The KAUST High School Summer Program (HSSP) 2026 is a highly selective international program designed for high-achieving high school students with strong academic potential in STEM. The program blends intensive on-campus learning at KAUST with a global academic experience at Oxford University or the University of Cambridge.
Participants gain advanced STEM exposure, hands-on research experience, leadership development, and structured guidance toward top university admissions in the US and UK.
HSSP mission
The High School Talent Development is part of KAUST Academy’s mission to nurture young talent and prepare students for academic and professional success. Through cutting-edge courses, hands-on projects, and international exposure, participants will gain unparalleled insights into emerging fields like AI, robotics, and sustainability.
By choosing KAUST Academy, students gain access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant learning community that fosters curiosity, innovation, and excellence.
Program structure
The High School Summer Program 2026 is a prestigious immersive learning experience designed for high-achieving high school students who are passionate about STEM, leadership, and project-based learning. This year, the program offers two international pathways that combine on-campus learning at KAUST with a global academic experience at either Oxford University or the University of Cambridge.
KAUST – Oxford track
This track delivers a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum designed to challenge intellectually curious students and foster scientific thinking. Daily training includes:
– Mathematics and programming
– Physics, chemistry and biology
– Leadership and professional soft skills
– Collaborative scientific research projects
KAUST – Cambridge track
This track is tailored for students with a strong interest in mathematics, computation, and analytical problem-solving, drawing on Cambridge’s historic excellence in these fields. Daily training includes:
– Advanced mathematics
– Programming and computational thinking
– Leadership and professional soft skills
– Scientific and innovation-focused projects
Tracks and dates
The program is delivered through two tracks:
- KAUST – Oxford track (10 July – 1 August 2026)
• Arrival to KAUST: 10 July 2026
• Departure from KAUST to Oxford: 24 July 2026
• Return to student’s home city: 1 August 2026
- KAUST – Cambridge track (1 August – 22 August 2026)
• Arrival to KAUST: 1 August 2026
• Departure from KAUST to Cambridge: 15 August 2026
• Return to student’s home city: 22 August 2026
One standard of excellence
Both tracks offer an intensive, high-impact learning journey that strengthens academic readiness, expands research exposure, and accelerates personal growth within a world-class academic setting. Students graduate from the program more confident, capable, and competitive on a global stage.
Support that continues beyond summer
The program’s impact extends well beyond the summer experience. Interested participants receive sustained support throughout their university preparation journey, including:
- Remote SAT preparation during September and October 2026
- An on-campus college admissions preparation camp at KAUST during the November 2026 school break
- Personalized guidance and mentorship for applications to top universities in the US and UK, continuing through final admissions decisions in March 2027
What you’ll gain
Experience world-class STEM education at KAUST and at Oxford or Cambridge
Develop real-world technical skills in AI, engineering, and data science
Strengthen problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership abilities
Collaborate with like-minded peers in a challenging yet supportive environment
Enhance university readiness and career prospects
Gain a competitive edge for future academic and professional opportunities
Requirements
To be considered for the program, parents or legal guardians must submit the following:
- A completed online application form
- Recent academic transcripts (latest school report card or transcript)
- A copy of the student’s passport and national ID
- Age: students must be at least 16 years old on the day they fly to the UK
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview to better understand their academic interests and readiness for the program.
How to apply
- Parents or legal guardians must complete the application online through the program’s official website.
- Upload all required documents before the application deadline.
- Pay the SAR 200 application fee to finalize the submission.
- Await confirmation and further instructions regarding the selection process.
Application timeline
All applications must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian within the designated application window.
Only complete applications will be considered for selection.
Application deadline: 14 May 2026
Interviews: 17–21 May 2026
For other questions, see the FAQs below or email the program team at academy@kaust.edu.sa.
Fees
Each track has a non-refundable application fee of SAR 200 and a program fee, both excluding VAT:
- KAUST – Oxford track: SAR 35,000
- KAUST – Cambridge track: SAR 40,000
What the fee covers
- Round-trip international and domestic flights
- Ground transportation at KAUST and in the UK
- Accommodation and full-board meals at KAUST and at Oxford or Cambridge, with separate housing for boys and girls: shared rooms on the KAUST campus and single rooms in the UK
- Tuition, workshops and project materials
- Curated trips and enrichment activities, offering students a well-rounded international experience beyond the classroom
- Access to campus facilities and distinguished guest lectures
- Healthcare through the clinics at KAUST
- Mentorship for college preparation throughout the program
- Step-by-step guidance for students applying to universities abroad, remotely in September and October and in person in November
Gallery
Academic and extracurricular activities from HSSP 2025.
FAQs
Is there an age requirement?
Students must be at least 16 years old by the day of travel to the UK.
How are the two tracks different?
● KAUST – Oxford track: Broad interdisciplinary STEM focus including mathematics, programming, sciences, leadership, and research projects.
● KAUST – Cambridge track: Focused on advanced mathematics, computation, and analytical problem-solving.
Both tracks combine learning at KAUST with an international academic experience.
How long is the program?
Each track runs for approximately three weeks:
● KAUST – Oxford track: 10 July – 1 August 2026
● KAUST – Cambridge track: 1 August – 22 August 2026
Is the program in-person or online?
The program is in-person, including on-campus learning at KAUST and travel to either Oxford or Cambridge. It also has online components throughout the program.
How much does the program cost?
● KAUST – Oxford track: SAR 35,000 (excluding VAT)
● KAUST – Cambridge track: SAR 40,000 (excluding VAT)
The fee includes travel, tuition, accommodation, meals, materials, gift items, extracurricular activities, and curated trips.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. A non-refundable SAR 200 (excluding VAT) application fee is required.
What happens after the application?
Shortlisted students are invited to interview.
Are flights included?
Yes. Round-trip international and domestic flights are included in the program fee.
Where will students stay?
Students will be accommodated in separate housing for boys and girls.
Single rooms in the UK and shared rooms on the KAUST campus.
