KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in Saudi Arabia (Fully Funded) is a three-year opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers worldwide to conduct independent research in areas including AI, Energy, Health, Water, Food, and the Red Sea.
Background & Fellowship Description
The KAUST Global Fellowship Program supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers who want to develop independent research careers. Fellows conduct their own research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia with support from a KAUST host faculty member and access to advanced research facilities.
The fellowship focuses on major KAUST research priorities including Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and the Red Sea.
Fellowship Benefits
The current KAUST fellowship package includes:
- US$75,000 annual living stipend
- Up to US$40,000 per year in research funding
- Three-year fellowship term
- Health insurance
- On-campus accommodation
- Relocation allowance
- Annual travel assistance
- Schooling for up to three children
- Professional development and mentoring opportunities
Tasks
Global Fellows design and lead their own original research projects at KAUST.
Research should address one or more of the university’s priority areas and demonstrate novelty, innovation, and potential impact. Fellows work with a KAUST host Principal Investigator while developing an independent research career.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants must have been awarded a PhD within four calendar years. For the 2027 call, applicants must have received their PhD after January 2023, or expect to complete it before the fellowship begins.
Experience
The fellowship is designed for outstanding early-career postdoctoral researchers with strong research achievements and innovative ideas.
Applicants of all nationalities are eligible to apply, subject to Saudi residency and work-permit requirements.
Additional Information
The 2027 application process has two stages:
Stage 1 – Concept Note:
September 1 to October 1, 2026
Applicants submit a concept note and identify up to two suitable KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with their proposed work.
Stage 2 – Full Proposal:
November 15, 2026 to January 15, 2027
Only applicants who receive host-faculty support proceed to the full proposal stage.
For Stage 1, applicants need a current CV with a full publication list, up to two selected publications, a concept note, and two reference letters.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the official KAUST Global Fellowship application system. Applicants should carefully review the current guidelines and identify suitable KAUST faculty members before submitting their concept note.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KAUST Global Fellowship?
It is a three-year postdoctoral fellowship designed to help outstanding early-career researchers develop independent research careers at KAUST in Saudi Arabia.
How much does the KAUST fellowship pay?
Global Fellows receive a US$75,000 annual living stipend, according to KAUST’s current fellowship information.
Is research funding included?
Yes. KAUST states that up to US$40,000 per year in research funding is available for eligible fellowship research expenses.
Who can apply?
Applicants of all nationalities can apply if they meet the PhD and other eligibility requirements. For Call 2027, the PhD must have been awarded after January 2023, or be completed before the fellowship starts.
Can I apply without already having a KAUST host?
Yes. A confirmed host PI is not required at Stage 1. Applicants identify potential KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with their proposal, and faculty support is required to advance to Stage 2.
Can the fellowship be completed remotely?
No. KAUST states that Global Fellows are expected to live and work at KAUST in Saudi Arabia on a full-time basis.
Final Thoughts
The KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship provides early-career researchers with substantial financial, research, and professional-development support while allowing them to lead independent research in Saudi Arabia. Researchers interested in the 2027 call should prepare their concept notes and faculty alignment before the October 1, 2026 Stage 1 deadline.
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