The Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia

Overview

The Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) is a unique program that offers students the chance to conduct innovative research at KAUST. Through this landmark internship, talented students can undertake research ranging across diverse disciplines and programs. With VSRP research projects that span the breadth of the scientific and engineering fields, driven students with insatiable curiosity and strong academic performance, can gain unparalleled opportunities to pursue their research questions under the guidance and support of KAUST faculty mentors. Get ready to contribute your ideas in an international research community!

About King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a renowned graduate-level research university located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. Established in 2009, KAUST aims to be a beacon of knowledge and innovation, addressing critical scientific and technological challenges through world-class education and cutting-edge research. The university is known for its diverse community, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to advancing science and technology.

VSRP BENEFITS

• USD 1000 Monthly Stipend
• Private Bedroom/Bathroom 
• Visa And Airfare Fees
• Health Insurance
• Social And Cultural Activities
• Access to Core laboratories and major research and community facilities

ELIGIBILITY

• Undergraduate students in 3rd year or above and Masters Students.
  Current PhD candidates, KAUST students or KAUST alumni are ineligible to apply
• GPA 3.5/4 or 14/20 (ECTS B)
• Strong verbal and written English Skills
  Recommended levels, minimum TOEFL score of 79 on the IBT (Internet Based Test) or 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

LENGTH

The length of the program ranges anywhere between 3- to 6-months, depending on the type of research. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

APPLICATION

The VSRP program applications are accepted throughout the year.

REQUIREMENTS

• Official Transcript(s) in English from current and previous institutions
• Letter of Recommendation
• Valid Passport
• Statement of purpose
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Selection Process

What happens after you’ve applied?

• Once all requirements have been submitted, your complete application will be reviewed and you may be contacted by the faculty member for a ZOOM interview to discuss your academic, your research background and to learn more about your interest in the internship.
• If you are selected to move forward, you will receive an invitation to schedule a ZOOM interview with the Office of Admissions, where we will discuss any questions you may have about life at KAUST and hear more about you.
• If you are approved, you will receive an email acceptance letter following the interview.
• Finally, a travel advisor will get in touch with you to help make a smooth relocation to the KAUST campus.

PARTNER UNIVERSITIES

KAUST international partnerships expand opportunities for students to join our faculty as research interns or as full-time students through structured programs. KAUST and our partners share a common goal to advance science and technology through collaborative research and education, while addressing challenges of national, regional and global significance.

Our international partners are located in over 20 countries, with formal agreements that range from general MoUs, agreements for PhD Dual Degrees arrangements, visiting student research program agreements, and double-degree tracks through structured programs. If your university is a KAUST partner, please feel free to contact us for more information or visit your university’s international office.

UNIVERSITIES THAT OUR INTERNS COME FROM

CORE LABS

With more than 150 staff scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative staff, the Core Labs offer centralized state-of-the-art facilities, training and service to KAUST faculty, students, researchers and industrial partners. These centrally organized shared-user facilities provide direct access to specialized research equipment operated by expert staff. The Core Labs are strategically located throughout the academic campus enabling users to transition between labs in a matter of minutes.

FIND A PROJECT

The way to apply for VSRP internship is to apply via a project below. We have over 100 projects spanning 16 STEM disciplines, and each project has its own ‘Apply’ button. Each project is 3 – 6 months long and includes airfares, flights, housing, health insurance and a monthly stipend.

You’ll be able to work directly with leading researchers in our state-of-the-art laboratories. We’re open to applications from motivated students looking to make an impact on the world. If that sounds like you, find a project below that interests you and continue your journey at KAUST!

New research projects have been added in the following areas:

1. Cybersecurity
2. Environmental Science and Engineering
3. Earth Science and Engineering
4. Computer Science
5. Applied Mathematics and Computational Science