Questions About Applying To VSRP

How to log back into the application system?

Please use this link to log back into the system if you have not submitted your application.

What are the next steps, if I am accepted as a VSRP intern?

After you are accepted as a VSRP internship, our team will work with you to process your visa for travel to Saudi Arabia. Throughout the process, our team will provide you with instructions and support on securing your visa for travel. This process takes about one month to complete. Your flights to and from Jeddah, will be reserved after this step is completed

How do I submit my letter of recommendation?

Please upload your letter of recommendation with your application. Given the volume of application that we receive, we cannot enter your letter of recommendation separately.

What if I don't see my University code in the application? Who do I contact?

If you don't see your University code, please contact us at vsrp@kaust.edu.sa.

Can I make changes to my application once I have submitted it?

Prior to submitting your application you can save your progress and make changes at any time. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to make changes. Therefore, it is important to check carefully all sections on the review screen prior to clicking “Submit”. Once an application has been submitted, only the VSRP team will be able to make changes. You can, however, withdraw your application at any time.

I have graduated from my MS program, but have not applied to a PhD program—is it possible to apply to be a VSRP intern?

Yes, you are welcome to apply for the VSRP internship. Your application will reviewed by the faculty member and they may contact you to further understand your research background and your future career plans.

I am in my second year of my undergraduate (BS/BSc) program, can I apply as a VSRP intern?

We accept students who have completed their third year of their BS/BSc program. If you are in your second year and very interested in exploring this opportunity, we encourage you to contact the faculty member you are interested in interning with to discuss your academic and research background. Since our faculty serve as your mentors throughout your internship, they will need to assess your readiness to successfully contribute to their research projects.

When are applications accepted?

We accept application for the VSRP internship year-round. We encourage you to contact the faculty member you are interested in interning with to discuss the timeframe you are interested in joining their laboratory.

How will I receive my admission decision?

You will receive an email notifying you of the decision from the VSRP team.

What is my living allowance as a VSRP intern?

All VSRP interns receive a 1000 USD per month living allowance. When you arrive you will begin to receive your living allowance once a month, paid in Saudi Riyal, the currency used within the country.

How many project applications can I submit?

You will be able to apply to one research project at a time. If the faculty member is unable to accept you as an intern for non-academic reasons, we will work with you to identify another faculty member for your internship application.

My Questions

When will I hear if I've been accepted?

Once you submit your application, if all your paperwork and documents are in order, the process takes no longer than six weeks. The review process includes the following stages:

  • Administrative review of your submitted application
  • Faculty review of your application and interview (if necessary)
  • Admissions interview

How will I receive my admission decision?

You will receive an email notifying you of the decision from the VSRP team.

How many project applications can I submit?

You will be able to apply to one research project at a time. If the faculty member is unable to accept you as an intern for non-academic reasons, we will work with you to identify another faculty member for your internship application.

Can I make changes to my application once I have submitted it?

Prior to submitting your application you can save your progress and make changes at any time. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to make changes. Therefore, it is important to check carefully all sections on the review screen prior to clicking “Submit”. Once an application has been submitted, only the VSRP team will be able to make changes. You can, however, withdraw your application at any time.

Questions About Life At KAUST

What is life like at KAUST?

KAUST is an academic campus and small community with over 7,000 people working, living and thriving together. Our student housing is located in the center of campus and the community allowing you to take advantage of the recreational and retail services. Our international DNA brings over 120 nationalities together to live in a community with over 45 public parks, a nine-hole golf course, over a dozen sports fields, a movie cinema, and a community beach all on the shores of the Red Sea. In addition, our community has indoor and outdoor recreation facilities where you can stay active in sports like tennis, racquetball, swimming, basketball, snorkeling, golf, rock climbing, group exercises, wind surfing, wakeboarding and squash among others.

In addition to the above, there is a grocery store, over ten restaurants and retail chains such as Burger King, Domino's Pizza and KFC. Our dining experience offers cuisine from all over the world, from Sushi and Italian to cuisine from the local region. In addition, the cosmopolitan city of Jeddah is a one hour drive and there is daily transportation to explore its restaurants, malls and historical sites.

Are there medical facilities on campus?

You will be provided medical insurance coverage from your first day until your last day at KAUST. Our on campus health clinic is a state-of-the-art facility providing outpatient primary care, emergency care, selected specialty care and a full service pharmacy which dispenses prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. If you take regular prescription medication, please bring along an adequate supply for beyond the maximum duration of your stay. If you have any special medical needs, please let us know. There is also another pharmacy dispensing over the-counter medicine that is open to all community members. Please note, you will need to check your private insurance to ensure you are covered for your travel to KAUST and departing from KAUST back to your home country.

Where will I live?

As a VSRP Intern, you will have a private bedroom and bathroom in a shared student housing apartment or building.


Regarding the workweek, we heard it is different from most parts of the world?

The work week in Saudi Arabia is Sunday through Thursday, weekends are Friday and Saturday. Most administrative offices are open from 8.00 am to 5.00pm. Your faculty and research groups may have slightly different hours.

Can I bring my family?

If you are accepted as a VSRP intern, you will not be able to bring your spouse or children during your time at KAUST. The internship experience is to offer you an opportunity to expand your research knowledge and skills. Given the short duration of your internship, we cannot accommodate families.