KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP)
Open globally—all nationalities welcome; women and under-represented groups encouraged
Program Overview!
Are you an ambitious early-career researcher ready to lead independent science in a cutting-edge environment? The KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) offers a fully funded, three-year postdoctoral fellowship at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Three key reasons to apply: generous USD 75,000 annual stipend, USD 40,000 research budget, and state-of-the-art labs across five strategic research pillars. Ideal for PhD graduates within four years seeking autonomy, mentorship, and global collaboration in fields like energy, environment, digital innovation, or health. A transformative opportunity to accelerate your research and impact.
KAUST is a globally ranked, graduate-only research university located on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, with a multicultural academic community from over 110 nationalities. Established in 2009, KAUST excels in interdisciplinary research across advanced labs including supercomputers, cleanrooms, marine vessels, and more. Its mission is to support research that drives innovation aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and tackles global challenges in energy, environment, health, digital domains, and economy.
The KGFP supports early-career researchers to design and lead their own three-year projects at KAUST across the university’s priority areas: Economies of the Future; Health & Wellness; Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs; Energy & Industrial Leadership. Each fellow works independently under guidance from a KAUST host PI, and participates in professional development, mentoring, and cohort activities. This fellowship promotes innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transition toward a competitive research career.
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Benefits:
- Annual stipend: USD 75,000 (tax-free)
- Independent research budget: up to USD 40,000/year
- Full access to KAUST’s world-class research infrastructure—supercomputing, marine research vessels, cleanrooms, and core labs
- Comprehensive support: medical insurance, free or subsidized housing, relocation assistance, annual travel allowance, schooling for up to two children
- Professional development: teaching & leadership certification (e.g. Harvard teaching credential), mentorship, and global alumni network
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Eligibility Criteria
- PhD awarded within the last 4 years or anticipated before fellowship start; exceptions considered for justified career breaks (e.g. parental leave)
- Maximum of 4 years of post-PhD experience
- Commitment to relocate and work full-time at KAUST, no concurrent employment allowed
- Secure a KAUST faculty host (Host PI) who agrees to support and mentor you
- Research proposal must align with KAUST priorities in BESE, CEMSE, or PSE divisions and demonstrate novelty beyond PhD work
- Provide two first/joint-first author publications accepted in peer-reviewed journals
- Fluent in English; all nationalities welcome, with encouragement for female applicants
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Application Process
- Visit the KGFP website and review the application guidelines and templates
- Identify and secure a KAUST Host PI using the faculty directory; include their support letter in your application
- Register on Pluto Edu and complete the online application (available July–January annually)
- Upload required documents in one PDF (≤25MB):
- CV (max 4 pages)
- Two publications
- Host PI letter
- Research proposal (template)
- Two reference letters (one not direct supervisor) sent by referees to
- Submit before January 15 deadline; late submissions not accepted
- Selection process includes evaluation based on research quality, innovation, feasibility, and alignment; only ~10 fellows selected annually
- Award notifications sent ~3–4 months post-deadline; fellows should join KAUST within 3–6 months after acceptance
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About KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP)
KAUST is a globally ranked, graduate-only research university located on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, with a multicultural academic community from over 110 nationalities. Established in 2009, KAUST excels in interdisciplinary research across advanced labs including supercomputers, cleanrooms, marine vessels, and more. Its mission is to support research that drives innovation aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and tackles global challenges in energy, environment, health, digital domains, and economy.
The KGFP supports early-career researchers to design and lead their own three-year projects at KAUST across the university’s priority areas: Economies of the Future; Health & Wellness; Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs; Energy & Industrial Leadership. Each fellow works independently under guidance from a KAUST host PI, and participates in professional development, mentoring, and cohort activities. This fellowship promotes innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transition toward a competitive research career.
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