Applications are now open for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2026 in Saudi Arabia. This is a fully funded fellowship program for postdoctoral candidates from around the world. The duration of the KAUST Global Fellowship Program is three years, and it supports fellows in conducting fully independent research that addresses global change and benefits humanity.
The fellowship aims to attract and support outstanding early-career researchers, young leaders, and scientists worldwide. Fellows will receive $40,000 in research funding, a yearly stipend of $75,000, medical coverage, accommodation, schooling for two children, a relocation allowance, and an annual travel allowance. There is no application fee, and candidates from all countries are eligible. More details are below.
Details About KAUST Global Fellowship 2026
- Host Country: Saudi Arabia
- Institute: King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
- Fellowship Duration: 3 Years
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 1st January 2026
Financial Benefits
The Program Covers:
- Up to $40,000 in research funding
- $75,000 annual living stipend
- Medical insurance
- Accommodation
- Schooling for up to 2 children
- Relocation allowance
- Annual travel allowance.
Research Areas
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
- Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
- Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
Eligibility Criteria
- People of all nationalities are welcome to apply.
- There is no age restriction.
- Ph.D. within 4 Years: Your Ph.D. must have been awarded within four years of the application deadline (e.g., after January 2022 for a January 2026 application).
- Ph.D. Before Start: You must complete your Ph.D. before the fellowship begins.
- Ready to Relocate: You should be prepared to move to KAUST for the three-year research project.
- Secured Host: You’ll need to identify a KAUST faculty member who agrees to host your research.
Proposal Requirements
- Your research must focus on one or more of these areas: Health & Wellness, Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs, Energy and Industrial Leadership, or Economies of the Future.
- Your research plan should cover three years.
- You must follow the budget rules given in the application.
- You must use the form provided.
Required Documents
You must submit the following with your online application:
- Resume/CV
- Two Research Papers
- Research Plan
- Letter of Support from a KAUST Professor
- Two Letters of Recommendation.
Application Process for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2026
- You must fill out the application form using the given template and write it in English.
- Make sure your application is complete with all the needed papers before the deadline.
- Both you and the referees writing your recommendations must create an account on the PlutoEdu website to access the system and send the required documents.
APPLY FOR THE KAUST GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM