🇸🇦 KAUST Global Fellowship Program 2027 🔬 A Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Saudi Arabia 🌊 (US$75,000/year stipend)

At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this fellowship so you know exactly what it funds, its two-stage timeline, and who qualifies before the 1 October 2026 concept-note deadline. The KAUST Global Fellowship Program supports outstanding early-career researchers from around the world, giving them the resources, stipend and world-class facilities to build a path towards a fully independent research career at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, on the shores of the Red Sea.

What the Fellowship Is

🔬 The KAUST Global Fellowship Program attracts and supports outstanding emerging research leaders from around the world, empowering them to build a path towards a fully independent career.

🧪 This merit-based programme targets excellent postdoctoral researchers with breakthrough ideas that complement and advance KAUST's major research priorities, giving Global Fellows full access to world-class research tools, facilities and expertise in a "research-first" environment.

The Focus Areas

🌊 The fellowship seeks exceptional early-career scientists with breakthrough ideas to address the world's most pressing challenges in Water, Food, Energy, Health, AI and Marine Science (with a focus on the Red Sea).

What You Get

💶 A monthly stipend of US$6,250 (US$75,000 per year).

🧾 A separate research allowance of up to US$40,000 per year for travel, consumables and core-lab use.

🏠 Free on-campus housing, comprehensive health insurance, travel and relocation support plus annual travel support, and school/daycare subsidies.

🔭 Access to KAUST's Core Labs (advanced imaging, a class-100 clean room, Red Sea research vessels), an office, and leadership development programmes.

⏳ The fellowship runs for three years, with an evaluation in the second year; there is no extension beyond the three years.

🌱 Comparing postdoctoral research routes? See the Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Research in Sustainability in the 🇺🇸 United States → https://youthworkshub.org/21047

Who Can Apply

🎓 Excellent postdoctoral researchers worldwide who obtained their PhD within the last four years (with exceptions for parental leave or military service); there is no age limit, and all nationalities are eligible (Saudi visa and residence rules apply).

🌍 The programme is open to emerging research leaders with the independence, ambition and ideas to address global challenges in the focus areas.

🎓 Interested in another academic award abroad? Take a look at The Glendon Chase McCormick Award at Dalhousie University in 🇨🇦 Canada → https://youthworkshub.org/21037

The Two-Stage Application

📄 Stage 1 (Concept Note): applications are accepted from 1 September to 1 October 2026. According to Youth Works Hub's review, this stage requires a concept-note template, a CV (up to 4 pages with a full publication list), up to two selected publications, and two reference letters; you may name up to two KAUST faculty members, and a host-PI letter is not required at this stage.

📑 Stage 2 (Full Proposal, by invitation): accepted from 15 November 2026 to 15 January 2027, for candidates invited after Stage 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What does it pay? A US$75,000/year stipend (US$6,250/month), plus up to US$40,000/year in research allowance, free housing, health insurance and relocation support.

❓ How long is it? Three years, with an evaluation in the second year and no extension afterwards.

❓ Who is eligible? Postdoctoral researchers worldwide who earned a PhD within the last four years, in Water, Food, Energy, Health, AI or Marine Science.

❓ What are the deadlines? Stage 1 (concept note) closes 1 October 2026; Stage 2 (full proposal, by invitation) runs 15 November 2026 to 15 January 2027.

❓ Do I need a host at KAUST first? You can name up to two KAUST faculty members at Stage 1, but a host-PI letter is not required at that stage.