King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a world-class graduate research university located in Thuwal, on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2009 by the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, KAUST was built with a single mission to advance science, technology, and innovation for the benefit of Saudi Arabia and the world.
In just over 15 years, KAUST has established itself as the top-ranked university in the Arab world. It is home to a diverse, international community of students, researchers, faculty, and industry partners working together to solve some of the most pressing global challenges.
Key Facts & Rankings
- #1 University in Arab World
- #1 Supercomputer in Middle East
- #1 for Highly Cited Researchers in Arab World
- $1+ Billion Raised by KAUST Startups
Academic Programs
KAUST offers graduate-level Master’s and Ph.D. programs through four academic divisions:
Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
- Bioscience
- Bioengineering
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Marine Science
- Plant Science
Biomedical Sciences
- Bioscience
- Bioengineering
Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Science
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Statistics
Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Earth System Science and Engineering
- Materials Science and Applied Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
KAUST also offers a specialized Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship (TIE) Master’s program for those looking to combine research with business and startup development.
Research Excellence
KAUST is committed to goal-oriented research that addresses both national and global challenges. Research at KAUST is organized across four Centers of Excellence:
- Generative AI: Advancing AI models, tools, and applications
- Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies: Developing clean energy solutions
- Smart Health: Transforming healthcare through data and biotechnology
- Sustainable Food Security: Ensuring food production in challenging environments
KAUST operates state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Shaheen III Supercomputer, the most powerful in the Middle East, as well as Core Labs and dedicated research platforms available to all faculty and students.
Innovation & Industry Partnerships
Through its National Transformation Institute (NTI), KAUST bridges the gap between academic research and real-world industry impact. This initiative translates research outcomes into commercial opportunities that directly support Saudi Vision 2030.
The innovation ecosystem at KAUST includes:
- National Projects aligned with the Kingdom’s strategic goals
- Industry Partnerships with leading global companies
- Commercialization and Consultancy services for startups and enterprises
- Innovation Hubs that accelerate technology transfer
To date, KAUST-supported startups have raised over $1 billion in investment, demonstrating the real economic impact of the university’s research and innovation work.
Life on Campus
KAUST is more than a university. It is a fully self-contained community. Located on the shores of the Red Sea, the campus offers a safe, vibrant, and internationally diverse living environment.
Campus services and facilities include:
- Residential accommodation for students, faculty, and staff
- KAUST Schools: providing K-12 education for families on campus
- KAUST Health: comprehensive medical and wellness services
- Community life programs, recreation, and cultural activities
- The KAUST Museum, showcasing the university’s history and achievements
- An interactive campus map and virtual tour for prospective visitors
Career Opportunities at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
KAUST actively recruits outstanding talent from around the world. Career opportunities include:
- Faculty Positions across all academic divisions
- Researcher and Postdoctoral Positions
- Ibn Rushd Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
- KAUST Global Postdoctoral Fellowship (KGFP)
- Administrative and operational staff roles
KAUST offers a competitive benefits package and an enriching, multicultural working environment.
Why Choose KAUST?
- #1 ranked university in the Arab world by global benchmarks
- Fully funded graduate programs: students receive stipends and housing support
- Access to world-class labs, the Shaheen III Supercomputer, and Core Labs
- International, diverse faculty and student community from 100+ countries
- Located in a unique, purpose-built campus on the Red Sea
- Direct connections to Saudi Vision 2030 national transformation goals
- A proven track record of startups raising over $1 billion in funding
- Centers of Excellence in AI, clean energy, health, and food security
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