Preparing Saudi talent for the future, from school to professional
KAUST Academy offers world-class programs that prepare Saudi students, from high school to professionals, for the future. We work from KAUST in Thuwal, with partners such as the University of Oxford and Duke University.
76%+
Female graduates
76,000+
Educational hours
117+
Planned programs
24,024
Specialization applicants in 2026
87
Saudi universities represented in 2026
886
Summer research placements since 2023
The first three figures are Academy-wide, from the KAUST Academy website. The rest come from Specialization Program records, 2023–2026. See all the numbers.
Our mission
World-class learning, built for the Kingdom’s next generation of scientists and innovators
KAUST Academy opens the doors of a world-class research university to Saudi students long before, and long after, a traditional degree.
Our programs start with school students who love mathematics and science. They continue through university specializations in the fields shaping Saudi Arabia’s future, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, bioinformatics, energy and water, and they extend to professionals who want to go further.
Selected on merit
Students advance by results. Top performers at each stage are invited to the next.
Learn where the science happens
Courses at KAUST and summers with partners such as the University of Oxford, Duke University and the University of Glasgow.
A credential at every step
Certificates at each stage you complete, which employers and universities can verify online.
Open across the Kingdom
Online first stages and around 50 KMC test centres put the first step within reach of every region.
What we do
Programs for every stage of a learner’s life
Three groups of learners, one connected set of programs. Each step prepares you for the next.
School students
Pre-University
Competitions, research programs and summers at KAUST and abroad for school students.
- KAUST Mathematics Competition
- Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI)
- STEPs
- High School Summer Program (HSSP) 2026
See the programs
Undergraduates & recent graduates
University Students
Multi-stage specializations from online fundamentals to summer research, plus college preparation and scholarships.
- Artificial Intelligence Specialization
- Bioinformatics Specialization
- Cybersecurity Specialization
- Energy Transition Specialization
See the programs
Working professionals
Professionals
KAUST degrees and hands-on technical training for working professionals and their organizations.
- Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity
- Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence
- Laser Safety & Technology
See the programs
Why it matters
Talent from every region, every discipline
Our alumni describe their work as part of Saudi Vision 2030, building the skills the Kingdom needs. The 2026 applicant pool shows how broad that talent is.
13
Regions represented
Applicants came from every region, from Makkah (8,487) and Riyadh (5,380) to the smallest.
12
Fields of study among applicants
Not only computer science: engineering, biology, physics, chemistry, health and business students apply too.
63%
Of 2026 applicants are women
KAUST Academy also runs Women in STEM, a college preparation program with Alwaleed Philanthropies.
Our story so far
Milestones
From one specialization in 2023 to 5 in 2026, alongside programs for school students.
2023
The AI Specialization’s first cohort
- 7,768 applicants
- 803 students in the Introduction stage
- 101 reach the summer program
2024
Cybersecurity and Bioinformatics join
- 498 Cybersecurity and 154 Bioinformatics students in Introduction
- 1,887 in Introduction overall
2025
Energy Transition and a placement exam
- 5,023 students sit the new placement exam
- The High School Summer Program combines KAUST with Oxford or Cambridge
2026
5 specializations
- Water Sustainability added
- 24,024 applicants, 3.1× the 2023 intake
- 87 universities take part
2027
Next: KAUST Mathematics Competition 2027
- Phase One on 23 January 2027 at around 50 test centres
- Final round at KAUST, 2–4 April 2027
Faculty voice
Taught by KAUST faculty, with KAUST’s research centres
Specializations are designed with KAUST researchers and partner institutions. Introduction and Advanced courses are taught in person during university breaks, and the strongest students go on to summer school, internships or research programs.
“Our mission isn’t just about technology; it’s about nurturing local talent to sustain our progress. We are partnering with KAUST Academy in providing programs that are meticulously crafted to educate and empower Saudi students with the skills needed to not only keep up with the rapid advancements in AI but to drive innovation themselves.”
Professor Bernard Ghanem Chair, KAUST Center of Excellence on Generative AI
Learn more
Our impact, partners and reports
Questions about KAUST Academy?
Write to academy@kaust.edu.sa or send us a message. Our team helps students, parents, schools and partners.