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

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Dates & Deadlines

Program Overview

Location Overview:

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a prestigious research university that is 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 internship program, 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 in the KAUST VSRP program are: 

  • USD $1000 Monthly Stipend
  • Private Bedroom/Bathroom
  • Airfare to KAUST and back
  • 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) at 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.

Available KAUST VSRP Research Internship 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.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Summer 2026 04/01/2026 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 (VSPR) program and be accepted into a specific research project before UO GlobalWorks can accept their GEO application. 

Note that the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST): STEM Research program has additional eligibility 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)

More information can be found directly on their website:

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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

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) internship program has additional VSRP eligibility 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 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.