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Ph.D. Degree

When you earn a Ph.D., you're not just earning a degree—you're also earning a spot among an exclusive cohort of individuals who have the skills and knowledge needed to solve some of the most challenging problems facing humanity today.

The Ph.D. program at KAUST prepares you for an impactful research career in academia or industry. You will collaborate with world-renowned faculty while gaining invaluable mentorship and expertise.

During your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to work side-by-side with world renowned faculty on real-world projects, access leading-edge tools, and learn in-demand techniques from many different disciplines.

With access to cutting-edge tools and state-of-the-art facilities, including one of the world's most powerful supercomputers, KAUST is an ideal environment for your research. With 16 different subjects available, embark on a transformative four-year journey that enhances your skills and career prospects.

Key information

Study Duration:4 years
Costs:Read more
Entry requirements:Read more
Application deadlines:Read more
Programs Apply

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.

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State-of-the-art Research Facilities

Get access to cutting-edge facilities, equipment, expertise, and training.

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Live in a Diverse, International Community

Join an international community of scholars and scientists living and working together in an all-inclusive campus.

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Program Outcomes

A Ph.D. from KAUST opens doors in all kinds of industries including research labs, consulting firms, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and academic postdoctoral and faculty roles. Our alumni have excelled at prestigious organizations like Google, Tesla, and Saudi Aramco. By cultivating the persistence, ambition, and motivation required for a Ph.D., you will join a distinguished community that supports each other with opportunities and inspiration. 

Entry Requirements

We’re looking for exceptional students from around the world to join us on our mission to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. To find out more about our entry requirements and how applications are evaluated, please visit our entry requirements page.

 

Cost of Study

The cost of our PhD program reflects the world-class education and advanced academic environment at KAUST. However, all admitted PhD students receive the fully-funded KAUST Fellowship, which covers tuition fees, housing, health insurance, relocation support, and more. This ensures students can focus on their studies without financial concerns. To learn more about the cost of study and the details of the KAUST Fellowship, please visit our Fees & Funding page.

*Some students with external sponsorship or funding may not be eligible for the KAUST Fellowship

Program Structure

The Ph.D. degree is an intensive research program designed to prepare students for esteemed careers in academia and industry. Students typically complete their PhD in eight Semesters and four Summer Sessions.

The below requirements listed below represent general university-level expectations. The specific details of specific degree requirements can be found on each discipline page.

 

Some degree programs may require an assessment entrance exam as the basis for admission, and students may be required to complete additional coursework. If the master's degree is from a subject other than the Ph.D. degree program, there may also be additional courses required and specified by the advisor. 

  • Two or more courses at the 300 level
  • Graduate seminar if required by the program

A full-time workload for Ph.D. students is twelve credit hours per semester (courses and 397) and six credit hours in summer (397 only).

Besides coursework (six or more credit hours), dissertation research (397) must be earned during the first (proposal preparation and defense) and second phases of the Ph.D. program.

The dissertation defense is the final exam of the Ph.D. degree. It involves a public presentation of the results of the dissertation research followed by a question-and-answer session.

The dissertation and defense committee consists of four members of which at least three must be KAUST faculty members and one an external examiner.

The result of the defense will be made based on the recommendation of the committee. There are four possible results:

  1. Pass: the student passes the exam, and the dissertation is accepted as submitted.
  2. Pass with revisions: the student passes the exam, and the student is advised of the revisions that must be made to the text of the dissertation.
  3. Failure with retake: normally this means the student must do more research to complete the dissertation. The student must revise the dissertation and give another oral examination within six months from the date of the first defense.
  4. Failure: the student does not pass the exam, the dissertation is not accepted, the degree is not awarded, and the student is dismissed from the University.

Winter Enrichment Program

Hosted annually in January, the Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) is an academic, entrepreneurial, and cultural interlude session in KAUST's academic calendar whose primary purpose is to enrich and inspire students beyond their normal academic curriculum.

Students are required to satisfactorily complete at least one full Winter Enrichment Program.

You can find out more at the Winter Enrichment Program website.

Student Stories

"KAUST is a compact city exuding Southern California charm dedicated for scientific research and resident well-being, fostering an environment where inhabitants can fully focus on impactful scientific."

Bilal Maassarani Ph.D. Electrical & Computer Engineering, Canada

"KAUST embodies 'It takes a village to raise a child,' providing us with a supportive unique ecosystem and world class facilities. "

Yousef Algoos Ph.D Mechanical Engineering, Saudi Arabia

"KAUST opened my eyes to a lot of new and state-of-the-art research opportunities that could be done here. High-quality of research facilities, specialized labs, and available equipment is fascinating."

Maria Alejandra Perea Barreto Ph.D. Earth Science and Engineering, Colombia

Bilal Maassarani

KAUST is a compact city exuding Southern California charm dedicated for scientific research and resident well-being, fostering an environment where inhabitants can fully focus on impactful scientific.

Yousef Algoos

KAUST embodies 'It takes a village to raise a child,' providing us with a supportive unique ecosystem and world class facilities.

Maria Alejandra Perea Barreto

KAUST opened my eyes to a lot of new and state-of-the-art research opportunities that could be done here. High-quality of research facilities, specialized labs, and available equipment is fascinating.

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