The KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) offers a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers to develop innovative projects in science and engineering. Designed for outstanding PhD graduates, the fellowship combines competitive funding, advanced research facilities, and professional development in one of the world’s leading institutions for scientific innovation.

About the Fellowship

KAUST invites talented researchers from across the globe to join its dynamic research environment in Saudi Arabia. The fellowship is open to international candidates in diverse STEM fields, with projects tailored to KAUST’s research priorities.

Key highlights:
• Fully funded 3-year postdoctoral fellowship
• Annual stipend of $75,000 USD
• Research budget of up to $40,000 USD per year
• Relocation allowance, housing, medical, and family support
• You’ll be accessing the KAUST Core Labs alongwith mentoring, and leadership programs

KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 Overview 

Feature	Details
Name of fellowship	KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship (KAUST Global Fellowship Program)
Offering institution	King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Available programs & study fields	Postdoctoral research aligned with KAUST divisions: BESE (Biological & Environmental Science and Engineering), CEMSE (Computer, Electrical & Mathematical Science and Engineering), PSE (Physical Science & Engineering). Projects must address at least one KAUST priority: Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs, Health & Wellness, Energy & Industrial Leadership, Economies of the Future.
Language of instruction	English (proposal, supervision, and research outputs in English)
Duration	3 years (2 + 1) with evaluation at end of Year 2
Deadline	January 15, 2026 (applications accepted July 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026)
Number of available positions	Not specified by KAUST (varies by division, Host PI capacity, and funding)
Location (city, country)	Thuwal (near Jeddah), Saudi Arabia

Applicant Requirements

To qualify for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD degree from a recognized institution, awarded on or after January 2022
• If you’re about to complete your PhD before the fellowship begins, you are eligible
• Must provide up to two first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals (conference papers accepted in some fields)
• You have to 1st secure a sponsorship and support from a KAUST Host PI
• KAUST alumni are not eligible
• Must relocate to KAUST and meet Saudi Arabia’s residency requirements

Fellowship Benefits

The KAUST Global Fellowship offers one of the most comprehensive packages for postdoctoral researchers:

• Annual stipend: $75,000 USD (approx. $6,250/month)
• Research budget:
  – Up to $20,000/year (Computational Sciences – CEMSE)
  – Up to $30,000/year (Physical Sciences – PSE)
  – Up to $40,000/year (Biological/Life Sciences – BESE)
• Relocation allowance: $3,000 USD
• Family support: Schooling for up to 2 children (aged 4+), daycare subsidy for younger children, and housing depending on family status
• Healthcare: Full medical coverage
• Career growth: Leadership, teaching, and mentoring opportunities
• Fellowship duration: 3 years (with evaluation after year 2)

Research Areas

You need to write your proposal in a way that perfectly aligns with KAUST’s academic divisions and research priorities:

• Academic Divisions:
  – Biological and Environmental Science & Engineering (BESE)
  – Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science & Engineering (CEMSE)
  – Physical Science & Engineering (PSE)
• Research Priorities:
  – Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs
  – Health & Wellness
  – Energy & Industrial Leadership
  – Economies of the Future

Application Process

Candidates must prepare and upload the following documents (PDF, max 10MB each):

• Curriculum Vitae (max 4 pages)
• Up to two publications (mandatory: one peer-reviewed journal paper)
• Research proposal (template provided by KAUST)
• KAUST Host PI support letter
• Two recommendation letters (uploaded by referees directly)

Timeline for 2026 KAUST Global Fellowship

Stage	Dates
Application opens	July 1, 2025
Application deadline	January 15, 2026
Pre-screening & internal review	Jan – March 2026
External review	April – May 2026
Interviews & final selection	June 2026
Fellowship begins	Upon visa/residency clearance (Fall 2026)

Comparison og KAUST Global Fellowship vs. Other Postdoctoral Programs

Feature	KAUST Global Fellowship 2026	Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (EU)	Humboldt Research Fellowship (Germany)
Duration	3 years (2+1)	1–2 years	6–24 months
Annual Stipend	$75,000 USD	€45,000–55,000	€31,000–33,000
Research Budget	Up to $40,000	Included (varies)	Travel + consumables support
Relocation Support	$3,000 + family housing	Yes	Yes
Family Support	Schooling & daycare subsidy	Limited	Limited
Eligibility Window	PhD within 4 years	PhD within 8 years	PhD within 4 years
Host PI Requirement	Yes	Yes	Yes

FAQs about KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

1. Who should avail the opportunity of the KAUST Global Fellowship 2026?
   Researchers of any nationality with a PhD degree (awarded after January 2022) are eligible, provided they are not KAUST alumni.
2. Is a separate scholarship application required?
   No. Applicants apply directly for the fellowship through the application portal.
3. Can I apply without a confirmed KAUST Host PI?
   No. Candidates must secure a Host PI and upload their support letter during application.
4. What types of research projects are prioritized?
   Proposals must align with KAUST’s divisions (BESE, CEMSE, PSE) and focus on global challenges in environment, health, energy, or economies of the future.
5. What is the fellowship duration and structure?
   It runs for 3 years, with evaluation at the end of the second year.

For details, visit the official fellowship page: KAUST Global Fellowship Program. To apply directly, access the application portal. Apply Now.