About this opportunity
This fellowship is aimed at researchers at the point where independence matters. The KAUST Global Fellowship Program attracts emerging research leaders from around the world and gives them the means to build towards a fully independent career, working on problems that fit KAUST's research priorities in a research first environment with access to world class tools, equipment and facilities.
The money is unusually direct for a fellowship. Global Fellows receive up to USD 40,000 in dedicated research funding for their proposal, plus a yearly living stipend of USD 75,000 and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical insurance, on-campus accommodation, schooling for up to three children, a relocation allowance and annual travel assistance. The intent is that you can focus on the research full time without financial distraction, across a three year project.
Call 2027 runs in two stages, and the first one is the gate. Stage 1 accepts a concept note between 1 September and 1 October 2026 and does not require a host principal investigator letter at that point. Stage 2 opens from 15 November 2026 to 15 January 2027 and is by invitation only, so a strong concept note is what carries you forward. Only applications supported by a KAUST faculty member advance.
Eligibility
is a four year window from your doctorate. For Call 2027 you must have been awarded your PhD in January 2023 or later, or expect to complete before the fellowship starts.
You must be ready to move to KAUST for the three year project, and you must name at least one and up to three potential KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with your proposed work. People of all nationalities may apply, and female applicants are actively encouraged to promote better gender balance in science and engineering.
What you receive
- Up to USD 40,000 in dedicated research funding for your proposal
- A yearly living stipend of USD 75,000
- Medical insurance, on-campus accommodation and a relocation allowance
- Schooling for up to three children and annual travel assistance
- Full access to KAUST research tools, equipment and facilities for a three year project
- Learning and development programmes including the KAUST Mentoring Program, the Harvard HE Teaching Certificate and leadership certificates
- Networking with other fellows and alumni of the fellowship program
Who can apply
- You have been awarded a PhD within four calendar years, which for Call 2027 means January 2023 inclusive or later
- If your PhD has not yet been awarded, you expect to complete it before the start of your fellowship
- You are ready to move to KAUST to undertake your proposed three year research project
- You identify at least one and up to three potential KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with your proposed work
- Your proposal addresses one of the priority areas: Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence or the Red Sea
- You are of any nationality, and female applicants are especially encouraged
Who should not apply
- Applications without KAUST faculty support do not advance, since only faculty-supported applications progress
- Researchers whose PhD was awarded before January 2023 fall outside the four year window for Call 2027
- Stage 2 full proposals are open only to candidates invited after Stage 1
- Proposals that do not use the Call 2027 templates or align with one of the four divisions, BESE, BioMed, CEMSE or PSE, are outside the scope
Documents to prepare
- A current curriculum vitae with a full publications list, maximum four pages
- Up to two selected publications as attachments
- A concept note using the official Call 2027 template
- Two reference letters
How to apply
- Read the Call 2027 scope and templates on the official program site at https://kgfp.kaust.edu.sa/
- Identify one to three KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with your proposed work, since only faculty-supported applications advance
- Shape your concept note around Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence or the Red Sea, and align it with BESE, BioMed, CEMSE or PSE
- Submit the Stage 1 concept note with your CV, up to two publications and two reference letters at https://kaustforms.formstack.com/forms/kgfp_call2027_concept_note_application by 1 October 2026
- If invited to Stage 2, prepare and submit your full proposal between 15 November 2026 and 15 January 2027
- On award, arrange your relocation to KAUST with the support of the benefits package
Selection process
- Call 2027 opened on 1 September 2026
- Stage 1 accepts concept notes from 1 September to 1 October 2026, and no host principal investigator letter is required at this stage
- Stage 2 invites selected candidates to submit a full proposal between 15 November 2026 and 15 January 2027
- Only applications supported by a KAUST faculty member advance, and the program is merit based
- For questions about the call, the program can be reached at support@kaust.edu.sa or on +966 (12) 808-3463
Sources and verification
- Official source , Discovered by the opportunity automation module.
Questions applicants ask
Do I need a host agreement before I apply?
Not at Stage 1. The concept note stage does not require a host principal investigator letter, but you must name one to three potential KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with your work, and only faculty-supported applications advance.
How much does the fellowship pay?
Global Fellows receive up to USD 40,000 in dedicated research funding for their proposal, plus a yearly living stipend of USD 75,000 and a benefits package including medical insurance, on-campus accommodation, schooling for up to three children, a relocation allowance and annual travel assistance.
My doctorate is from 2022. Am I eligible for Call 2027?
No. For Call 2027 the four year window means a PhD awarded in January 2023 inclusive or later, unless you expect to complete your PhD before the fellowship starts.
What happens after Stage 1?
Stage 2 runs from 15 November 2026 to 15 January 2027 and is by invitation only, so successful Stage 1 candidates are asked to submit a full proposal.
Important disclaimer
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