We’re excited to have you join our vibrant community of scholars, researchers, and innovators. This page is your central guide for preparing to arrive on campus and completing the key steps of your onboarding journey.
The University provides onboarding services for students admitted to on-campus degree programs, visting student programs, and interns. Applicants who are admitted to off-campus programs are not offered an onboarding process.
Onboarding typically begins in May for Fall-entry students and November for Spring-entry students. Interns and visiting students are onboarded throughout the year. Degree students are expected to arrive on campus before the start of the semester. If you arrive late, your admission offer may be withdrawn or your studies and benefits may be affected.
For inquires please contact GradOpsOnboarding@kaust.edu.sa
Onboarding Timeline: What to Expect
Step | Task | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|
1 | Submit Onboarding Form | 1 week |
2 | Medical Clearance | 10+ days |
3 | Degree Attestation | Up to 60 days |
4 | Visa Process | 2–8 weeks |
5 | Housing Assignment | Before arrival |
6 | Travel Coordination | After visa is issued |
7 | Arrival at KAUST | During orientation period |

Onboarding Process and Login
If you are a local student, you might complete the process within 4 weeks. However, if you have school-aged children, additional time is required for the school admissions process.
For international students, the average onboarding process takes around 8-12 weeks.
Whether a local or international student, once all onboarding requirements are met, your travel will be arranged for a date within a week of the orientation/semester start.
Visa, Immigration & Iqama
- Contact your Visa Agent:
Please contact the local visa agent in the country you will be applying from for your “Student visa” (depending on the country, it can also be named “Educational Government visa”) and ask for the visa requirements list. The recommended visa agency list is found in the link. - Check Your Passport Validity:
Make sure you have a passport valid for at least twelve (12) months with at least two (2) clear visa pages adjacent to each other. Otherwise please renew your passport before filling out the onboarding form as your visa invitation letter will be connected to the passport information provided in the onboarding form. - Start the Attestation of Your Important Documents:
The degree attestation process is complex in many countries and, under normal circumstances, can take up to 60 days to finalize. Discuss this process with your visa agent and start it as soon as possible. If your degree/diploma has not yet been issued, please inform the Onboarding team so that we can proceed accordingly. You may need to have attested other documents, including birth and marriage certificates.- Obtain the original and notarized and/or authenticated copies of your degree transcripts/diplomas.
- Once you have your documents, start the Degree attestation process (per instructions from your agent).
- If required by your agent, please start the birth certificate and (if applicable) marriage certificate attestation process.
- Medical Appointments for your Medical Report:
Please check with your visa agency first how long your medical report will be valid. This might differ from country to country but generally it should be valid for 90 days. Your visa agent should be able to inform you about what physicians you will need to meet with.
The report is mandatory to submit along with your other documents for the visa process. If the Medical Report is not in English, an English translation must also be provided.
NOTE: You must ensure the doctor includes tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, VDRL, and Tuberculosis – a positive test for one (or more) of these conditions will exclude you (or your dependent) from holding an Iqama (residency permit) and therefore entering the Kingdom.
- KAUST admission letter: This will be sent automatically once you have completed the onboarding form.
- Visa medical checkup and resulting report.
- Attested educational degrees: These should be attested by the Saudi Cultural Mission.
- A valid passport.
Whether your dependents are arriving with you to KAUST or coming at a later stage, the Onboarding Advisor would support you in getting the visa invitation letter for your dependents, assigning you to a family unit, and their travel arrangements.
Once you arrive at KAUST, you will need to do your Iqama medical test, which will be arranged during the orientation week on campus. If you arrive after Orientation Week, you will receive an email from your Onboarding Advisor with the date and time to attend the Iqama medical session at KAUST Health. Once your medical is done, you will be able to submit your iqama request through the GA portal. The issuance of the Iqama from Government Affairs will take approximately 7–10 days after arrival, and you will receive an email once your iqama is ready for pick up at the Government Affairs Service Center (GASC) on the spine.
You will receive your Iqama from the Government Affairs Service Center (GASC) approximately 7–10 days after arrival.


Travel & Relocation
Yes. A Government Affairs (GA) representative will meet you, and a taxi will be provided to KAUST campus.
Housing & Accommodation
Only legal dependents (spouse and children) can live with you on campus. The University recognizes the following persons as eligible dependents for purposes of on-campus housing, provided that such persons reside on the University campus for no less than a total of 180 days per calendar year:
- One spouse
- Eligible dependent children as defined below: Unmarried children of student, including step and legally adopted, up to and including age 19. In cases where the University student has physical custody of a child for more than fifty percent (50%) of the time (or by court order has been granted physical custody for more than fifty percent (50%) of the time), such a child shall be considered an eligible dependent.


Financial Support
Degree Class | Credits per Semester | Stipend (USD) | Stipend (SAR) |
---|---|---|---|
MS | 12 | $1,667 | SAR 6,250 |
PhD (<30 credits) | 12 | $2,083 | SAR 7,812 |
PhD (Above 30 credits) | 12 | $2,500 | SAR 9,375 |
To access the KAUST portal, students need a user ID & Password.
Academic Questions


Dependent and Family-Related Questions
At KAUST, several support services are typically available to assist in relocating your spouse and children. These include:
- Visa Processing: Assistance with visa applications and residency permits (Iqama) for family members.
- Housing Assistance: Support in securing family accommodation on campus, including eligibility for family units.
- Flight Arrangements: KAUST arranges travel for your spouse and children, ensuring that their flights align with your relocation schedule.
- Health Insurance: KAUST provides health coverage for family members as part of your employment benefits.
To bring your dependents into Saudi Arabia, you will need the following documentation:
- Family Residency Visa: Apply through the Government Affairs (GA) website.
- Valid Passports: For each dependent.
- Certified Marriage Certificate: If bringing a spouse.
- Certified Birth Certificates: For children.
- Medical Reports: Health checkups or vaccination records (if required).
- Visa Slip: After completing the visa process, you will receive the visa slip for your dependents.
Your family members have access to comprehensive healthcare services through the following options:
- Hospital Care: For more specialized or advanced medical treatments, referrals can be made to external hospitals in the region that KAUST partners with.
- Pharmacy Services: The KAUST Health Clinic has an on-site pharmacy where medications can be prescribed and filled.
- Health Insurance: KAUST provides health insurance coverage for family members, which includes access to medical care, specialist consultations, and emergency services in the Kingdom.
Miscellaneous Questions
You can typically get your student ID card during orientation. Your student ID provides access to:
- Campus facilities like libraries, labs, and gyms.
- Printing services and computer labs.
It's common to experience culture shock when studying in a new country. To adjust:
- Be open to learning about new customs, behaviors, and communication styles.
- Attend orientation programs offered by student services.
- Join student groups and engage in social activities.
- Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance from locals and fellow students.

Your First Week at KAUST
Your arrival marks the beginning of a guided orientation experience to help you settle in, get connected, and start strong.
Day 1 – Arrival & Move-In
- You’ll be met at the airport by a KAUST representative.
- Visit the Housing Office, collect your keys, and settle into your unit.
- Use the arrival checklist to guide your first steps.
Day 2 – Registration & Setup
- You will receive an email with instructions to attend the Iqama medical test. After completing the test, please submit your Iqama request through the portal.
- Once the Iqama is issued, proceed to purchase a SIM card.
- Begin the bank account setup process (post-Iqama).
Day 3–5 – Academic Orientation
- Meet your Graduate Program Advisor and register for courses.
- Explore the student portal, learning systems, and research tools.
- Attend academic briefings by your division.
Explore Campus Life
- Attend info sessions on wellness, housing, and student services
- Tour gyms, libraries, and dining spots
- Meet fellow students and join campus groups
Pro Tip: Take this time to download key apps, find your way around, and ask all the questions you need to feel at home.
Need Help?
We’re here to make sure your onboarding is smooth and supported every step of the way.
- Email: GradOpsOnboarding@KAUST.EDU.SA
- IT Support Chat: VITA chatbot
- Emergency Travel Hotline: +966 544701348
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