# KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP): requirements, benchmarks and how to apply

> KGSP for Saudi Grade 12 students heading abroad for STEM: the SAT and English benchmarks, the Rowad Top 30 university list, interviews and the application steps.

Program: KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP) (برنامج كاوست للطلبة الموهوبين) · Run by KAUST
Last updated: 11 September 2026
Canonical: https://www.miftksa.com/scholarships/kaust-kgsp

Undergraduate STEM study abroad, with preparation for graduate study and a research-oriented future at KAUST.

**Hardest requirement:** For Saudi Grade 12 students. Selection is competitive; an interview is not an admission offer.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Interview score benchmark (2026) | SAT 1350, including Math 700; plus TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS Academic 7.0, or SAT English 650. | https://kgsp.kaust.edu.sa/prospective-students |
| University applications | Apply to universities on the Custodian scholarship’s Rowad Top 30 list. KGSP prioritizes these applications or offers; other universities and non-US destinations may be considered. | https://kgsp.kaust.edu.sa/prospective-students |
| Foundation year | Not offered for Cohort 18. | https://kgsp.kaust.edu.sa/prospective-students |

## Application window

12 January–11 February 2026 (Cohort 18)

This window has closed. Check the official page for the next cohort; do not reuse these dates.

Source: https://kgsp.kaust.edu.sa/prospective-students

## What the scholarship covers

- KAUST describes KGSP as a fully funded STEM undergraduate scholarship abroad.
- Exact benefits and obligations are provided with the offer.

## It is a good fit if

- You want a research-oriented STEM education.
- Your intended undergraduate field aligns with graduate study at KAUST.

## Step by step

### Explore the fit

When: Before applying

1. **Read the KGSP guide.** Compare this path with your academic interests and other scholarship options.
2. **Check your intended major.** Match undergraduate course content to a KAUST graduate field; confirm suitability with KGSP.

### Prepare your application

When: Before the announced window

1. **Prepare your scores and school records.** Check the current cycle’s test rules and gather your latest results.
2. **Keep university applications moving.** Track applications and offers independently of the scholarship.
3. **Draft your application responses.** Explain your academic interests using specific projects and experiences.

### Apply and follow up

When: Use the current official dates

1. **Submit through the official KGSP portal.** Register in the KGSP application portal, check that your cohort is open, and keep your submission receipt.
2. **Prepare for an interview.** Practise discussing your work, academic interests, and reasons for choosing KAUST.
3. **Read your offer before accepting.** Confirm funding, academic standing, summer commitments, university placement, and graduate-study obligations in writing.

## Terms you will meet

- **KGSP:** KAUST Gifted Student Program.
- **Rowad / Arruaad:** A pathway within the Custodian scholarship program. KGSP uses its Top 30 university list when prioritizing applications.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the KAUST Gifted Student Program (KGSP)?

Undergraduate STEM study abroad, with preparation for graduate study and a research-oriented future at KAUST.

### What is the hardest requirement for the KAUST KGSP?

For Saudi Grade 12 students. Selection is competitive; an interview is not an admission offer.

### When do KAUST KGSP applications open?

12 January–11 February 2026 (Cohort 18) This window has closed. Check the official page for the next cohort; do not reuse these dates.

### What does the KAUST KGSP cover?

KAUST describes KGSP as a fully funded STEM undergraduate scholarship abroad. Exact benefits and obligations are provided with the offer.

### Where do you apply for the KAUST KGSP?

Through KGSP application portal (100943engagecms.campusnexus.cloud/kaust-portal/user-profile/register), run by KAUST.

### Who is the KAUST KGSP a good fit for?

You want a research-oriented STEM education. Your intended undergraduate field aligns with graduate study at KAUST.

## Official sources

- KGSP application portal: https://100943engagecms.campusnexus.cloud/kaust-portal/user-profile/register

_MIFT is an independent planning tool and is not affiliated with the program above. Always confirm eligibility, documents and dates on the official site._