KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 | 3-Year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is inviting applications for the KAUST Global Fellowship Program (KGFP) Call 2027, an international postdoctoral research fellowship designed for researchers who want to undertake a three-year research project at KAUST in Saudi Arabia.

The KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 is open to applicants of all nationalities who meet the PhD eligibility requirements and can develop a research proposal aligned with KAUST’s research missions and academic divisions.

The fellowship provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to conduct research in areas including Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Red Sea.

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About KAUST

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a research-focused university located in Saudi Arabia. The university conducts research across science, engineering and technology disciplines and brings together researchers from different parts of the world.

The KAUST Global Fellowship Program is designed to support talented researchers in developing independent research projects while working within KAUST’s research environment.

KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 Overview

The KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 is a three-year postdoctoral research opportunity.

Fellowship Details

• Fellowship: KAUST Global Fellowship Program
• Call: 2027
• Level: Postdoctoral Research
• Duration: Three years
• Location: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia
• Nationality: All nationalities
• Research Areas: Water, Food, Health, Energy, AI and the Red Sea
• Application Stage 1: Concept Note
• Stage 1 Deadline: 1 October 2026
• Full Proposal Period: 15 November 2026 – 15 January 2027
• Application Language: English

What Is the KAUST Global Fellowship?

The KAUST Global Fellowship is a research fellowship for researchers who have recently completed, or are completing, a PhD and want to pursue a substantial research project at KAUST.

For the KAUST Fellowship 2027, applicants are expected to propose a research project with a three-year duration and demonstrate alignment with KAUST’s research missions and academic programs.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to researchers working in science, engineering, technology and interdisciplinary research.

Who Can Apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2027?

The KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 has specific eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Have been awarded a PhD within four calendar years.
• For the 2027 call, have received the PhD after January 2023 inclusive.
• Expect to complete their PhD before the fellowship begins if the degree has not yet been awarded.
• Be prepared to relocate to KAUST for the proposed three-year research project.
• Identify potential KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with the proposed project.
• Meet the requirements necessary to obtain resident status in Saudi Arabia.

Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply.

KAUST also encourages applications from women to support better gender balance in science and engineering.

KAUST Fellowship Research Areas

The proposed research project for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 must focus on one or more of KAUST’s research missions.

These include:

Water

Research related to water resources, water treatment, sustainability, desalination and related technologies.

Food

Research addressing food security, agricultural systems, biotechnology and sustainable food production.

Health

Research connected to biomedical science, health technologies and related scientific fields.

Energy

Research addressing energy technologies, renewable energy, energy systems and sustainability.

Artificial Intelligence

Research involving AI, computational methods, machine learning and related technologies.

Red Sea

Research connected to the Red Sea environment, marine science, ecosystems and related research areas.

KAUST Academic Divisions

The research proposal should align with one or more KAUST academic divisions, including:

• Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
• Biomedical Sciences Division (BioMed)
• Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
• Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)

Applicants should carefully research potential faculty members and ensure that their proposed research connects with the relevant academic division.

KAUST Global Fellowship Application Process

The KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 application process takes place in stages.

Stage 1: Concept Note

The KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 Call opens on 1 September 2026.

The first stage accepts Concept Note applications from:

1 September to 1 October 2026

At this stage, applicants do not need a Host PI letter.

Applicants must identify up to two KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with their proposed project.

Applications are reviewed for faculty support.

Stage 2: Full Research Proposal

Applicants who receive Host PI support will be invited to submit a full research proposal.

Full proposals will be accepted from:

15 November 2026 to 15 January 2027

The full proposal must use the official template provided for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2027.

Documents Required for the KAUST Fellowship

Applicants must prepare the required documents before submitting the application.

For Stage 1, applicants must provide:

• Most recent CV with a full publications list, maximum four pages
• Up to two selected publications
• Concept Note using the official template
• Two reference letters

Reference letters can either be included in the application or submitted by referees via email to the KAUST Global Fellowship team by 1 October 2026.

All application documents must be prepared in English.

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How to Prepare a Strong KAUST Fellowship Application

Applicants should begin preparing the KAUST Global Fellowship application well before the deadline.

1. Develop a Clear Research Idea

Your Concept Note should clearly explain the research problem, objectives, methodology and expected contribution.

The proposed research should also demonstrate a clear connection with one or more KAUST research missions.

2. Identify Suitable KAUST Faculty

Faculty alignment is an important part of the KAUST Global Fellowship application.

Research potential faculty members carefully and identify researchers whose current work connects directly with your proposed research.

3. Prepare Your CV

The KAUST Fellowship requires a recent CV with a full publications list and a maximum length of four pages.

Focus on presenting your:

• Academic background
• Research experience
• Publications
• Research achievements
• Technical skills
• Relevant collaborations
• Previous fellowships or awards

4. Select Relevant Publications

Applicants can submit up to two selected publications.

Choose publications that demonstrate your research expertise and are closely related to the proposed fellowship project.

5. Contact Referees Early

Two reference letters are required.

Applicants should contact potential referees early enough to ensure that their letters reach KAUST before the Stage 1 deadline.

Who Is the KAUST Global Fellowship Suitable For?

The KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 may be suitable for early-career researchers who:

• Recently completed a PhD
• Are completing a PhD before the fellowship begins
• Have strong research experience
• Have relevant publications
• Want to undertake international postdoctoral research
• Are interested in science, engineering or technology
• Can develop a three-year research project
• Have research interests matching KAUST’s missions
• Are willing to relocate to Saudi Arabia

Competitiveness of the KAUST Fellowship

Applicants should expect the KAUST Global Fellowship to be research-intensive and competitive.

A strong application should demonstrate more than academic eligibility. Applicants need to show that their proposed project has a clear research purpose, fits KAUST’s research priorities and connects meaningfully with potential KAUST faculty.

Faculty alignment is therefore an important part of preparing a competitive application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting a research proposal that does not align with KAUST missions
• Choosing faculty members without researching their research interests
• Ignoring the official Concept Note template
• Exceeding the CV page limit
• Waiting until the final day to request reference letters
• Submitting incomplete documents
• Using unclear or overly broad research objectives
• Failing to explain the significance of the proposed research
• Missing the 1 October 2026 Stage 1 deadline

Career Opportunities After a Postdoctoral Fellowship

A three-year research fellowship can help researchers develop their academic and professional careers.

Experience gained through the KAUST Global Fellowship may contribute to future opportunities in:

• University research
• Academic positions
• Research institutes
• Scientific organizations
• Technology companies
• International research collaborations
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Science and technology policy

The actual career outcomes will depend on the researcher’s field, achievements, publications, collaborations and subsequent career decisions.

KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 Application Deadline

The most important deadline for applicants is:

Stage 1 Concept Note Deadline: 1 October 2026

Applicants who progress to the second stage will submit full research proposals between:

15 November 2026 and 15 January 2027

Candidates should ensure that all required documents and reference letters are submitted by the relevant cut-off dates.

How to Apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2027

Applications for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 are submitted online.

Applicants should carefully read the official application guidelines, download the Concept Note template, prepare the required documents and complete the online application form.

Official Application

Apply Now:
https://kaustforms.formstack.com/forms/kgfp_call2027_concept_note_application

Applicants should rely on the official KAUST Global Fellowship information and application materials for the latest requirements.

Final Thoughts

The KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 provides an opportunity for recently awarded and soon-to-be-awarded PhD researchers to develop a three-year research project at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.

The fellowship is particularly relevant to researchers working in Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence and Red Sea research.

If you are planning to apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship, begin by checking your PhD eligibility, identifying suitable KAUST faculty members, developing a focused Concept Note, preparing your four-page CV and arranging your two reference letters.

The KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 Stage 1 application deadline is 1 October 2026, so eligible researchers should prepare their applications before the closing date.