The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is now accepting applications for the KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026. This prestigious three-year, fully funded fellowship offers outstanding early-career researchers the opportunity to pursue independent, high-impact projects at one of the world’s leading research universities.
Located on the shores of the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, KAUST provides a world-class academic environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and solutions to pressing global challenges in sustainability, health, energy, and future economic development.
Applicants must propose research aligned with at least one of KAUST’s academic divisions:
Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
Research proposals should also address one or more of KAUST’s global impact themes:
Health and Wellness
Sustainable Environment and Essential Needs
Energy and Industrial Leadership
Economies of the Future
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive funding and support package, including:
💰 Annual Living Stipend: USD $75,000
📊 Research Funding: Up to USD $40,000
🏡 Free On-Campus Housing
🏥 Comprehensive Medical Insurance
✈️ Relocation Support & Annual Travel Allowance
🎓 Schooling Assistance for up to Two Children
🤝 Full Academic & Research Support from KAUST Faculty
To apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2026, candidates must:
Be of any nationality
Hold a Ph.D. awarded on or after January 2022
Complete their Ph.D. before the fellowship start date
Have no age restrictions
Be willing to relocate to Saudi Arabia for the program duration
Secure the support of a KAUST faculty host prior to applying
Applicants must submit the following through the official KAUST application portal:
📄 Updated CV/Resume
📚 Two Published Research Papers
📝 Three-Year Research Proposal (aligned with KAUST’s mission and impact themes)
📌 Letter of Support from a KAUST Faculty Host
✉️ Two Recommendation Letters from academic/professional referees
Complete the Online Application using the official KAUST template (in English).
Upload All Required Documents before the deadline.
Register on the PlutoEdu Platform (both applicant and referees).
Ensure your faculty host uploads their support letter through the platform.
Await notification after the selection process begins.
🔗 Apply now through the KAUST Global Fellowship Official Website
Q1: Who is eligible to apply?
Any researcher with a Ph.D. awarded on or after January 2022, from any nationality, with a proposal aligned with KAUST’s research divisions.
Q2: Are non-science fields considered?
No. Only proposals in science and engineering fields related to BESE, CEMSE, and PSE are eligible.
Q3: Is family support included?
Yes. Fellows receive free housing, medical insurance, relocation allowance, and schooling support for up to two children.
Q4: Are applicants from Europe, North America, or Australia eligible?
Yes. The fellowship is open globally, with no geographic restrictions.
Q5: Do I need a KAUST faculty host before applying?
Yes. Securing a faculty host and letter of support is mandatory for the application.
Q6: What research topics are preferred?
Projects addressing sustainability, energy innovation, health advancements, or technology-driven solutions are strongly encouraged.
The KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers a remarkable opportunity for researchers to advance their academic careers in a supportive, fully funded environment. With generous funding, state-of-the-art facilities, and a global network of experts, KAUST empowers fellows to drive meaningful solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges.
📌 Apply now and begin your journey at KAUST — a hub for global scientific innovation.