The KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) 2025 is a prestigious, fully funded internship opportunity hosted by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. Aimed at exceptional undergraduate and master’s students from around the world, this program offers students the opportunity to contribute to impactful research in a world-class academic environment.

With more than 100 faculty-led research projects across STEM fields, the KAUST VSRP Internship connects emerging scholars with experienced researchers working on global challenges. Interns will gain valuable research experience, broaden their academic horizons, and become part of an international scientific community that spans over 100 nationalities.

This Research Program is ideal for students considering graduate-level studies or seeking advanced research exposure. It fosters critical thinking, technical skill development, and academic collaboration while giving students a unique opportunity to live and work in one of the most dynamic research hubs in the Middle East.

Program Details

Host Country:
Saudi Arabia

Program Location:
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

Program Dates:
Flexible – students can select their internship start and end dates (3 to 6 months duration)

Program Themes or Focus Areas:
Research projects fall under five main thrust areas:

• Food and Health

• Water

• Energy

• Environment

• Digital Domain

Over 100 research projects are available, with specific descriptions and student background requirements listed on the official KAUST project portal.

Benefits

Participants of the KAUST Visiting Student Research Program 2025 will receive comprehensive financial and academic support:

• Full coverage of tuition and participation costs

• Monthly stipend of USD $1,000 to cover living expenses

• Round-trip airfare to and from Saudi Arabia

• Private accommodation provided on the KAUST campus

• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities

• Participation in cultural and social activities organized by the university

• Certificate of participation upon successful completion

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the KAUST VSRP Internship Program 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be in the 3rd or 4th year of a bachelor’s degree or currently enrolled in a master’s program

• Minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 (or equivalent academic performance)

• Strong written and oral English skills

• Must not be a current student or alumnus of KAUST

• Must not be currently enrolled in a PhD program

• Open to international students of all nationalities

• Availability to commit to 3–6 months of full-time research at KAUST

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the KAUST Visiting Student Research Program 2025:

1. Visit the KAUST project page to explore available research projects

2. Review each project’s description and ensure your academic background matches the requirements

3. Click the “Apply for this project” button on the selected project page

4. Register on the PlutoEdu Portal and create an applicant account

5. Complete the online application form with accurate academic and personal details

6. Upload all required documents in the designated format

7. Review your application for completeness and accuracy

8. Submit your application through the portal

Each application is reviewed individually by KAUST faculty and administrative staff. Applicants may be contacted for additional information or interviews as part of the selection process.

Documents Required

Prepare and upload the following documents when applying for the KAUST VSRP 2025:

• Official academic transcripts from all universities attended

• Valid passport copy (minimum six months validity)

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Letter of recommendation from a current faculty member

• Statement of Purpose outlining academic interests and motivation for applying

• Any additional supporting documents (e.g., awards, research papers)

All documents must be submitted in English. If the original documents are in another language, certified English translations must be provided.

Application Deadline

There is no fixed deadline for the KAUST Visiting Student Research Program. Applications are accepted year-round, offering flexibility for students to apply according to their academic calendar and research interests.

However, due to limited slots and high demand, it is advisable to apply at least 3–6 months in advance of your intended internship start date.