Typically students admitted to KAUST will have received grades which put them near the top of their class. Typically, 90% of admitted applicants have a GPA above 3.3, and 75% have a GPA above 3.5 on a 4-point scale (or equivalent). The minimum permitted GPA is 3.0.

KAUST receives applications from all over the world and therefore the Admissions staff is knowledgeable of different education systems and grading scales. Please simply submit your transcripts including your overall grade in it’s original format, and our team will be able to evaluate it.

Yes, we are aware many institutes issue official transcripts after our application deadlines. If you are unable to submit an official transcript before the application deadline, please submit a partial transcript, a screenshot from your university’s academic record system, or other similar evidence of your current academic history. However, before you are admitted into KAUST, you will be required to submit your final, official academic transcripts.

If your official transcripts or grade reports are not originally in English and the college or university you attended does not provide a translation of your transcript into English, you must provide an official translation of your transcript into English. You may find and select a translation service of your choice, however KAUST is unable to provide referrals. Any costs associated with a translation will be your responsibility. It is preferable that your college or university provides an English translation of your official transcript if possible.

For more information about the English language requirements please visit https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/how-to-apply/entry-requirements and under Application Requirements, select the English Language tab.

Yes, you still need to provide an official English language test score.

Yes. Even if your previous studies were conducted entirely in English, you are still required to submit an official English language test score. The only exception is if you earned your degree from an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or if you have previously completed a degree taken at KAUST’s campus in Thuwal.

Yes, you may submit your application without an English test score. However, if admitted, you must provide results that meet our minimum requirements before enrolment. We will contact you to advise how and when to upload your English language test scores if your application progresses to the relevant stage.

Unfortunately KAUST is not able to provide waivers to our English proficiency requirements, nor are we able to pay the costs associated with the English language proficiency exam.

No. Submission of a GRE General Test or PGAT score is not required as part of the KAUST application. However, a strong score may enhance your application. Applicants who upload a valid, official GRE General Test or PGAT score report with their application will also receive an application fee waiver. To be eligible, the score report must be valid and uploaded at the time of application submission.

Applicants should normally be 18 years of age prior to enrollment, and not more than 30 years for an MS degree or 35 years for a PhD degree. Saudi students applying to the University with industry or government scholarships are exempt from the maximum age requirement.