King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Transform your future with KAUST Academy
World-class programs that take Saudi talent from school classrooms to research labs at KAUST, Oxford, Duke and beyond. Find the one that fits you.
Popular:
Students at KAUST, Thuwal
Find a program that fits you
Start from where you are today — we’ll show you where you can go next.
Grades 6–12
Pre-University
Competitions, research institutes and summer programs for school students.
4 programs
Undergraduates & recent grads
University Students
Multi-stage specializations in AI, cybersecurity, energy and more — plus scholarships.
8 programs
Working professionals
Professionals
A KAUST master’s degree to take your expertise further.
5 programs
Schools, universities & sponsors
Partners
Nominate students, host a test centre or co-design a program with us.
Partner with us
Explore by area of interest
What do you want to master?
Every program is built with KAUST faculty around the fields shaping Saudi Arabia’s future.
Open & upcoming
Apply now, or plan ahead
Programs taking applications now, closing soonest first, then the ones opening soon.
Applications openPre-University
STEPs
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), represented by the KAUST Academy, with its scientific and organizational weight, offers this program that directly focuses on…
Applications openPre-University
KAUST Mathematics Competition
The KAUST Mathematics Competition is a national competition in mathematics organized by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) . It targets students in Grades…
Applications openUniversity Students
Food & Water Sustainability Specialization
Part of the KAUST Academy Specialization Program: four stages in food and water sustainability for students and recent graduates of Saudi universities, from online courses on…
Applications openUniversity Students
Emerging Technologies (Data) Specialization
Part of the KAUST Academy Specialization Program: four stages in emerging technologies (data) for students and recent graduates of Saudi universities, from online courses on Cisco…
Opening soonUniversity Students
KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP)
KAUST’s scholarship for outstanding Saudi high school students to earn a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics at a leading university abroad, with an…
Specializations
Learn in stages. Earn a certificate at every step.
Our specializations in AI, Bioinformatics, Cybersecurity, Energy Transition and Food & Water Sustainability follow one stackable pathway — from online fundamentals to a summer at a world-leading institution.
Merit-based progressionTop performers in each stage’s assessment are invited to the next.
Sponsored learningCoursera access, in-person training and summer accommodation are provided.
Stage 1
Prerequisite courses
3–5 weeks
Self-paced online, on Coursera
Build foundations in Python, linear algebra, calculus and statistics, then sit the placement test.
Coursera certificates
Stage 2
Introduction course
4–5 days
In person, during university breaks
Core methods taught by KAUST faculty, with hands-on labs and an end-of-course assessment.
Certificate of completion
Stage 3
Advanced course
4 days
In person, instructor-led
Specialised topics and applied projects, closing with an exam that selects the summer cohort.
Certificate of completion
Stage 4
Summer program
Up to 8 weeks
KAUST or partner institutions abroad
Summer school, research or internships with partners such as Oxford, Duke, Glasgow and the Broad Institute.
Specialization certificate
In 2026, 24,024 students applied and 289 reached Stage 4 summer research.
By the numbers
A national pipeline for scientific talent
The Specialization Program has grown 3.1× since 2023, with students from 87 universities across the Kingdom.
24,024
applicants in 2026
3.1× the 2023 intake
7,351
students trained in the Introduction stage since 2023
3,266
advanced-stage participants
886
summer research placements
63%
of 2026 applicants are women
87
universities represented in 2026
Source: KAUST Academy Specialization Program records, 2023–2026.
Events & key dates
What’s coming up
- Nov302026Application deadline
Applications close: STEPs
- Dec122026Application deadline
Applications close: KAUST Mathematics Competition
- Dec192026Key date
Admissions test (online): STEPs
- Jan232027
23 Jan 2027
Featured event
KMC Phase One: the written test
Students in grades 6 to 11 sit a two-hour proctored test at about 50 test centres across the Kingdom. The top 250 go through to the final at KAUST in April. Registration is open until 12 December 2026.
Where
Test centres across the Kingdom
Who
Grades 6–11
Learner stories
Thousands of learners. Here are three.
Artificial IntelligenceI have had a fabulous experience with the academy. Several doors have opened for me from spending my time in the academy learning about Artificial Intelligence and its different applications. The academy is more than just an academy, it shaped my future…
Research & InnovationWhat makes KAUST Academy truly remarkable is how deeply it cares for its students—not just during the program, but long after it. Through initiatives like the Women in STEM program, KAUST continues to invest in our growth, helping us prepare for world-class…
CybersecurityKAUST Academy programs equipped me with advanced knowledge, leadership experience, and practical skills that set me apart from my peers
Where our learners study & train
Summer programs and research at world-leading institutions
Not sure where to start?
Our team helps students, parents and school counsellors every week.