KAUST Global Fellowship 2025 in Saudi Arabia: A Fully Funded Opportunity for Postdoctoral Researchers
.jpg)
The KAUST Global Fellowship 2025 is an exciting opportunity for early-career researchers, scientists, and young leaders looking to advance their research and build a path toward an independent academic career. Offered by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, this fellowship provides a comprehensive package of benefits for selected postdoctoral candidates.
Through this prestigious fellowship, KAUST aims to
attract exceptional talent from around the world, with an emphasis on
innovative research that addresses some of the world’s most pressing
challenges.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore what the KAUST Global Fellowship entails, the benefits it offers, eligibility criteria, the application process, and key deadlines.
Overview of KAUST Global Fellowship 2025
Host
Country: Saudi
Arabia
Host Institute: King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
(KAUST)
Fellowship Duration: 3 years
Application Deadline: January 1, 2025
Funding Type: Fully Funded
This fully funded fellowship provides world-class research opportunities for postdoctoral researchers, giving them access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant academic environment at one of the leading institutions in the Middle East. With a focus on independent research and professional development, the fellowship is designed to prepare scholars for successful academic or research careers.
Financial and Non-Financial Benefits
The
KAUST Global Fellowship comes with numerous financial and personal benefits
that make it a comprehensive support package for its recipients.
Financial Benefits
- Research
Funding:
Up to $40,000 to support your research work.
- Living
Stipend:
Fellows receive a competitive annual stipend of $75,000 to cover
living expenses.
- Medical
Insurance:
Full coverage for health insurance during the fellowship.
- Accommodation: Housing provided for the
fellows, ensuring a comfortable stay in Saudi Arabia.
- Schooling
for Children:
Support for schooling for up to two children, making it an ideal option
for researchers with families.
- Relocation
Allowance:
A one-time relocation grant to help with moving expenses.
- Annual
Travel Allowance:
Coverage for travel-related expenses, allowing fellows to attend
conferences and collaborate with other researchers globally.
Non-Financial Benefits
- Three
Years of Funding:
Secure three years of research support to work on groundbreaking projects.
- Access
to Research Facilities: Unparalleled research facilities and laboratory
resources to ensure the highest standards of research output.
- Professional
and Personal Development: Opportunities for both professional growth and
personal development through mentoring, networking, and career workshops.
- Independent
Research:
Fellows can pursue their research interests and contribute to KAUST’s
major research priorities.
- Global Networking: As part of KAUST’s global research community, fellows will have the chance to collaborate with top academics and industry leaders worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria for KAUST Global Fellowship 2025
The
fellowship is open to a broad range of applicants, with few restrictions on
nationality or age. Below are the key eligibility requirements:
- Nationality: Open to applicants of all
nationalities.
- Age
Restriction:
There is no age restriction for applicants.
- Ph.D.
Qualification:
Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. after January 2020. You must
finish your Ph.D. before starting the fellowship.
- Research
Focus:
Your proposed research must align with one of KAUST’s major focus areas
(more details below).
- Host
Requirement:
Applicants need to identify a KAUST professor who agrees to host them and
their research project.
KAUST is looking for postdoctoral researchers who have innovative and groundbreaking research ideas. Those who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and are interested in contributing to the university's strategic priorities are encouraged to apply.
Research Areas Supported by KAUST Global Fellowship
Applicants
are expected to propose research that contributes to one or more of KAUST’s key
research areas. These research areas are:
- Health
& Wellness:
Projects aimed at improving human health and well-being through scientific
innovation.
- Sustainable
Environment & Essential Needs: Research focused on environmental sustainability and
meeting global essential needs, such as food, water, and shelter.
- Energy
& Industrial Leadership: Exploring innovative solutions in energy generation,
conservation, and industrial leadership.
- Economies
of the Future:
Research that addresses economic growth, innovation, and future industries
through technology and science.
KAUST
supports research within its three main academic divisions, which are:
- Biological
and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
- Computer,
Electrical, and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
- Physical
Science and Engineering (PSE)
Before
applying, ensure your proposed research aligns with the priorities of these
divisions and that a KAUST professor is willing to support your project.
Application Process for KAUST Global Fellowship 2025
The
application process for the KAUST Global Fellowship is designed to ensure that
applicants have thoroughly planned their research projects and are ready to
undertake independent research at KAUST. Here are the steps to apply:
1. Prepare Your Documents
Applicants
must gather the following documents as part of their submission:
- Updated
Resume (Maximum 4 pages): Highlighting your academic achievements, research
experience, and publications.
- Two
Research Papers:
Submit two of your best published or unpublished research papers.
- Research
Plan: A
detailed proposal outlining your research for the three-year fellowship
period. Use the provided KAUST format for the research plan.
- Letter
of Support from a KAUST Professor: A letter confirming that a KAUST professor has agreed
to host your research.
- Two
Recommendation Letters:
Letters from individuals who can attest to your academic and research
qualifications.
2. Submit Your Application
Applications
must be submitted through the PlutoEdu platform, which handles the
submission and recommendation process for the KAUST fellowship. Both applicants
and their referees will need to create accounts on the system.
3. Review and Submission
Carefully
review the Application Guidelines and ensure all required documents are
submitted before the deadline. Make sure both you and your referees have
created accounts and submitted the necessary forms on time.
The deadline for submission is January 1, 2025. It’s highly recommended to apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues or missing documentation.
Proposal Requirements
Your
research proposal is a key part of the application and must follow the specific
format provided by KAUST. Here are the essential requirements for the research
proposal:
- Research
Focus: Your
proposal must align with one of KAUST’s four key research areas (Health
& Wellness, Sustainable Environment & Essential Needs, Energy
& Industrial Leadership, Economies of the Future).
- Duration: The research plan should
cover the three-year period of the fellowship.
- Budget: You must adhere to the budget
rules provided in the application materials.
- Template: Use the official KAUST research proposal template for your submission.
The
KAUST Global Fellowship 2025 presents a fantastic opportunity for
postdoctoral researchers seeking to advance their careers while contributing to
cutting-edge research that addresses global challenges. With generous funding,
world-class facilities, and the chance to collaborate with leading experts, the
fellowship offers a supportive environment for ambitious scientists and
researchers.
By
applying to the KAUST Global Fellowship, you have the opportunity to become
part of a vibrant research community in one of the leading academic
institutions in the Middle East. Don’t miss this chance to shape the future of
research and make a meaningful impact on the world.
For
more information on the KAUST Global Fellowship and to begin your
application, visit the official fellowship page and start your journey today