r/KAUST

Finally, there’s a KAUST life flair.
I’ve honestly wanted a way to connect with people here without having to randomly walk up to them and say “hi”
From my experience, most people I’ve met at KAUST always seem to be in a rush.they’re trying to get everything done as quickly as possible before moving on. It never really feels like the right moment to start a conversation.
I’m not shy about making the first move. I just don’t enjoy awkward rejections or the unpredictable reactions some people have when a stranger approaches them. I’d rather avoid putting either of us in that situation.
So I figured this is probably the best way to meet people who are actually open to getting to know someone new.
If you’re into sports, exploring new hobbies, or just having good conversations and making new connections, feel free to reach out. Let’s see if we have anything in common.

Hi,

Is there any girl that is arriving anytime soon to KAUST for a VSRP or visiting student period? 👀

Hello everyone, I recently came across the KAUST VSRP program through a friend and was wondering what the whole process is like. im planning to apply for a 2027 summer internship as that time period coincides with the end of my sixth semester of college. Do we have to email the PIs directly to get approval or just apply through the portal to get a spot. any help would be appreciated

Which are some recommendations for students that just arrive?

For example cheap places to eat, things to bring, things that should be bought at first, places to visit in Jeddah, etc.

Salam guys , i am currently doing Engineering at a reputable uni in pakistan ,currently hv gpa 3.55

I am aiming for KAUST VSRP internship to do in summer break next year so i have some question

1- when should i apply if i wanna do internship in may-sept period

2- how to make my profile strong to increase my chances of getting vsrp i am doing EE

3- is ielts / tofel required to be submit at time of submitting aplication or only if we get selected for it

Hey everyone!

I'm planning to apply for VSRP at KAUST and had a few questions, would really appreciate if any alumni or current applicants could help out.

1. Is there an interview stage in the selection process? And if yes, what's it like, is it with the PI directly or with an admissions panel?
2. Did anyone reach out to their PI before applying formally? Did it help?
3. The eligibility says "undergraduate students in 3rd year or above", do recent grads qualify or does it have to be a current student?
4. How much do lab skills actually matter vs your CV/research statement? Like does the PI have a big say in who gets selected?
5. Any tips for the application itself, what made yours stand out?

Thanks in advance!

Those who got in what do u think are the main reasons you got in , ie what research background, gpa, extra curriculars helped the most

I'm a 23 year-old who graduated this year, 2026 with a Bachelors in Mechatronics Engineering from NUST, Pakistan

My work experience includes:

> co-founding a 3D printing business while still in university, 

> working with a Y-combinator startup (in-office) on wireframing E2E solutions for large businesses, and helping out with other core business operations and RevOps on another flagship product.

> managing recurring product collaborations with companies and organizations in agritech, medtech, and defence.

Unfortunately, i missed the deadline for MSc TIE this year, but am hopeful for an entry next year. (planning to keep myself busy with more product dev and business-expansion work in the meantime!)

I can send my portfolio to anyone who wants to see it, but i had one primary concern.

My CGPA, for my first four semesters, was 3.44/4 But my overall CGPA (on graduation), for all 8 semesters, is 2.99/4, with it falling below 3.0 only in the final semester.

I'm confident, very confident, in my ability to contribute to KAUST TIE's academic and product dev/research landscape starting next year;

But of course, I recognize the existence of a minimum GPA requirement for entry. Even though KAUST says it looks at an application holistically, I would still want advice from the people here.

Thankyou for going through the post!

Usually for postdocs or research scientists, what does it look like during summer break? I am trying to understand, what's the usual vacation cycle/work pressure are for staffs at KAUST.. thanks in advance!

Hi, I will be joining KAUST in Fall, and I wanted to know how easy is for a Ms student for save money? I saw in the FAQs they mention the average spending is about $1400 USD, how accurate is that amount? My other question is related it is possible to make money with investments as a student? Also I saw that student can't work for obvious reasons, but I don't know how it is related with investments

I recently got the greenlight from 1 PI that I emailed. I had emailed a total of 3 and one said no, one never replied and one said yes. Sort of. "I may have a spot. Mention me in the form". While may shows a possibility and not a guarantee, generally speaking, is having a nod of approval from one PI good enough?

Hi everyone,

I’m considering applying to KAUST for a Master’s program and I’m trying to understand the fellowship rules around outside work or business ownership.

If admitted and funded through the KAUST Fellowship, would I still be allowed to own equity in a startup/business outside Saudi Arabia? What if the startup is active but not sponsoring my studies? Also, are students allowed to do any remote work, consulting, or part-time work while receiving the fellowship?

Would appreciate insight from current students, alumni, or anyone who has asked KAUST about this before. Thanks.