KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship

The KAUST Global Fellowship Program aims to attract and support outstanding emerging research leaders and scientists from around the world, helping them build their path toward a fully independent career. The program inspires the young generation of scientists and engineers to address global challenges and explore opportunities that benefit humanity.

📖 About KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship

This merit-based program targets excellent postdocs with breakthrough ideas that complement, support, contribute, and advance the major research priorities of KAUST. Fellows benefit from a research-first environment, gaining access to key research tools, equipment, unparalleled facilities, and expertise required to fulfill their research ambitions, supported by a strong community of excellence.

Opportunity Details:

• Date Published: July 24, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Category: Fellowship, Postdoctoral
• Opportunity Location: Saudi Arabia
• School: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

🎁 Benefits of KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Funding: Each successful fellow receives up to $40,000 for their research proposal, along with a yearly living stipend of $75,000 plus benefits, including:

  • Medical insurance
  • Accommodation
  • Schooling for up to 2 children
  • Relocation allowance
  • Annual travel allowance

• Research Facilities: Fellows have access to unparalleled laboratory facilities, research tools, and equipment on campus. They are supported by experienced colleagues and their host Principal Investigator's expertise.

• Learning and Development Programs:

  • KAUST Mentoring Program
  • Harvard HE Teaching Certificate
  • Leadership programs/certificates
  • Networking opportunities with other Fellows and alumni

• International Networking: KAUST's extensive network of international research partners facilitates connections with academia, industry, government agencies, funding bodies, and other external organizations.

• Career Development: Early-career researchers can pursue their own research projects, expand innovative ideas, and transition toward a competitive independent research career.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicant Eligibility:

• Must have been awarded a Ph.D. degree within four calendar years (e.g., applicants in January 2026 must have received their Ph.D. after January 2022 inclusive).
• Must expect to complete their Ph.D. before the start of the Fellowship.
• Must be ready to relocate to KAUST to undertake their proposed three-year research project.
• Must identify a KAUST faculty member who has confirmed and agreed to host them and their research project, if successful.

Note: People of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Female applicants are encouraged to promote gender balance in science and engineering.

Proposal Eligibility:

• Focus on one or more KAUST research priorities:
  • Health & Wellness
  • Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs
  • Energy & Industrial Leadership
  • Economies of the Future
• Outline for a three-year duration.
• Follow the budget and financial guidelines of the call.
• Use the provided template.

The program supports research projects under the three KAUST academic divisions:

• Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
• Computer, Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
• Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)

📅 Application Date and Process

Required Documents:

• Updated CV with publications (max 4 pages).
• Two publications combined in a single PDF.
• Research proposal and appendices in one document (template provided).
• KAUST Host PI support letter (template provided).
• Two referees to submit recommendation letters via the system upon request.

📌 Application Deadline

January 15, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship.
• Apply for the fellowship via KAUST Application Portal.

For more information, visit the official KAUST website or contact the program administrators.

• Each successful fellow receives up to $40,000 of funding for their research proposal, along with a yearly living stipend of $75,000 plus benefits, including medical insurance, accommodation, schooling for up to 2 children, relocation allowance, and annual travel allowance.
• KAUST provides easy access to all the necessary research tools and equipment Fellows need to fulfill their research goals, with unparalleled laboratory facilities available on campus.
• The KAUST Global Fellowship Program offers a variety of learning and development programs designed to support and improve Fellows' existing skills while nurturing and developing new skills.
• KAUST has an extensive network of international research partners that facilitate networking opportunities for the KAUST research community to meet a global set of external organizations.
• This program offers a truly unique opportunity for early-career researchers to pursue their own research project and expand on their innovative ideas.