King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP)
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
Use this listing to plan your research, not as confirmation of eligibility. Requirements, funding and deadlines can change. Confirm your course and current application cycle with the official provider. An unknown requirement is not a waiver.
- IELTS
- 6
- Components
- L 5.5 / R 5.5 / W 5.5 / S 5.5
- Study level
- Postgraduate, PhD
- Deadline
- Rolling admissions
Last verified: 2026-03
About King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP)
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) provides full scholarships to all admitted students regardless of nationality. Located in Saudi Arabia, KAUST focuses exclusively on graduate STEM education and research. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, housing, medical and dental insurance, annual airfare, and relocation support.
Listed IELTS requirement
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 79
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1KAUST requires IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component. While the minimum is moderate, KAUST is a world-class research institution, and a higher score (6.5+) strengthens your application.
- 2KAUST operates on rolling admissions, so you can apply at any time. This flexibility allows you to retake IELTS and reapply if your initial scores are below the requirement.
- 3Focus on academic reading and writing skills in STEM disciplines. KAUST's research environment is conducted entirely in English, so strong academic English is essential for success beyond just meeting the entry requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for KAUST?
Does KAUST accept TOEFL instead of IELTS?
Can I apply for KAUST without IELTS?
Prepare for your English requirement
A practice Writing estimate can help identify what to work on. It does not establish scholarship eligibility.
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