Location
  • Saudi Arabia

Program Details

Compensation
Paid
Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Apartment Hotel
Weekly Hours
40
Qualifications
  • Pursuing or completed Bachelors degree
  • Pursuing or completed Masters degree

Pricing

Price Details
This is a fully-funded program. Students admitted into the program receive:
· 1,000 USD monthly stipend
· Free health insurance
· Travel costs (including return flights)
· Private bedroom & bathroom
· Access to KAUST’s Core Laboratories and major research facilities
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airfare Visa
Sep 06, 2023
Sep 22, 2024
11 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Are you looking to add research skills to your educational experience? It is increasingly becoming apparent that practical research experience is invaluable in both academics and industry, adds value to your resume and lead to better and higher-paying opportunities in the next step of your career.

The KAUST Visiting Students Research Program (VSRP) is a unique, fully-funded internship program that offers students the opportunity to conduct innovative research in STEM disciplines. We have over 100 other projects in STEM fields - find the one which aligns with your program and apply.
Through the program you will be immersed in the day-to-day working of a real-world project within the research lab/group under the guidance of KAUST faculty mentors and their staff for the duration of their internship.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Get research experience under mentorship of KAUST faculty
  • Access to all lab and training facilities
  • Free social and cultural events
  • Free tuition, housing, travel and medical insurance
  • Monthly stipend USD 1000

Related Programs

Program Reviews

4.90 Rating
based on 21 reviews
  • 5 rating 90.48%
  • 4 rating 9.52%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Growth 4.85
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.2
  • Housing 4.65
  • Safety 5
Showing 9 - 16 of 21 reviews
Default avatar
Alexandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An incredible experience

I loved my experience at KAUST. Everything is taken care of, a lot of support before, during and after the program. I would say an amazing first approach to Saudi Arabia. I would recommend to everyone to enjoy all the facilities, events, activities on campus to meet people and also increase your network. Try to participate as often as you can. It’s also a nice opportunity to try new food and have a taste of Saudi hospitality that is for me, unmatched. Make the most of the available routes from campus to Jeddah to go to different events (Formula 1, concerts, restaurants, malls etc. )

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Participate in the VSRP events, enjoy all the activities/clubs available on campus to meet people!
Pros
  • Support
  • Living conditions
  • Saudi people
Cons
  • -
  • -
  • -
56 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jeremy Rodrigo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excelent Experience

Wonderful experience where I was able go develop a lot of research and academic skills. I was able to find a lot of friends, latino and european friends. The housing was wonderful, and the brst was the food. It was great!
Very recomended.
I would love to go back and keep going with my research since 6 months is not enough sometimes. My principal investigator and my supervisor were wonderful people. They trully help me develop my laboratory skills and analitic mindset.
In the other hand, the architecture of the university was amazing.

What was your funniest moment?
When I went to a scubadiving trip into the red sea!
50 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Nataly
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

VSRP internship in KAUST

- Because I had an excellent relationship with my supervisor professor and all the member of the research group, very kind people.
- It’s a safety place
- good environment.
- high quality of research and facilities to do the experiments.
- really good experience and there is a rich multicultural environment where you could enjoy a lot of activities to represent the interculturality.
- The facilities and help that the university gives you throught the process of going to the university. Example, visa process.

Pros
  • International culture exchange
  • Good development of your academic journey
  • Safety place
Cons
  • Difficult to travel outside the campus due to transport
50 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Abraham
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

VSRP

My internship at KAUST was truly exceptional. The university's outstanding facilities, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering support created an excellent environment for personal and professional growth. The comfortable and well-equipped accommodation, access to advanced equipment, and the mentorship of knowledgeable staff and faculty made for a remarkable experience. Furthermore, the university's commitment to diversity, along with enriching extracurricular activities, allowed for meaningful connections and lasting memories.

Pros
  • Cutting-Edge Facilities and Technology
  • Friendly environment
41 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Casandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Visiting Student Research Program Experience at KAUST

I was a VSPR intern at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia in 2021. I was part of a project studying the role of the Envelope protein of SARS-CoV-2 as an ion-channelling viroporin in the Laboratory of Cellular Imaging and Energetics. This experience introduced me to new areas of research in neurobiology and electrophysiology and was very rewarding. Furthermore, the campus provided me with a truly welcoming environment. During my time there, I not only had the privilege of learning from an international audience and esteemed scientists, but I also had the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art technologies and facilities. Additionally, the experience was culturally enriching, thanks to the remarkable diversity of the community. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to fellow students.

Pros
  • Nice environment
  • Great science
  • Beautiful campus
Cons
  • Limited social opportunities
45 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Catalina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

VSRP internship at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

I highly recommend this experience in all aspects. Work facilities, friendly community, many activities to do in your free time, top-notch laboratories, and very good scientists to work with.

KAUST has the ability to find people all over the world who are passionate about their field of knowledge and I met some very good friends there. I was happy, those months passed quickly but I was able to discover new perspectives in the world of science and my internship at KAUST made me consider applying for a PhD. I hope to return soon.

Pros
  • First-level Labs
  • Support and guidance from staff all the time
  • International Community
Cons
  • Few buses leave the campus but there are other options such as taxis or renting a car.
  • The food is expensive but your allowance is more than enough.
  • The weather is hot
39 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Thalis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My VSRP experience

Joining the VSRP has been a rewarding and enlightening experience that has broadened my academic horizons and enriched my understanding of the world of research.This program has offered me an opportunity to engage in meaningful research and immerse myself in a vibrant academic community. I have participated in academic research and managed to conduct my undergraduate project in an active research focused environment. Furthermore the training opportunities that are available are certainly unique, and worth exploring

The housing and amenities offered on campus are of the highest quality, and the community is vibrant. There is a plethora of on-site activities and events for a visitor to enjoy. Furthermore the social events organized by the VSRP coordinators are certainly worth participating in.

All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend joining the VSRP to all parties who are interested in learning in a research focused environment, and are passionate about their studies.

Pros
  • Great housing
  • Excellent research facilities
  • Great recreational facilities
Cons
  • Difficult to get to Jeddah
  • Limited choice of retailers on-campus
46 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Iona
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

VSRP Internship

Coming to KAUST was my first time leaving North America and I am incredibly grateful for the friends, memories, and professional experience that it gave me. I got to participate in exciting research with state of the art technology and got certified in using new machinery-- skills that I have used since coming back to the states. In my free time, I got scuba dive certified and traveled to nearby towns with new friends. I saw this internship as a once in a lifetime experience for me and I wish I could've stayed longer!

Pros
  • Professional growth
  • Unique experiences
  • New friends
52 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers