General
What does the KGSP Scholarship include?
Each KGSP student receives:
- Full tuition and fee coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance
- Airfare from home location in Saudi Arabia to U.S. program location, and additional relocation/visa assistance services
- Annual round-trip ticket to Saudi Arabia
- Comprehensive pre-departure program orientation held at KAUST
- Extensive arrival orientation at U.S. program institution
May I apply to the KGSP if I have low English proficiency?
KGSP evaluates each applicant’s English test results to ascertain his or her ability to succeed in an English-medium classroom. Applicants with unsatisfactory English test results will not be admitted to the KGSP.
All candidates must possess a strong command of written and spoken English, demonstrated by meeting a minimum score requirement in either the TOEFL iBT or IELTS language test:
- Option 1: TOEFL iBT test total score of 80 or above
or
- Option 2: IELTS test total score of 6.5 or above
Should I take an English language exam before applying to the KGSP?
Yes, English proficiency is a program requirement. Applicants are recommended to register for either the TOEFL or IELTS.
I do not have a passport. Should I get one?
Yes. If awarded the KGSP scholarship, we will work with you to secure a student visa for study in the United States. A visa cannot be processed without a valid passport, so we recommend getting one as soon as possible.
I already have admission to a university in the United States. Can I go there if I am awarded the KGSP scholarship?
During the KGSP application process, you will be asked to indicate whether you have applied or and/or been admitted to a U.S. university. We evaluate each KGSP applicant on a case-by-case basis to ensure that an admited institution and field of study is aligned to both the KGSP and the fields of study at KAUST. If appropriate, you may be approved to enter directly into undergraduate studies through KGSP.
I would like to study medicine. May I apply to the KGSP?
Applying to the KGSP
How can I apply to the KGSP Program ?
Am I required to take the SAT exams if I want to apply to the KGSP?
I have received an invitation to apply to the KGSP. Does that mean I'm accepted to the Program?
Receiving an invitation to apply is only the first step of the application process. It does not indicate admission to the KGSP. All invited applicants go through a rigorous review and selection process that includes a personal interview and a thorough evaluation of academic and extracurricular credentials. Please visit our Prospective Students page for details on the next steps of the application process.
Is there a specific form or format for recommendation letters?
No. Instructors may submit recommendation letters online via the KGSP application website or email them directly to KGSP@kaust.edu.sa. Recommendation letters must be written in English.
What type of personal statement do you require as part of your application?
The KGSP application will prompt you to submit a personal statement. Your response should be approximately 250-500 words and demonstrate a clear and organized writing style that allows the admissions committee to get to know you and assess your suitability for the program.
I am in an American Diploma/Non-Saudi-based program, are Qodorat and Tahseli required for me?
Yes
Studying
Do I have to decide on a college major right away?
Only applicants declaring an intended major that closely aligns to one of KAUST’s 16 fields of study in STEM-related areas are considered. Students who wish to change their college major after being admitted to the program will need to go through the KGSP Change of Major approval process.
If accepted, when would I depart for the United States?
Depending on program start date, students typically depart for the U.S. in mid-August.