Advance Your Research Career with a Fully Funded Fellowship in Saudi Arabia
Are you an early-career researcher looking to take your work to the next level? The KAUST Global Fellowship 2026 at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia is now open for applications. This prestigious, fully funded fellowship supports exceptional postdoctoral researchers conducting innovative and impactful work aligned with global sustainability, energy, health, and economic priorities.
The fellowship provides everything you need to conduct independent research in a world-class environment: generous funding, academic mentorship, family support, and international networking.
Degree Level
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Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (3 years)
Available Research Fields
Applicants must align their research proposal with one or more of KAUST’s core divisions:
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Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
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Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
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Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
And support global themes such as:
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Health and Wellness
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Sustainable Environment and Essential Needs
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Energy and Industrial Leadership
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Economies of the Future
Benefits of the KAUST Global Fellowship
Selected fellows receive a comprehensive funding package:
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Annual stipend: $75,000
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Research funding: Up to $40,000 over the fellowship period
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Free, fully furnished housing on campus
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Medical insurance for the fellow
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School support for up to two children
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Relocation allowance
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Annual travel grant
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Access to KAUST’s world-class laboratories and research infrastructure
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants from all countries and nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2026, applicants must:
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Hold a Ph.D. awarded between January 2022 and the fellowship start date
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Have no prior postdoc affiliation with KAUST
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Be ready to relocate to Saudi Arabia for the entire duration of the fellowship
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Have a committed KAUST faculty host, who will support the proposed research
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Submit a competitive, original research proposal that aligns with KAUST’s strategic focus
Apply Also
- Old Dominion University Scholarship 2026 – Study at McGill University, Canada (Fully Funded)
- Osaka University Japan MEXT Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) | Bachelor, Master’s, PhD
Required Application Documents
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Two published research papers
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Three-year research proposal (in KAUST’s format)
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Letter of Support from a KAUST faculty host
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Two reference letters from academic or professional referees
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Completed application form via the PlutoEdu platform
All materials must be submitted in English.
How to Apply
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Visit the official portal: KAUST Global Fellowship Website
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Register and complete your profile on the PlutoEdu platform
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Upload all required documents using the official application template
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Ensure your referees also register to upload their recommendations
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Submit your application before the deadline
Final Thoughts
The KAUST Global Fellowship 2026 is more than just a postdoctoral position—it’s a platform to conduct high-impact research in a collaborative, well-resourced, and diverse international environment. If you’re a passionate researcher ready to make a global difference, don’t miss this opportunity.
Start preparing your documents and connect with a KAUST faculty member today.
Official Portal: https://www.kaust.edu.sa