TAKE YOUR RESEARCH VISION TO THE NEXT LEVEL

The Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) is a unique program that offers students the chance to conduct innovative research at KAUST. Through this landmark internship, talented students can undertake research ranging across diverse disciplines and programs. With VSRP research projects that span the breadth of the scientific and engineering fields, driven students with insatiable curiosity and strong academic performance, can gain unparalleled opportunities to pursue their research questions under the guidance and support of KAUST faculty mentors. Get ready to contribute your ideas in an international research community!

VSRP BENEFITS

USD 1000 Monthly Stipend

Private Bedroom/Bathroom

Visa And Airfare Fees

Health Insurance

Social And Cultural Activities

Access to Core laboratories and major research and community facilities

SHAPING THE WORLD OF RESEARCH

VSRP AT A GLANCE

100+

Research Projects

3-6 months

Internship Period

3.5/4

Cumulative GPA

Around 100

Interns a Year

ELIGIBILITY

Undergraduate students in 3rd year or above and Masters Students.
Current PhD candidates, KAUST students or KAUST alumni are ineligible to apply
GPA 3.5/4 or 14/20 (ECTS B)
Strong verbal and written English Skills
Recommended levels, minimum TOEFL score of 79 on the IBT (Internet Based Test) or 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

APPLICATION

The VSRP program applications are accepted throughout the year.

LENGTH

The length of the program ranges anywhere between 3- to 6-months, depending on the type of research. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

REQUIREMENTS

Official Transcript(s) in English from current and previous institutions
Letter of Recommendation
Valid Passport
Statement of purpose
Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Selection Process

What happens after you’ve applied?
Once all requirements have been submitted, your complete application will be reviewed and you may be contacted by the faculty member for a ZOOM interview to discuss your academic, your research background and to learn more about your interest in the internship.
If you are selected to move forward, you will receive an invitation to schedule a ZOOM interview with the Office of Admissions, where we will discuss any questions you may have about life at KAUST and hear more about you.
If you are approved, you will receive an email acceptance letter following the interview.
Finally, a travel advisor will get in touch with you to help make a smooth relocation to the KAUST campus.

VSRP Experience

Sarah Ghalayini

B.S (Chemistry), Georgia Institute of Technology, USA

Research Project: 3D Bioprinting of Cell-Laden Microgels for the General Construction of Vascularized Tissue Structures and Organoids

PARTNER UNIVERSITIES

KAUST international partnerships expand opportunities for students to join our faculty as research interns or as full-time students through structured programs. KAUST and our partners share a common goal to advance science and technology through collaborative research and education, while addressing challenges of national, regional and global significance.

Our international partners are located in over 20 countries, with formal agreements that range from general MoUs, agreements for PhD Dual Degrees arrangements, visiting student research program agreements, and double-degree tracks through structured programs. If your university is a KAUST partner, please feel free to contact us for more information or visit your university’s international office.

UNIVERSITIES THAT OUR INTERNS COME FROM

CORE LABS

With more than 150 staff scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative staff, the Core Labs offer centralized state-of-the-art facilities, training and service to KAUST faculty, students, researchers and industrial partners. These centrally organized shared-user facilities provide direct access to specialized research equipment operated by expert staff. The Core Labs are strategically located throughout the academic campus enabling users to transition between labs in a matter of minutes.