King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Clean Energy
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
KAUST provides a fully supported graduate student experience, with full tuition coverage, living stipends, housing, and health insurance for all admitted students. This comprehensive support enables students to focus entirely on research and studies without financial concerns. The funding model reflects KAUST's mission to attract top global talent regardless of economic background. The KAUST campus constitutes a self-contained community on the Red Sea coast, with residential neighborhoods, recreational facilities, commercial areas, and beaches within the university grounds. The campus provides amenities unusual at academic institutions, including diving, sailing, golf, and other recreational opportunities. The Red Sea location offers access to exceptional coral reefs and marine environments. The international community creates a cosmopolitan atmosphere unusual in Saudi Arabia. While the surrounding region follows conservative Islamic norms, the KAUST campus operates with different social rules, including mixed-gender education and absence of gender segregation. International restaurants, entertainment, and social activities reflect the diverse student and faculty population. Student services support academic success, personal wellbeing, and cultural adjustment. The transition to KAUST's unique environment challenges students from all backgrounds, and counseling, social programming, and peer support networks help community members thrive. Career services prepare students for global opportunities following graduation.
Location & Surroundings
KAUST is located on the Red Sea coast approximately 80 kilometers north of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The purpose-built campus occupies a site along pristine coastline, with modern architecture designed for the desert climate. The self-contained campus includes all facilities necessary for residential academic community, from research buildings to housing, recreation, and commercial services. The Red Sea location provides access to one of the world's most spectacular marine environments. Coral reefs, diverse marine life, and year-round diving conditions attract recreational enthusiasts. The campus beach and marina support water sports and relaxation. The desert landscape surrounding campus offers its own stark beauty, with opportunities for hiking and exploration. The climate is hot and arid, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees. The campus is designed for the climate, with air-conditioned buildings, shaded walkways, and swimming facilities. Most outdoor activities focus on water recreation or occur during cooler months. Transportation to and from campus relies primarily on university shuttle services to Jeddah and its international airport. The remote location limits spontaneous travel but ensures a focused academic environment. Campus facilities meet most daily needs, reducing the necessity for regular trips to Jeddah.
Costs & Career Outcomes
KAUST's fully funded model covers all costs for admitted students. Tuition, housing, health insurance, and living stipends are provided to all graduate students regardless of nationality or program. Current stipend levels provide comfortable living within the campus community. There are essentially no out-of-pocket costs for pursuing a KAUST degree. The comprehensive funding extends to research expenses, conference travel, and professional development activities. Students can focus entirely on research without the financial concerns that affect graduate students at many other institutions. This model attracts students who might not otherwise afford graduate education and enables risk-taking in research pursuits. Career outcomes for KAUST graduates span academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. The university's research focus and industry connections prepare graduates for research-intensive careers. Alumni hold faculty positions at universities worldwide and research positions at major energy companies, national laboratories, and technology firms. The Saudi Arabian job market offers opportunities for those wishing to remain in the region. The KAUST name recognition continues to grow as the university establishes its reputation. Early graduates have successfully competed for positions at top institutions and companies, validating the quality of KAUST training. Career services and alumni networks support job searches and professional development. The combination of rigorous training, international experience, and full funding makes KAUST attractive for ambitious graduate students.
Campus Location
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