Overview
If you've just completed your bachelor's degree (or will by the start of the term for which you’re applying) and you’re committed to a research career, consider the MS/Ph.D. pathway at KAUST. This option allows you to earn both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in the normal way without needing to reapply for the Ph.D. program, as long as you meet the progression requirements. You'll benefit from greater certainty in your academic journey and can build strong relationships within your field. Not all of our degree programs offer the MS/Ph.D. pathway, but we see many students in those programs continue on to get their Ph.D. at KAUST after completing their master’s here. Visit our Study Options Page to see which degree programs offer the MS/Ph.D. pathway. Our MS and Ph.D. programs span 17 subjects and are fully funded, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies. Due to high competition, str
Complete research opportunity details
Full Job Description
If you've just completed your bachelor's degree (or will by the start of the term for which you’re applying) and you’re committed to a research career, consider the MS/Ph.D. pathway at KAUST. This option allows you to earn both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in the normal way without needing to reapply for the Ph.D. program, as long as you meet the progression requirements. You'll benefit from greater certainty in your academic journey and can build strong relationships within your field.
Not all of our degree programs offer the MS/Ph.D. pathway, but we see many students in those programs continue on to get their Ph.D. at KAUST after completing their master’s here. Visit our Study Options Page to see which degree programs offer the MS/Ph.D. pathway.
Our MS and Ph.D. programs span 17 subjects and are fully funded, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies. Due to high competition, strong academic performance is essential, and we encourage you to apply early.
Key Information
— Study Duration: — 5.5 to 6 years
— Costs: — Read more
— Entry requirements: — Read more
— Application deadlines: — Read more
Work With Leading Faculty
At KAUST, you’ll have the opportunity to learn, work, and live alongside some of the best minds in their field.
State Of The Art Research Facilities
Get access to cutting-edge facilities, equipment, expertise, and training.
Live In A Diverse, International Community
Join an international community of scholars and scientists living and working together in an all-inclusive campus.
Program Outcomes
A Ph.D. from KAUST opens doors in all kinds of industries including research labs, consulting firms, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and academic postdoctoral and faculty roles. Our alumni have excelled at prestigious organizations like Google, Tesla, and Saudi Aramco. By cultivating the persistence, ambition, and motivation required for a Ph.D., you will join a distinguished community that supports each other with opportunities and inspiration.
Entry Requirements
We’re looking for exceptional students from around the world to join us on our mission to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. To find out more about our entry requirements and how applications are evaluated, please visit our entry requirements page.
Cost Of Study
The cost of our graduate programs reflects the world-class education and advanced academic environment at KAUST. However, all admitted MS and PhD students receive the fully-funded KAUST Fellowship, which covers tuition fees, housing, health insurance, relocation support, and more. This ensures students can focus on their studies without financial concerns. To learn more about the cost of study and the details of the KAUST Fellowship, please visit our Fees & Funding page.
*Some students with external sponsorship or funding may not be eligible for the KAUST Fellowship
Program Structure
The program structure for the MS / Ph.D. pathway follows that for the MS and Ph.D. programs.
Student Stories
"I’m doing fascinating research with stem cells. The courses so far have all been amazing, but the laboratory experience, while demanding, is on another level."
"I’m doing fascinating research with stem cells. The courses so far have all been amazing, but the laboratory experience, while demanding, is on another level."
"KAUST equipped me with various cutting-edge hard and soft skills such as mathematical epidemiological modeling, RNA-sequencing analysis, and cross-cultural intelligence. "
"KAUST equipped me with various cutting-edge hard and soft skills such as mathematical epidemiological modeling, RNA-sequencing analysis, and cross-cultural intelligence. "
"KAUST, as my academic journey's culmination, melds a vibrant community, boundary-pushing mentorship, and a culture of flourishing innovation into a transformative educational experience.
"
"KAUST, as my academic journey's culmination, melds a vibrant community, boundary-pushing mentorship, and a culture of flourishing innovation into a transformative educational experience.
"
Fotios Kefalas
I’m doing fascinating research with stem cells. The courses so far have all been amazing, but the laboratory experience, while demanding, is on another level.
Yasmeen Almania
KAUST equipped me with various cutting-edge hard and soft skills such as mathematical epidemiological modeling, RNA-sequencing analysis, and cross-cultural intelligence.
Anna Talgat
KAUST, as my academic journey's culmination, melds a vibrant community, boundary-pushing mentorship, and a culture of flourishing innovation into a transformative educational experience.
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Eligibility requirements
We’re looking for exceptional students from around the world to join us on our mission to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. To find out more about our entry requirements and how applications are evaluated, please visit our entry requirements page.
Tips for this phd opportunity
Practical Job and Scholarship guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- Match your research background to the project, laboratory, supervisor and required methods rather than applying only from the title.
- Prepare a focused academic CV, transcripts, publications and research statement or proposal when requested by the official call.
- Confirm funding duration, stipend/salary, tuition coverage, start date and eligibility for international applicants.
- Contact a supervisor before applying only when the official instructions recommend or require it.
Verification notes
Extracted from a public opportunity page using specific title, application/deadline, eligibility and benefit signals. Aggregator/news pages remain review-controlled unless an official provider page is successfully verified.
Job and Scholarship is the discovery and verification layer. Confirm eligibility, dates, salary/funding and application instructions on the original source before submitting anything.
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