King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Cost & Aid: International Student Guide 2026

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Cost & Financial Aid for International Students 2026

What it actually costs to attend King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) as an international student — tuition, living costs, hidden fees, financial aid pathways.

Total annual cost at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) for international students is approximately Net cost to the student is essentially zero — and students receive a stipend; the university bears the full ~$tens-of-thousands annual cost per student through its endowment (tuition $0 for admitted students — every student receives the KAUST Fellowship, which fully covers tuition (no school-leaving credentials such as IB/A-Levels/AP are used; admission is by bachelor's degree and research fit), living costs Effectively $0 net for funded students: the fellowship provides free on-campus housing, health insurance, relocation support and a monthly living stipend (commonly ~$20,000-$30,000/year for PhD students)).

Cost breakdown

Item	Range
Tuition (international)	$0 for admitted students — every student receives the KAUST Fellowship, which fully covers tuition (no school-leaving credentials such as IB/A-Levels/AP are used; admission is by bachelor's degree and research fit)
Living costs (housing + lifestyle)	Effectively $0 net for funded students: the fellowship provides free on-campus housing, health insurance, relocation support and a monthly living stipend (commonly ~$20,000-$30,000/year for PhD students)
Total annual	Net cost to the student is essentially zero — and students receive a stipend; the university bears the full ~$tens-of-thousands annual cost per student through its endowment

For comparison, the average international tuition across Saudi Arabia is around KAUST is free for all admitted students (full fellowship + stipend + housing); other Saudi public universities charge low or no tuition.

Estimates based on publicly disclosed tuition and typical city living costs. Exchange rates, personal spending, and scholarship aid can shift actual costs materially. How we source data.

Common questions

What is the total annual cost of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) for international students?

Total annual: Net cost to the student is essentially zero — and students receive a stipend; the university bears the full ~$tens-of-thousands annual cost per student through its endowment. Tuition: $0 for admitted students — every student receives the KAUST Fellowship, which fully covers tuition (no school-leaving credentials such as IB/A-Levels/AP are used; admission is by bachelor's degree and research fit). Living costs: Effectively $0 net for funded students: the fellowship provides free on-campus housing, health insurance, relocation support and a monthly living stipend (commonly ~$20,000-$30,000/year for PhD students).

What is tuition at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)?

Tuition at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST): $0 for admitted students — every student receives the KAUST Fellowship, which fully covers tuition (no school-leaving credentials such as IB/A-Levels/AP are used; admission is by bachelor's degree and research fit).

What are typical living costs at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)?

Living costs: Effectively $0 net for funded students: the fellowship provides free on-campus housing, health insurance, relocation support and a monthly living stipend (commonly ~$20,000-$30,000/year for PhD students).

How does King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) compare on cost to other universities in Saudi Arabia?

Total annual cost at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is approximately Net cost to the student is essentially zero — and students receive a stipend; the university bears the full ~$tens-of-thousands annual cost per student through its endowment (tuition $0 for admitted students — every student receives the KAUST Fellowship, which fully covers tuition (no school-leaving credentials such as IB/A-Levels/AP are used; admission is by bachelor's degree and research fit)). For context, the average international tuition across Saudi Arabia is around KAUST is free for all admitted students (full fellowship + stipend + housing); other Saudi public universities charge low or no tuition.