KFAS Young Researcher Grants 2026

The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) is now accepting applications for its Young Researcher Grants 2026. This program is designed to support early-career researchers in leading applied or fundamental research projects in priority science and innovation domains.

📖 About KFAS Young Researcher Grants

The KFAS Young Researcher Grant Program aims to build research capacity in Kuwait by funding mentored projects with strong potential for scientific advancement, innovation, and policy relevance. It is tailored for researchers under the age of 33 to advance their careers and contribute to critical areas of science and innovation.

🎁 Benefits of KFAS Young Researcher Grants

Participants in this program will enjoy the following benefits:

• Financial Support: Funding for applied or fundamental research projects.
• Career Development: Tailored for researchers under 33, helping them gain early-career experience.
• Mentorship: Guidance from PhD-qualified supervisors ensures skill-building and quality research.
• Institutional Collaboration: Strengthens ties with local academic and research institutions.
• Visibility: Successful projects are showcased on the KFAS Pure Portal.
• Global Opportunities: International researchers can collaborate with Kuwaiti institutions.
• Capacity Building: Enhances proposal writing, project management, and scientific communication skills.
• Priority Domains: Opportunity to contribute to critical areas like health, energy, environment, food & water security, and future economies.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be under 33 years of age at the time of application.
• Be a non-PhD holder.
• Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrate interest and capacity to lead a research project.

Eligible Applicant Sectors:

• Research and higher education institutions
• Public and governmental sector organizations
• Not-for-profit organizations and civil society organizations

Private Sector Applicants:

• Eligible only for the Policy Research Proposal Grant.

📝 Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the KFAS Young Researcher Grants:

1. Confirm eligibility, age requirement, and academic qualifications.
2. Identify a mentor with a PhD or equivalent.
3. Develop a research proposal aligned with KFAS priority domains.
4. Prepare the budget and clearly state any co-funding.
5. Complete CVs using the compulsory KFAS CV Template.
6. Obtain a formal Letter of Intent from your institution.
7. Submit the full application through the KFAS Research Grants Management System.

📅 Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 15 April, 2026.

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the KFAS Young Researcher Grants here.
• Apply for the grants via the KFAS Research Grants Management System here.

This opportunity is ideal for motivated researchers looking to advance their careers and contribute to impactful scientific domains. Don't miss the chance to be part of this prestigious program!

• Financial Support: Funding for applied or fundamental research projects.
• Career Development: Tailored for researchers under 33, helping them gain early-career experience.
• Mentorship: Guidance from PhD-qualified supervisors ensures skill-building and quality research.
• Institutional Collaboration: Strengthens ties with local academic and research institutions.
• Visibility: Successful projects are showcased on the KFAS Pure Portal.
• Global Opportunities: International researchers can collaborate with Kuwaiti institutions.
• Capacity Building: Enhances proposal writing, project management, and scientific communication skills.
• Priority Domains: Opportunity to contribute to critical areas like health, energy, environment, food & water security, and future economies.