Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior
Location: Middle East, Saudi Arabia
GPA: 3.5

Program Overview

Location Overview:

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a prestigious research university dedicated to scientific advancements and has become one of the top universities worldwide for research. This University is based in Saudi Arabia, near the modern city of Jeddah. Their mission is to pursue and advance of scientific knowledge and its broad dissemination and benevolent application. Through distinctive and collaborative research integrated with graduate education, they strive to enhance the welfare of society with a special focus on four areas of global significance – food, water, energy, and the environment.

With the Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) KAUST, you'll collaborate with renowned faculty in state-of-the-art facilities and contribute to real-world research. KAUST’s vibrant and diverse community includes more than 100 nationalities, offering interns a unique opportunity to work in a globally diverse environment.

The benefits included from VSRP KAUST are: 

  • USD $1,000 Monthly Stipend
  • Private Bedroom/Bathroom
  • Airfare to KAUST and back (through a travel agency)
  • Social And Cultural Activities
  • Access to Core laboratories and major research and community facilities

What is GlobalWorks?

GlobalWorks internships are internship programs that bring you out of the country and into the workplace. We connect academic study with real-world experiences by providing full-time international internship opportunities to UO students in various career fields. Working with local professional internship providers in locations around the world, we provide individualized placements for UO students. Students earn UO credits and life-changing work experience in a different culture. Immerse yourself in a new city, earn UO course credits, and gain professional experience with a GlobalWorks internship.

Internship Career Fields:

  • STEM Research 

The Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) KAUST offers internships for 3rd and 4th-year bachelor’s and master’s students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With over 100 faculty-led projects, students can choose research topics that align with their interests for internships. The program is perfect for those seeking hands-on exposure to research or co-op experience, and many interns find it excellent preparation for future graduate studies.

Accepted students will benefit from working directly with leading researchers in their state-of-the-art laboratories. While all projects are related to their 17 STEM degree programs, their curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary studies as well - so while developing your expertise in your chosen field, students also have the opportunity to explore interests and collaborate with experts from other disciplines.

VSRP KAUST Projects

VSRP interns leave with a strong grasp of their research field, equipped with practical skills valuable in further studies or any career. Many participants have presented their findings at conferences or published papers. You can also learn more by visiting the VSRP Frequently Asked Questions page. 

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Summer 2026 04/01/2026 Varies Varies
Fall Quarter 2026 07/15/2026 Varies Varies
Winter Quarter 2027 Varies Varies
Spring Quarter 2027 Varies Varies

In addition to the GEO online application, students must ALSO apply directly to a specific research project in the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) and be accepted into a specific research project before UO GlobalWorks can accept their GEO application. 

Applicants may only apply for one VSRP project at a time. Additionally, applicants must be in their final or penultimate year of study if they are currently pursuing a bachelor's degree.

More information can be found directly on their website:

Visa Process

KAUST will provide accepted students with a visa invitation letter and a local visa agent. Students will need a student visa to attend KAUST. To apply for a visa, students typically need: 

  • KAUST admission letter
  • Visa medical checkup and resulting report
  • Attested educational degrees: These should be attested by the Saudi Cultural Mission.
  • A valid passport

 

Back to Top

Academic Details

Students will enroll in the following courses: 

  1. OGWI 188: Intercultural Communication (4 credits)
  2. OGWI 488: Internship (credits vary)

Note: The two courses above are online and asynchronous, and there will not be any in-person lectures. 

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Additional Requirements

Note that the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) has additional entry requirements that students must meet.

Required Documents: 

  • Official Transcript(s) in English for all degrees
  • Letter of Recommendation from a Faculty member at your current institution
  • Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Housing Description

All VSRP KAUST students live in residential accommodation on campus provided by the University. Being a campus environment, everything is conveniently located – close by is the academic center of KAUST, social facilities such as the cinema and Discovery Square which hosts events and screenings of sports events, and essentials such as grocery and retail stores, a pharmacy and the health center. Note that students will live in shared accommodations. All units are fully furnished according to KAUST's standard setup for student accommodation

Budget and Price

GlobalWorks STEM Research Internship in Saudi Arabia

2026 Summer

GEO Program Fees
UO Study Abroad Fee $500
Tuition & Fees (12 credits for 8 week programs) $2,000
UO Insurance $196
Estimated Additional Expenses
Estimated International Airfare $0
Estimated Monthly Stipend Paid from KAUST (2 months)** $-2,000
Housing $0
Estimated Food and Personal Expenses $1,500
Local Transportation $250
Travel Clinic & Pre-Departure Physical $50
Estimated Cost of Obtaining a Passport $150
Estimated Cost of a Visa $0
Total
Sub-Total: GEO Program Fees (Billed to UO Student Account) $2,696
Sub-Total: Estimated Additional Expenses $1,900
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $2,596

Included in Program Costs: Program tuition, medical insurance, pre-departure orientation, and on-site support

* Non-UO Students: study abroad fees and application fees vary by campus; check with your home campus study abroad office." from the Projected Expenses Disclaimers, default value.

**All VSRP interns receive a 1000$USD/month living allowance. When you arrive you begin to receive your living allowance once a month, paid in Saudi riyal, the currency used within the country. 

Please visit GEO Billing Information for information about how you will be billed and when payments are due.

Program timeline note: The above budget is for an 8 week program. Please contact your advisor if you are doing a longer program. 

Cost considerations: This program includes a number of financial benefits provided by KAUST, including a USD $1000 monthly stipend, included housing, airfare to KAUST and back, visa support, and social and cultural activities. 

Cancellation policy consideration: Additionally, please note that KAUST's cancellation and deferral policy may differ from GEO’s policy. 
 

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Date Cancellation Penalty
Upon acceptance to program

Student agrees to $500 non-refundable deposit. Deposit is refunded if student is not initially accepted by the provider.
 
Withdrawal between 45 days and 1 day from program start

Student is responsible for 50% of GEO program fees and any additional fees accrued 
Program start date or after program begins

Student is responsible for 100% of total GEO program fees  
 
Note that scholarship funds are not able to be applied to program deposit.

IMPORTANT: The GEO Cancellation Policy is effective from the time a student agrees to pay their non-refundable program deposit or electronically signs the program commitment form, regardless of application or acceptance status. It is essential to read this policy before a potential cancellation takes place, to fully understand the withdrawal and cancellation penalties, and to understand what it means financially to commit to a study abroad program.

Students who cancel their participation must notify GEO in writing. Email is acceptable (geoinfo@uoregon.edu). Verbal notification to GEO or notification given to a non-UO campus study abroad office is not sufficient.

For full details, see the complete GEO Cancellation Policy.

View as PDF
Back to Top