Key Information
- Duration: Full-time, 48 months
- Starting dates & application deadlines:
- Starting January 2027 — Apply before Oct 2026
- Starting August 2027 — Apply before May 2027 (International). This is an estimated deadline. The deadline is applicable to students from outside the European Economic Area who want to study within the EEA, or to students who want to study outside the EEA but are not nationals of that country.
- Starting August 2027 — Apply before May 2027 (National). This is an estimated deadline. The deadline applies if you have the same nationality as the university.
- Language: English
- Credits: 72 alternative credits
- Delivered: On Campus
- Campus Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Disciplines: Mechanical Engineering
Overview
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering students conduct cutting-edge experimental and computational research in King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)'s state-of-the-art laboratories. They leverage advanced technologies and methodologies to explore novel solutions in mechanical engineering. Additionally, they actively engage in collaborative projects with leading industry partners and global academic institutions, gaining invaluable experience in tackling real-world engineering challenges.
Programme Structure
Curriculum includes:
- Energy Conversion and Storage
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences
- Materials and Manufacturing
- Robotics and Control Systems
- Sustainability and Environmental Engineering
- Plasma Science and Applications
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 81 OR PTE Academic: 62 OR IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements:
- Official university transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official TOEFL or IELTS Academic score
- Official GRE scores (GRE submission is encouraged and will enhance an application, but it is not compulsory)
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 48,850 AUD (48,848 AUD Built-In Scholarship); Non-residents: 1 AUD/year ≈ 1 USD/year
- Domestic: 48,850 AUD (48,848 AUD Built-In Scholarship); Citizens or residents: 1 AUD/year ≈ 1 USD/year
Additional Details: All admitted students receive the benefits of the KAUST Fellowship which supports students for the duration of their graduate studies.
Living costs
Thuwal, Saudi Arabia: 844-1,281 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
The KAUST Fellowship includes:
- Full coverage of tuition and bench fees (worth USD $35,000 per year)
- A monthly stipend (worth USD $20,000 per year for PG Diploma and M.S. students, and USD $25,000 to $30,000 for Ph.D. students depending on qualifications and academic progress)
- On-campus housing (worth USD $7,000 per year and covering utilities such as electricity and wifi)
- Health insurance (worth USD $1,450 per year)
- Relocation support (visa, relocation and travel costs)
In total, depending on where you travel from and what level you are studying at, the Fellowship is calculated to be worth between $70k and $80k per year.
