The Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) at KAUST offers internships for 3rd and 4th-year bachelor’s and master’s students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With over 100 faculty-led projects, students can choose research topics that align with their interests for internships lasting 2 to 6 months. The program is perfect for those seeking hands-on exposure to research or co-op experience, and many interns find it excellent preparation for future graduate studies.
Internships are flexible, allowing you to choose your start and end dates at any point throughout the year. This year-round flexibility helps create an international community of interns from top universities. KAUST covers tuition fees, housing, return flights, and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
While here, you'll collaborate with renowned faculty in state-of-the-art facilities and contribute to real-world research. KAUST’s vibrant and diverse community includes more than 100 nationalities, offering interns a unique opportunity to work in a globally diverse environment.
To explore stories from our current interns, simply fill in your details here, select ‘Internships’ in the Program field, and get your copy of the brochure.
For KAUST faculty only
Program Benefits
Work with Leading Faculty
At KAUST, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, work, and live alongside some of the best minds in their field.
Find Out MoreState-of-the-art Research Facilities
Get access to cutting-edge facilities, equipment, expertise, and training.
Find Out MoreLive in a Diverse, International Community
Join an international community of scholars and scientists living and working together in an all-inclusive campus.
Find Out MoreAvailable Internship Projects
Apply for our VSRP internship on the Project page which lists over 100 active projects spanning STEM disciplines. Each project includes information on the nature of the project, the recommended student background and a set of desired research outcomes. Interested students can apply to a specific project via the ‘Apply’ button on each project page.
Accepted students will benefit from working directly with leading researchers in our state-of-the-art laboratories. While all projects are related to our 17 STEM degree programs, our curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary studies as well - so while developing your expertise in your chosen field, students also have the opportunity to explore interests and collaborate with experts from other disciplines.
Intern Feedback
*Source: KAUST Exit Survey
Program Outcomes
VSRP interns leave with a strong grasp of their research field, equipped with practical skills valuable in further studies or any career. Many participants have presented their findings at conferences or published papers.
For those interested in research or academia, the exposure to leading faculty and cutting-edge research environments provides a strong stepping stone towards pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. at KAUST or other globally ranked universities.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate students in 3rd year or above and master’s students.
- Minimum GPA: 3.5 on a 4-point scale (or equivalent).
- Evidence of proficiency in English language. See below for details.
Current PhD candidates, KAUST students or KAUST alumni are not eligible to apply.
English Language
- IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 6 in all individual sections.
- TOEFL score of 4.5 overall, with at least 4 in all individual sections.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 64 overall, with at least 61 in all individual sections.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency: 176 overall, with at least 169 in all individual sections.
- Duolingo English test: 110 overall, with at least 100 in all individual sections.
An English test score is not required if you earned a degree through in-person study at an accredited institution in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand.
Official exam scores may be required upon application evaluation. If you do not meet these requirements, we will provide you with a Duolingo test token to take the exam.
Documents Required
- Official Transcript(s) in English for all degrees
- Letter of recommendation from a Faculty member at your current institution
- Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Statement of Purpose
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cost of Study
VSRP internship is a fully funded program. The benefits included in the program are:
- USD $1000 Monthly Stipend
- Private Bedroom/Bathroom
- Airfare to KAUST and back
- Social And Cultural Activities
- Access to Core laboratories and major research and community facilities
Internship FAQs
The FAQs below relate specifically to internships at KAUST. You may also find it useful to visit our general FAQs page.
There is no application fee for internship applications.
Yes. You are eligible to apply if you will have completed your degree within one year of the internship start date.
You can only submit 1 application at a time to KAUST.
No, internships must be a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 months in duration.
For internship applications, 1 letter of recommendation from a Faculty member at your current institution is required.
No, we will contact your nominated recommenders as part of the admissions process.
Yes, the recommender should be aware of your application and aware that they will be contacted through the admissions process.
Yes, applicants can add new recommenders, edit existing recommender details, send reminders, and track the status of recommendation letters by logging into the admissions portal.
Yes, you may submit your application without an English test score. However, if your application is successful, you must provide results that meet our minimum requirements.
Student Stories
Monserrat Lopez
I thoroughly enjoyed my VSRP internship at KAUST, which offered exceptional opportunities to advance my research and gain global exposure, while immersing in a vibrant international community.
Aleksander Cvejic
The University campus has a diverse research community that provides interdisciplinary discussions, friendships, and extensive networking opportunities.
Fotios Kefalas
I’m doing fascinating research with stem cells. The courses so far have all been amazing, but the laboratory experience, while demanding, is on another level.
Iliana Dimitrova
Living and working at KAUST has been an incredibly rewarding experience! I love being part of such a vibrant community where I get to connect with like-minded people.
Corinne D’Anna
I loved being an intern at KAUST because it gave me the opportunity to work in a multicultural environment and learning new skills.
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