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THE KGSP

Coming Full Circle: KGSP Alumni Interview New Applicants for Cohort 18

Each year, hundreds of students from across the Kingdom apply to join the prestigious network of scholars in the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP). Before earning an acceptance letter, prospective KGSP students take part in interviews with the admissions team and with another vital member of the scholarship community: a KGSP alumnus. 

KGSP alumni are included in admissions interviews for an important reason. They know firsthand what it takes to succeed as a KGSP student. They once stood where applicants now stand and understand the excitement of seeing an academic path stretch forward ahead of them. Their participation offers a valuable opportunity to shape the future of the program while giving applicants an informed perspective from those who know the KGSP experience best. 

This spring, 16 alumni participated in panel interviews with 155 student applicants. During the interviews, alumni answered questions from students and shared first-hand insights into life as a KGSP scholar. 

We spoke with several alumni interviewers about their experience and what it meant to engage with the newest generation of KGSP students. 

Students will soon receive their acceptance letters from the KGSP, a milestone that will significantly shape their educational trajectory. Thanks to their experience with alumni interviews, they will carry more than an admission decision forward. They will also take with them the advice and perspective of alumni who are invested in their success. 

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STUDENT PROFILE 

KGSP students represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s future scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and thought-leaders. As both individuals and as a community, they reflect the KAUST mission of driving scientific discovery through excellence in education and cutting-edge research, and share a commitment to fostering innovation, economic development, and social prosperity throughout the Kingdom and the world.  

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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Selection to the KGSP is extremely competitive, and currently by invitation only. Successful applicants are Saudi Arabian students in their final year of high school who demonstrate impressive academic credentials within STEM fields, meaningful extra-curricular achievements, and who share the KAUST ethos of continuous discovery.  Learn more here.

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KGSP ADMINISTRATION

The KGSP is administered by KAUST Academy under the leadership of Dr. Sultan Al-Barakati. KAUST Academy is mandated by KAUST to support the acceleration of Saudi Arabia's knowledge-based economy by providing world class training programs in emerging technologies aligned with Vision 2030. KAUST Academy crafts these unique learning interventions by exporting the intellectual DNA acquired by KAUST for the benefit of the entire Kingdom.