KAUST Research Internship Program 2026 for International Students

The Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) offers a fully funded research internship opportunity for outstanding students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program allows students to work on advanced research projects at KAUST in Saudi Arabia, under the supervision of faculty members and specialized researchers, within a world-class research environment that brings together students and researchers from more than 100 nationalities.

The program targets third- and fourth-year undergraduate students as well as master’s students. It gives them the opportunity to gain practical experience in scientific research, use advanced laboratories and research facilities, and develop their academic and professional skills. The program is also suitable for students who wish to prepare for future master’s or PhD studies at KAUST or other leading universities worldwide.

Training Fields

The program offers more than 100 faculty-led research projects at KAUST. These projects cover various fields within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, such as:

• Computer science.
• Artificial intelligence.
• Engineering.
• Biological sciences.
• Marine science.
• Environmental science.
• Applied mathematics.
• Energy.
• Materials science.
• Chemistry.
• Physics.
• Earth science.
• Plant science.

• A fully funded program.
• A monthly stipend of USD 1,000.
• Coverage of travel tickets to and from KAUST.
• Private accommodation, including a bedroom and private bathroom.
• Access to core laboratories and advanced research facilities.
• Access to university facilities and the campus community.
• Participation in social and cultural activities.
• Work with distinguished faculty members and researchers.
• Choose a research project from more than 100 projects in STEM fields.
• Gain practical research experience at a world-class university specialized in science and technology.
• Opportunity to build an international academic and research network.

• Applicants must be third- or fourth-year undergraduate students, or master’s students.
• Applicants must be majoring in one of the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).
• Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0.
• Applicants must have an appropriate level of English proficiency.
• Proof of English language proficiency may be requested during the application evaluation process.
• If the applicant does not meet the language requirements, KAUST may provide a Duolingo test code.
• Current PhD students are not eligible to apply.
• Current KAUST students and KAUST alumni are not eligible to apply.

Required Documents

• Official transcript in English for all degrees.
• Recommendation letter from a faculty member at the applicant’s current educational institution.
• Valid passport for at least 6 months.
• Statement of purpose.
• CV.

Application Deadline

Applications are open year-round, and there is no fixed application deadline.

Students may choose the start and end dates of the internship at any time during the year, depending on project availability and approval from the university and research supervisor.

See more available volunteer opportunities on For9a

See more available opportunities in Germany on For9a