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Fulbright KAUST Graduate Award

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The U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a prestigious academic exchange program which promotes innovation and intercultural understanding. KAUST is an ideal destination for Fulbright U.S. Students as it hosts a global community with students and faculty of over 100 nationalities firmly rooted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The University is the only institution to offer a master’s program through the Fulbright Program in Saudi Arabia, and one of only a few such programs under Fulbright in the Middle East region. 

The Fulbright-KAUST Graduate Award is open to U.S. citizens applying for Master of Science degrees of 18-24 months duration at KAUST. Successful applicants will pursue studies in energy, health, food, water, and the digital domain at our research-intensive university focused on the world of tomorrow. 

Those interested should apply to both the University (by 17 January 2026 – see How to Apply) and to Fulbright (by 7 October 2025 – see Saudi Arabia - Fulbright/KAUST Graduate Award) in parallel.

"The Fulbright/KAUST Graduate Award stood out to me because of its unique emphasis on research collaboration, cultural exchange, and innovation."

Emma Higgins High Point University, North Carolina, MS/PhD Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2025 Entry

"Since graduation, I’ve worked on coral restoration in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Focus your research and find a mentor aligned with your goals for Fulbright-KAUST."

Kathryn Christian Austin, Texas MS Marine Science 2025 Entry

Emma Higgins

The Fulbright/KAUST Graduate Award stood out to me because of its unique emphasis on research collaboration, cultural exchange, and innovation.

Kathryn Christian

Since graduation, I’ve worked on coral restoration in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Maldives and Saudi Arabia. Focus your research and find a mentor aligned with your goals for Fulbright-KAUST.