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Applications are now open for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program 2027, a prestigious fully funded postdoctoral fellowship offered by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.

The fellowship is designed to support outstanding early-career researchers with innovative research ideas and the potential to become future scientific leaders. Fellows receive generous financial support, access to world-class research facilities, mentorship from leading KAUST faculty, and the opportunity to conduct independent research aligned with the University’s strategic research priorities.

The programme aims to empower researchers whose work can contribute to solving global challenges in areas such as water, food, health, energy, artificial intelligence and the Red Sea ecosystem.

Summary

• Programme: KAUST Global Fellowship Program 2027
• Host Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
• Host Country: Saudi Arabia
• Programme Type: Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Duration: 3 Years
• Eligible Applicants: Early-Career Researchers Worldwide
• Annual Living Stipend: USD 75,000
• Annual Research Budget: Up to USD 45,000
• Application Mode: Online
• Stage 1 (Concept Note) Deadline: 1 October 2026
• Stage 2 (Invited Full Proposal) Deadline: 15 January 2027

About the KAUST Global Fellowship

The KAUST Global Fellowship is a merit-based programme that enables outstanding postdoctoral researchers to pursue independent, high-impact research within one of the world’s leading graduate research universities.

Each fellow works closely with a KAUST faculty mentor while developing an independent research programme that aligns with one or more of KAUST’s strategic research missions. Fellows also participate in professional development, leadership training, mentoring programmes and international networking opportunities that prepare them for independent academic careers.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows will receive:

• Annual living stipend of USD 75,000
• Independent research budget of up to USD 45,000 per year
• Fully funded three-year fellowship
• Medical insurance
• On-campus accommodation or housing support
• Relocation allowance
• Annual travel allowance
• Schooling support for up to two children (where applicable)
• Full access to KAUST’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities
• Mentorship, leadership development and professional training opportunities.

Research Areas

Applicants should propose research that aligns with one or more KAUST research missions, including:

• Water
• Food
• Health
• Energy
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• The Red Sea

Research proposals should also align with one of KAUST’s academic divisions, including Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE), Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE), Physical Science and Engineering (PSE), or Biomedical Sciences.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or expect to complete their PhD before the fellowship begins.
• Be an early-career researcher (normally within four years of earning their PhD or with up to four years of postdoctoral research experience).
• Propose an original three-year research project aligned with KAUST’s research priorities.
• Identify up to two KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with the proposed project during Stage 1.
• Meet Saudi Arabia’s residency requirements if selected.

Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply.

Required Documents

During Stage 1, applicants must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum four pages)
• Concept Note using the official KAUST template
• Up to two selected publications
• Online application form

Applicants invited to Stage 2 will also submit:

• Full Research Proposal using the official template
• Letter of Intent
• Additional supporting documents requested by KAUST.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Visit the official KAUST Global Fellowship website and review the application guidelines.

Step 2

Download the official Concept Note template and application documents.

Step 3

Prepare your CV, concept note and supporting publications.

Step 4

Complete the online application form and identify up to two KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with your proposed project.

Step 5

Submit your Stage 1 Concept Note between 1 September and 1 October 2026.

Step 6

If your proposal receives Host PI support, you will be invited to submit a Full Research Proposal during Stage 2 between 15 November 2026 and 15 January 2027.

Step 7

Successful applicants will proceed through the fellowship selection process before receiving their final award.

Important Deadlines

• Call Opens: 1 September 2026
• Stage 1 (Concept Note): 1 October 2026
• Stage 2 (Invited Full Proposal): 15 January 2027

Related Opportunities

• Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2027 in USA & France (Fully Funded)
• Toronto Metropolitan University Postdoctoral Research Fellow (CAD $65,000/year + Benefits)
• Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program 2027 in the USA (Fully Funded)

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The KAUST Global Fellowship differs from many postdoctoral programmes because the application begins with a Concept Note, not a full research proposal. Your initial submission should clearly demonstrate the originality, feasibility and potential impact of your research while showing strong alignment with KAUST’s research missions. A well-prepared Concept Note significantly improves your chances of advancing to the full proposal stage.

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