KAUST Global Fellowship Program 2025–2026 for Early Career Researchers
The KAUST Global Fellowship Program is a world-class, merit-based initiative designed to support and empower outstanding early-career researchers from across the globe. Hosted by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, the program provides an exceptional platform for postdoctoral scientists and engineers to pursue independent, high-impact research aligned with global development priorities.
This prestigious fellowship nurtures the next generation of scientific leaders by offering them access to unparalleled facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and an intellectually vibrant research community.
Program Overview
The KAUST Global Fellowship Program supports breakthrough ideas that contribute to and enhance the university’s core research areas. Fellows are granted full access to KAUST’s world-renowned infrastructure and benefit from the university’s interdisciplinary environment, fostering innovation and global collaboration.
Fellows will engage in independent research for a duration of three years under the mentorship of a KAUST faculty host aligned with their area of expertise.
Applicant Eligibility
To be eligible for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program, applicants must:
- Have obtained their Ph.D. within the past four calendar years
(For example, those applying in January 2026 must have earned their Ph.D. after January 2022) - Expect to complete their Ph.D. before the fellowship start date
- Be willing and eligible to relocate to KAUST, Saudi Arabia, for the full three-year term
- Identify a KAUST faculty host who has agreed to support and mentor the applicant’s research project
- Fulfill all Kingdom of Saudi Arabia residency requirements
- Applicants from all nationalities are welcome; female scientists are highly encouraged to apply to promote gender equity in science and engineering
Research Proposal Requirements
Applicants must submit a research proposal that:
- Addresses one or more of the following KAUST strategic research priorities:
- Health & Wellness
- Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs
- Energy & Industrial Leadership
- Economies of the Future
- Is designed for a three-year duration
- Complies with the fellowship’s budgetary and financial guidelines
- Is written using the official KAUST proposal template
Eligible proposals may fall within any of KAUST’s three academic divisions:
- BESE – Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering
- CEMSE – Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering
- PSE – Physical Science and Engineering
Application Process
Application Period: July 1 – January 15 (annually)
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Applications must be submitted in English through the PlutoEdu online platform. All required documents must be uploaded by the deadline for the application to be considered.
Important Notes:
- Both applicants and referees must register on PlutoEdu to access and complete submissions.
- Only complete applications will be reviewed after the final deadline.
Required Documents
The application must include the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – maximum 4 pages
- Two recent publications (as attachments)
- Research Proposal (using KAUST template)
- Host Faculty Support Letter (template provided)
📦 Download the Full Application Kit
Helpful links:
Why Apply?
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities and equipment
- Mentorship from world-class faculty
- Opportunity to lead a fully independent research project
- Immersion in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
- Competitive funding and support for career development
Apply Now
Take your scientific career to the next level with one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-thinking research institutions.
Begin Your Application Here
About KAUST
KAUST is a graduate-level research university located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. Renowned for its investment in scientific innovation and global collaboration, KAUST offers one of the most advanced research ecosystems in the world.
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