🎓 KAUST VSRP Internship 2026 – Fully Funded Research Program (Saudi Arabia)
Apply Link:https://admissions.kaust.edu.sa/study/internships?utm
AUST VSRP Internship 2026 Fully Funded Research Program (Saudi Arabia)
Name of Program: Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP)Host University: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)Location: Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Program Type: Fully Funded Research Internship in STEM FieldsDuration: 2 to 6 months (flexible start & end dates)Deadline: Applications open all year round (rolling basis) apply early!
What Is the KAUST VSRP Internship?
The Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) at KAUST is an excellent opportunity for young STEM enthusiasts worldwide. The program provides hands, on research experience alongside top faculty members in state, of, the, art labs conducting real scientific projects.
The program offers a real research experience with top faculty members in modern, state, of, the, art labs, working on real scientific projects. The primary objective of the program is to assist students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies, doing research at a higher level, or improving their Master’s/PhD applications. VSRP is a research program and not a short summer internship, it is a well, structured research program where interns can make a significant contribution to research projects of faculty members.
Key Highlights & Benefits:
The KAUST VSRP Internship is a fully funded impactual program where the interns get a lot of support during their stay at the time.
Financial Support Monthly Living Stipend: USD 1, 000 monthly to cover your living expenses. Free On, Campus Accommodation: A private bedroom and bathroom in student housing. Round, Trip Airfare: Travel to and from your home country provided.
Health Insurance: Complete coverage throughout the internship period.
Visa Support: KAUST will help you with your visa application.
Research & Networking. 
Work with top researchers and professors in a wide range of STEM areas.
Have access to beautiful state, of, the, art research labs, core facilities, supercomputers, and highly specialized equipment.
Live and study in an international community of students representing over 100 countries.
Get hands, on research experience that usually results in publications or conference presentations.
Networking with peers and faculty, a great help for prospective academic/career pursuits.
Cultural & Community Life.
Pay attention to local and international cultural initiatives and refer back to them here.
Step, by, Step Application Guide
Here is the process you should follow if you want to have a successful application:
1. Research Open Projects
Go through the KAUST Project Listing for VSRP and find the research areas that fascinate you. Every project shows:
Name of faculty mentorResearch descriptionBackground requiredExpected resultsProject search link: Available via the official KAUST VSRP portal.
In general, the interns suggest that you contact the supervising faculty (PI) first in order to get better chances of being accepted, especially if it’s a highly competitive project.
2.Create an Account
Register on KAUSTs application portal. It is highly recommended to use a valid email and professional username. Make sure that all your personal details are true.
3. Fill Out the Application
Choose the particular research project that you want. Attach the documents required such as your CV, transcripts, SOP, passport and letters of recommendation. Answer all the fields thoroughly. Double, check and send.
4. Application Review
The KAUST VSRP team evaluates your application after submission. You might be asked for an interview or further explanations.
Decision Timeline 
There’s no fixed deadline, but most decisions are made within 4–6 weeks.
Important: Response times vary depending on faculty project and submission timing. Sometimes contacting the professor helps speed up the process.
Summary at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) |
| Location | Thuwal, Saudi Arabia |
| Duration | 2–6 months |
| Financial Support | Fully Funded (stipend + airfare + housing + insurance) |
| Eligibility | 3rd+ Year undergrad or Master’s student |
| GPA Requirement | 3.5 / 4.0 |
| Nationality | Open to all |
| Apply | Year-round rolling admissions |
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Reach out to potential faculty mentors for a chat before you send the application write an introductory e, mail, attach your CV, and let them know about your interest.Make your Statement of Purpose a reflection of the project you want to work on.Apply at the earliest spots in popular projects get occupied fast.Be able to clearly articulate your research objectives and demonstrate how they fit the project.Obtain excellent recommendation letters from professors who are well acquainted with your research abilities.Additional Notes
Living in Saudi Arabia
Work week is SundayThursday.Campus provides sports, recreation, dining, and cultural exposure.Visa Process
After you are accepted, the VSRP staff will guide you through meal plans, visa applications, and flight reservations.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria Eligibility criteria for the KAUST Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) 2026 are set out below and candidates must satisfy these requirements if they wish to be considered for a selection. Academic EligibilityUndergraduate Students:You must be a bachelor degree student who has done two years of study if you want to apply. Third, year students and above can apply.
Masters Students:Students who are pursuing their Master’s degree (MA or MSc) in a STEM, related field and who are doing a program that is relevant to the area of study, are also eligible to submit their application.
Who Is Not Eligible?If an applicant is in one of the following categories, that person will be ineligible for the KAUST VSRP Internship:
Students currently enrolled at KAUSTAlumni of KAUSTPhD students as the VSRP is aimed at undergraduate and masters, level studentsAcademic Performance An applicant should be academically very good. Generally, the applicant is expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 (or an equivalent grade, for instance, 14/20 or B grade in the ECTS system).
English Language Requirement: Since work at KAUST is conducted in English, it is essential that candidates have a good command of English for communication.Normally, the submission of TOEFL or IELTS certificates is not required but it is possible that evidence of English language proficiency may be asked for few research projects during the selection stage.
