If you are a mathematics student who dreams of working alongside world-class researchers for a week — without paying a single riyal for it — the KAUST Applied Mathematics School (AMS) 2026 is worth your attention. Run by the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, this one-week visiting program brings undergraduate and master's students from around the world to the KAUST campus in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, to explore advanced topics in applied mathematics, computational science, and statistics. Everything is fully sponsored: accommodation, a living stipend, visa support, and a certificate of completion at the end.
In short: The KAUST AMS School 2026 is a fully funded one-week program at KAUST in Saudi Arabia for senior undergraduates, recent graduates, and master's students in mathematics, statistics, physics, or related fields. The 2026 edition runs 29 November to 3 December 2026. Applications for 2026 are now closed and under review — but the school runs annually, so this is your complete playbook for preparing for the next round.
Quick Overview
- Host Country: Saudi Arabia
- Host Institution: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal
- Degree Level: Senior undergraduate, master's students, and recent graduates
- Program Duration: 1 week (29 November – 3 December 2026)
- Funding Type: Fully sponsored — no application or participation fee
- Deadline: 10 September 2026 (2026 applications closed; the next annual round is expected around the same window)
Benefits of the KAUST AMS Program 2026
Here is what the fully sponsored package covers, according to the official KAUST page:
- Free on-campus accommodation — You stay on the KAUST campus for the entire week at no cost.
- Living stipend — A stipend is provided to cover your living expenses during the program.
- Visa and logistics support — KAUST helps with your visa and travel logistics, so the paperwork does not slow you down.
- World-class research facilities — You get access to KAUST's advanced laboratories and resources for the week.
- Certificate of completion — Everyone who completes the program successfully receives a certificate from KAUST.
- Academic and networking program — The week features research-focused sessions, keynote talks, practical activities, academic discussions, and networking with KAUST's Applied Mathematics and Computational Science groups, plus social events.
Eligibility Criteria for the KAUST AMS Program 2026
The official page invites candidates who meet all of the following:
- Academic status — You must be a senior undergraduate student, a current master's student, or a recent graduate.
- Relevant discipline — Your background must be in mathematics, statistics, physics, or a related field.
- Minimum GPA — You need a cumulative GPA of 3.5 out of 4.00 or higher.
- Strong English — The program is conducted in English, so you must have strong English-language proficiency.
- No nationality restriction — Students from all countries are eligible; there is no country bar.
- Full participation — You should be available for the entire program week.
How to Apply for the KAUST AMS Program 2026
When the application window opens (usually in the summer, ahead of the September deadline), follow these steps:
1. Visit the official AMS page — Go to the Applied Mathematics School page on the KAUST CEMSE website and open the application call. 2. Create an account — Register on the online application system with your email address and a password. 3. Fill in your details — Enter your personal information, contact details, and educational background. 4. Upload your documents — Attach your CV, official transcripts in English, and a copy of your passport. 5. Add travel details — Provide the travel information the form asks for. 6. Submit before the deadline — Review everything and click submit. Late applications are not considered. 7. Wait for shortlisting — Shortlisted candidates are invited to interviews with KAUST faculty and administration before the final selection.
Required Documents
Per the official KAUST page, your application package must include:
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
- Official transcripts in English
- Copy of your passport
KAUST AMS Program 2026 Deadline
The 2026 application deadline was 10 September 2026, and the official KAUST page now states that applications are under review, with applicants to be contacted once the selection process is complete. If you missed it, do not be discouraged — the AMS School is a recurring program, and the next edition is expected to follow a similar timeline, with applications opening around summer 2027 and closing around early September 2027. Bookmark the official CEMSE internship page and start preparing your CV and transcripts now so you are ready the moment applications open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KAUST AMS Program 2026 really fully funded?
Yes. The official KAUST page describes it as a fully sponsored one-week program. Free on-campus accommodation, a living stipend, logistics and visa support, and access to research facilities are all included, and there is no application or participation fee.
Who can apply for the KAUST AMS School?
Senior undergraduate students, current master's students, and recent graduates in mathematics, statistics, physics, or related disciplines can apply, provided they have a cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.00 or higher and strong English-language skills.
When is the KAUST AMS School 2026 held?
According to the official KAUST page, the 2026 edition runs from 29 November to 3 December 2026 at the KAUST campus in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
Can students from Pakistan, India, Nigeria, or Bangladesh apply?
Yes. There are no country restrictions on this program. Applicants from all countries are welcome, which is why the school attracts such an international mix.
Is there an application fee?
No. The program is fully sponsored and there is no application or participation fee.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
The official requirements mention strong English-language proficiency but do not name a specific test or score. Your transcripts and the faculty interview will speak to your ability to follow an English-taught program.
How is the AMS different from the KAUST VSRP?
The AMS is a one-week structured visiting school with lectures, practical sessions, and networking. The VSRP (Visiting Student Research Program) is a separate, longer research internship of several months where you work on an individual research project. Both are fully funded, but they serve different purposes.
What topics does the AMS cover?
The 2026 program focuses on advanced applied mathematics and computational science topics such as the fractional Laplacian, modeling of water waves, mathematical biology, and the mathematics of price formation — material that most undergraduate programs barely touch.
Is there an interview?
Yes. The official requirements state that applicants must pass interviews with KAUST faculty and administration as part of the selection process.
Can I apply again if I am rejected?
Nothing on the official page bars reapplication, and the program runs annually. If you were not selected, use the year to strengthen your GPA, research experience, and CV, then reapply when the next call opens.
Final Words
The KAUST AMS School is one of those rare programs that packs a genuine research experience into a single, fully funded week. The 2026 deadline has passed, but that is exactly why now is the best time to start preparing — polish your CV, get your transcripts in English, and keep an eye on the official page so the next call does not slip past you.
