KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP)

Overview

The KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) is a merit-based postdoctoral fellowship for outstanding early-career researchers worldwide. It is run by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and supports emerging research leaders to design and lead an independent, original research project at KAUST, with faculty mentorship and access to the university's multidisciplinary laboratories.

This is a postdoctoral opportunity rather than a degree scholarship. It is aimed at researchers who already hold, or are about to complete, a PhD and who have breakthrough ideas that complement and advance KAUST's research priorities. Those priorities centre on the university's missions in Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence and the Red Sea, and your proposed work must align with one of KAUST's academic divisions (BESE, CEMSE, PSE or BioMed).

The application runs in two stages over an annual cycle. Stage 1, a concept note, is submitted between 1 September and 1 October, where you identify up to two KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with yours. Stage 2, a full proposal by invitation, runs from 15 November to 15 January for applicants who secure host faculty support. The program is open to all nationalities, and female applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Career-Stage Requirements

You should be an excellent postdoctoral or early-career researcher. KAUST states the PhD should have been awarded within four calendar years (for example, a January 2027 applicant would need a PhD from January 2023 onward), or you should expect to complete it before the fellowship starts.

Research Requirements

Your proposed research must focus on KAUST's missions (Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence and the Red Sea) and align with one of its four academic divisions. Breakthrough ideas that complement and advance KAUST's priorities are what the program seeks.

Nationality Requirements

It is open to researchers from any country, and female applicants are particularly encouraged.

Mobility Requirements

You must be willing to relocate to KAUST and to identify up to two aligned faculty members as potential hosts. Stage 2 advancement depends on securing host faculty support.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Support to design and lead an independent, original research project at KAUST
• Mentorship from aligned KAUST faculty
• Access to KAUST's advanced, multidisciplinary laboratories and research infrastructure
• A multi-year research project aligned with KAUST's missions

The program page does not publish specific stipend figures, so confirm the financial terms directly with KGFP. Where an exact amount is not stated, treat it as something to verify with the program rather than assume.

How to Apply

1. Check your eligibility Confirm your PhD timing and that your research aligns with KAUST's missions and divisions.
2. Identify host faculty Find up to two KAUST faculty members whose research complements your proposed work.
3. Submit a concept note (Stage 1) Apply between 1 September and 1 October with your CV and concept note.
4. Secure host support Applicants with host PI support are invited to the next stage.
5. Submit a full proposal (Stage 2) If invited, submit your comprehensive research proposal between 15 November and 15 January.

Required Documents

• CV (maximum four pages)
• Up to two selected publications
• A concept note for Stage 1
• A full research proposal for Stage 2 (by invitation)
• Details of up to two aligned KAUST faculty members

Key Dates & Deadlines

Dates follow an annual cycle, so confirm the exact year's deadlines on the KGFP site before applying.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Identify host faculty early and align your concept note with their work.
• Frame your idea clearly around one of KAUST's six mission areas.
• Keep your CV within four pages and choose your two publications carefully.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Proposing research that does not map to a KAUST division or mission.
• Missing the early concept-note window, which gates Stage 2.
• Applying outside the four-year post-PhD eligibility range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP)?

Excellent postdoctoral or early-career researchers from any country, typically with a PhD awarded within four years or expected before the fellowship starts, whose research aligns with KAUST's missions.

Is the KAUST Global Fellowship Program a degree scholarship?

No. It is a postdoctoral fellowship to lead independent research at KAUST, not a master's or PhD scholarship.

What is the deadline for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program?

Stage 1 concept notes run 1 September to 1 October, and Stage 2 full proposals (by invitation) run 15 November to 15 January.

How much does the KAUST Global Fellowship Program pay?

The program page does not publish specific stipend figures, so confirm the financial terms directly with KGFP.

What research areas does the KAUST Global Fellowship Program support?

Work aligned with KAUST's missions in Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence and the Red Sea, within one of its four academic divisions.

How does the two-stage KAUST Global Fellowship Program application work?

You submit a concept note in Stage 1, and if you secure host faculty support you are invited to submit a full proposal in Stage 2.

Who can apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program?

Early-career researchers worldwide; female applicants are particularly encouraged.

What documents do I need for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program?

A CV of up to four pages, up to two publications, a Stage 1 concept note, and a Stage 2 full proposal if invited.

Do I need a host professor for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program?

You identify up to two aligned faculty members, and securing host support is what advances you to Stage 2.

Can I apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program before finishing my PhD?

You can apply if you expect to complete your PhD before the fellowship begins, within the stated post-PhD window.