first stage of the selection process and ensure that their proposed research is clearly presented.
What to Prepare
KAUST recommends that prospective applicants prepare their materials before the call opens.
The materials identified in the official information include:
- Concept Note using the relevant template
- Updated CV with publications, limited to four pages
- Two representative publications
- Two referees who can submit recommendation letters through the application system when requested
The complete application guidelines, templates and Application Pack are expected to be made available on the How to Apply page when the 2027 call opens.
Research Ownership
One of the defining features highlighted by the fellowship is its emphasis on fellow-led research.
Rather than simply joining an existing research project, applicants are expected to present their own research concept and demonstrate its relevance to KAUST’s research priorities.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to postdoctoral researchers who have developed a strong research direction and want to build an independent research programme.
Applicants should therefore use the Concept Note to clearly communicate what they want to investigate, why the research matters, and how it fits within KAUST’s current priorities.
Application Timeline
The key dates for the KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 call are:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | September 1, 2026 |
| Stage 1 Concept Note deadline | October 1, 2026 |
| Stage 2 | By invitation only |
| Full Proposal deadline | January 15, 2027 |
The application portal is currently closed, according to the information provided by KAUST.
How to Apply
Prospective applicants should use the period before September 1 to prepare their application materials.
A practical preparation plan is to:
- Develop a clear fellow-led research concept.
- Review KAUST’s current research priorities.
- Prepare the Concept Note using the official template when available.
- Update the academic CV and keep it within the four-page limit.
- Select two representative publications.
- Identify potential Host PIs if appropriate.
- Confirm two referees who can provide recommendations through the system.
- Submit the Concept Note between September 1 and October 1, 2026.
- If invited to Stage 2, prepare and submit the full proposal by January 15, 2027.
Applicants should rely on the official Application Pack once the 2027 call opens for the complete requirements.
Important Note for Applicants
The information supplied does not provide a specific fellowship stipend, total financial value, duration, or detailed benefits for the 2027 call.
Therefore, applicants should not assume a particular salary or funding amount based on information from other KAUST fellowship cycles.
The current official announcement focuses on the application timeline, two-stage selection process, and materials that applicants should prepare.
Final Thoughts
The KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 presents an opportunity for postdoctoral researchers who want to pursue a fellow-led research direction within KAUST’s research environment.
The first application stage opens on September 1, 2026, and closes on October 1, 2026. Successful Concept Note applicants may then be invited to submit a full proposal, with the second-stage deadline set for January 15, 2027.
Researchers interested in applying should use the time before the opening date to develop a strong research concept, update their CV, select representative publications, and arrange referees.
Official KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship: KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship
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