King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Admission 2027

Admission at a glance

KAUST admits students to master's, MS/PhD and PhD programmes on a published timeline, marked tentative and subject to application volume. Spring 2027 admission is open only to PhD applicants, with a Round 1 deadline of 27 September 2026, decisions on 8 November 2026 and the semester starting 17 January 2027. Fall 2027 admission is open to MS, MS/PhD and PhD applicants, with Round 2 opening on 28 September 2026 and closing on 3 January 2027, decisions on 14 February 2027 and the semester starting on 29 August 2027. There is no cost to apply. Applicants need a relevant bachelor's degree for a master's or a relevant master's for a PhD, a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale (though typically 90% of admitted applicants have above 3.3), and must be at least 18 on entry. GRE scores are optional. The application includes transcripts, a CV, a statement of purpose, three referees and an English test score if available; admitted students must meet the English minimum, IELTS 7 or equivalent, before enrolment. Admitted students automatically receive the KAUST Fellowship, except some externally sponsored students.