News: KAUST ranks No. 1 in the world for citations per faculty (research impact) in the QS World University Rankings 2016/17​ and QS World University Rankings 2015/16, two years in a row!

We are constantly seeking hard-working and curious students to join our exciting and cutting-edge research team for PhD degree. We are also looking for outstanding and experienced postdoctoral fellows. Research internship positions are available for exceptional undergraduate students all year around. Females and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.​ 

For student applicants:

Every semester we received numerous exceptional applications from all over the world. As a result, the admission process is extremely selective. Here are some guidelines for you to succeed in this process. But first please include your GPA and/or GPA ranking on the first page of your CV. 

(1) Applicants from most of engineering and science majors are welcome. 

(2) Education in a nationally highly-ranked university is necessary. 

(3) An excellent TOEFL, IELTS or GRE score is highly advantageous. 

(4) The MS admission is often leaned towards Saudi applicants. Thus, international applicants are encouraged to apply for MS/PhD or PhD.

(5) The expected lengths of PhD graduation in our group are 2-4​ years. ​

For​ postdoctral fellow applicants:

The applicants are expected to have a solid publication record, capacity for team work and leadership, and strong experimental and/or theoretical background on the semiconductor materials and devices, preferably III-nitrides. 

Salary and benefits:

Salary is highly competitive and commensurate with the applicant's qualifications and experience. For PhD students, the typical annual allowance is $30,000 U.S. dollars (tax-free). For postdoctoral fellows, the salary is extremely competitive. Successful applicants will also receive attractive compensation and benefit packages provided by KAUST, including:

PhD students-

(1) Fully‐furnished housing (including utilities) at no cost to the student

(2) Free education at KAUST schools for the children 

(3) Free medical and dental insurance

 

Postdoctoral research fellows-

(1) Fully-furnished housing free (up to a 2 bed-roomed town house) 

(2) Free education at KAUST schools for the children 

(3) Medical and dental insurance 

(4)    Job opportunities for spouse

 

Why KAUST is one of the best places to study, work and live in the world?

(1) KAUST is a premier research university in the world supported by a generous endowment (after Harvard and Yale). With a large group of world-leading faculty, an extremely low student/faculty ratio (6.7:1), and state-of-art facilities, KAUST has attracted a large group of exceptional students, professors and staff. 

(2) Furthermore, through a Global Research Partnership, KAUST has built strong partnerships with other premier institutions (e.g., Stanford, UIUC, Berkeley, Cornell) and biggest companies. They provide students and researchers ample opportunities to work with other top scientists and to commercialize their research projects. 

(3) The students, staff, faculty and their families enjoy enriched culture thanks to an outstanding diversity (104 nationalities). In addition, KAUST's award-winning campus has everything you need to live, work, study and play, including state-of-art fitness facilities, a golf course, numerous fine dining and casual restaurants, and elementary and secondary schools. And of course, the scenic Red Sea is just steps away. There is something for everyone.

(4) See what KAUSTers say about KAUST

(5) In summary, if you receive a full-scholarship offer from a top-10 graduate program in the US, you should accept it. Otherwise, KAUST would likely be the best place for you to be highly successful in the exciting graduate study, given the unparalleled resources and opportunities. PhD students at KAUST typically have plentiful conference opportunities to visit the US and EU.

Please send your full CV or any question to xiaohang.li@kaust.edu.sa if interested. For administrative questions related to student application and admission, please check Frequently Asked Questions or email admissions@kaust.edu.sa. ​

Note: Saudi Arabia does not issue work or student visa to individuals infected with tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, H​epatitis B, or Hepatitis C.

“We strive to serve as a beacon of knowledge that bridges people and cultures for the betterment of humanity.” – Vision of KAUST