The KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) is a fully funded research internship at one of the world’s most well-resourced universities: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. Interns receive a $1,000 monthly stipend, free on-campus accommodation, and a round-trip economy airfare — with admissions rolling year-round and applications free. Whether you are an undergraduate, master’s student, or PhD candidate, VSRP offers hands-on research in a state-of-the-art environment.
Quick Facts
| Opportunity Type | Research Internship |
| Host Organization | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| Location | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia |
| Format / Mode | In-person |
| Duration | 8–12 weeks (year-round, rolling) |
| Funding / Financial Support | Fully Funded |
| Stipend | $1,000 per month |
| What’s Covered | Monthly stipend + on-campus housing + round-trip economy airfare |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Nationality | Open to all nationalities |
| Degree Required | Currently enrolled undergraduate, master’s, or PhD student |
| Age | Not specified |
| Work Experience | Not required |
| Fields / Areas | Bioscience, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Marine Science |
| Start Date | Rolling (year-round) |
| Deadline | Rolling admissions |
What Is This Opportunity?
The KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) gives talented students from around the world the chance to conduct cutting-edge research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology — a graduate-level research university on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, founded with an endowment of over $20 billion and ranked among the top research institutions globally for citations per paper.
VSRP runs year-round with rolling admissions, so students are not limited to a single application window. Participants are matched with a KAUST faculty supervisor in their field, conduct original research for 8–12 weeks, and have full access to KAUST’s cutting-edge facilities, living in its self-contained community on the Red Sea. Everything — flights, housing, stipend — is covered.
Who Can Apply?
- Currently enrolled undergraduate, master’s, or PhD students
- Open to all nationalities
- Strong academic record in a STEM field
- Interested in a specific KAUST research group or faculty member
- No prior research internship experience required
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis year-round
What Do You Get?
- $1,000 monthly stipend throughout the internship
- Round-trip economy class airfare to and from Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- On-campus housing in KAUST’s residential community on the Red Sea
- Access to world-class research laboratories, equipment, and computational resources
- One-on-one mentorship from a KAUST faculty member or postdoctoral researcher
- Opportunity to co-author publications and present research findings
- Access to KAUST’s community amenities including beach, sports facilities, and restaurants
What Will You Do?
As a KAUST VSRP intern, you will:
- Carry out original research under the guidance of a KAUST faculty supervisor
- Work in state-of-the-art laboratories equipped for your field
- Participate in lab meetings, seminars, and departmental events
- Develop technical and scientific communication skills
- Collaborate with KAUST graduate students and international researchers
- Potentially contribute to ongoing publications or grant proposals
Fields / Areas
- Bioscience and bioengineering
- Chemical science and engineering
- Computer science, electrical engineering, and applied mathematics
- Earth science and engineering (including marine science)
- Environmental science and engineering
- Material science and engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Physics and applied physics
How to Apply
- Visit the official VSRP portal: vsrp.kaust.edu.sa
- Browse KAUST research groups and identify a faculty supervisor whose work aligns with your interests
- Create an account and complete the online application — it is free to apply
- Upload your CV, transcripts, and a research statement
- Submit your application — admissions are rolling year-round, so apply as early as possible
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