Current Students
Placement Test
To facilitate the design of an individual study plan, all admitted students to the program without an M.S. degree must take a written assessment test upon arrival at KAUST.
This test covers topics students are expected to have a solid understanding of from their undergraduate education.
The following overview outlines the topics covered on the test and suggests resources for review.
Qualifying Exam
To advance to PhD candidacy, all Ph.D. students must successfully pass a qualifying exam designed to assess their knowledge within their field of study.
The program guide provides comprehensive details about this exam, including eligibility requirements, the timing and frequency of the exam, the number of permitted attempts, the exam format, and the specific courses covered in the exam.
Program Guide
Visit the KAUST Program Guide website for detailed information about our graduate degree options. The Program Guide provides prospective and current students with comprehensive information on various aspects of the program.
Within the guide, you will find detailed information on program course and credit requirements, placement tests, Ph.D. qualifying exams, dissertation process guidance, and the academic year structure.
The KAUST Program Guide will serve as your roadmap to successfully navigate your academic journey at KAUST and make informed decisions about your studies.
Current Student's Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find academic forms, thesis applications, and other relevant student information?
Most forms can be accessed via the KAUST Office of the Registrar’s website.
Visit CEMSE Academic Resources page to view CEMSE related.
Where do I find the KAUST Student Handbook?
The Student Handbook can be accessed here.
What steps must I follow if I am appointed as a Teaching Assistant (TA)?
Fill out the TA form, obtain the necessary signatures from your instructor and supervisor, then email it to your Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC). You will then be added as a TA on Blackboard.
What is the process for auditing a class?
First, obtain the instructor's permission through email. Once approved, request your GPC to add you as an "audit" on Blackboard.
What should I do if I want to change my registration for a course?
You can change courses directly through your portal with your academic advisor’s approval. After the drop/add deadline, you will need to fill out an "add/drop form" and email it to your GPC. If switching to "directed research," approval from the Dean is required.
I want to drop a course online and switch to another, but I'm restricted to 9 credits. What should I do?
First, add the new course, then drop the one you wish to switch out.
What is the minimum number of credits per semester?
Twelve for regular semesters, six for summer.
If I am in the last semester of my M.S. program and need less than 12 credits to graduate, can I register for less than 12 credits?
Yes, you can but you will need the Associate Dean’s approval. Note that a credit reduction will result in a stipend reduction.
Are summer semesters mandatory?
Yes.
How and when do I apply for a master's thesis?
You need a minimum GPA of 3.2 to apply. Applications for summer admission begin in mid-spring, though rare exceptions allow spring starts. To apply, find a supervisor, complete the master's thesis application form, and email it to your GPC. Once approved, register for M.S. thesis credits (CS/ECE/STAT/AMCS 297).
Do I need to repeat the graduate seminars from my M.S. when switching to a Ph.D. program?
Yes.
The course I want to enroll in has a pre-requisite I haven’t met. What should I do?
Meet with the course instructor to see if you may waive the pre-requisite. If your instructor decides to waive it for you, then they need to email the Registrar’s help desk so they can register you. There is no need to cc your GPC.
What is the process if I want to leave KAUST?
Visit the Registrar’s office for guidance on the required steps.
How do I add or drop classes after the enrollment deadline?
Visit the Registrar’s website, fill out the "add/drop form," get the required signatures, and email it to your GPC. Note that directed research adds are not allowed after the deadline.
Can 300-level courses taken during my M.S. degree count toward my Ph.D. requirements?
No
How do 297/397 (Dissertation Research) and 299/399 (Directed Research) differ? When should I take each?
Directed research (399) is for research not directly related to your dissertation or for exploring research options, usually taken before dissertation research. Dissertation research (397) is for Ph.D. students working on their final dissertation, typically taken each semester until their dissertation is completed.
How is my stipend calculated?
- Incoming M.S. and M.S./Ph.D. students: $20,000.
- M.S. students transitioning to Ph.D.: $25,000.
- M.S./Ph.D. students who have completed their M.S.: $25,000.
- Incoming Ph.D. students: $25,000.
- Ph.D. students who have completed 30 credits, are in good academic standing and passed their qualifying exams: $30,000.
Can I drop a thesis after registering, and will those credits count as research credits?
You can withdraw from a thesis as long as it is done within the timeline set by the Registrar’s office. You will also need to be sure that you can meet all the requirement to graduate without a thesis; Thesis credits can be counted as research credits. Your transcript will however show a "W" before your thesis credits.
What are my options if I have completed 24 credits of coursework and want alternatives to a thesis for completing my 36 credits?
You can register for additional courses (200 or 300-level), directed research (maximum six credits), or do a summer internship (maximum six credits). Please check the requirements of your specific program in the KAUST Program Guide