Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) | About the University Department

The Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) Division sits at the heart of KAUST, a graduate-only research university on the Red Sea. We offer master's and Ph.D. programs in bioscience and bioengineering — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty with access to world-class laboratories and computational resources. Bringing together science, engineering and advanced digital tools, our students and researchers connect discovery with real-world impact: from precision medicine and disease to the engineering of living systems, tackling today's most pressing health challenges and helping build a healthier future for the Kingdom and the world.

Why study at the Biomedical Sciences (BioMed)?

Admitted BioMed students receive the KAUST Fellowship, which provides full financial support — covering tuition, a living stipend, on-campus housing, health insurance and relocation — so you can focus entirely on your research.

Choose from master's and Ph.D. programs in bioscience and bioengineering, spanning cell and molecular biology, genomics, synthetic biology, biodevices and bioinformatics.

Address the world's most pressing health challenges — from precision medicine and infectious disease to neuroscience and aging — through bioscience, bioengineering and AI-driven approaches to human and planetary health.

Learn from internationally renowned faculty within a small, highly international graduate community, with the kind of one-to-one access and mentorship larger universities can't offer.

Study entirely in English on a modern, fully residential campus on the Red Sea, within a safe, family-friendly community drawing talent from more than 100 nationalities.

1,700

postgraduate students

2

courses

1

Scholarship at this university listed on FindAMasters

No.1

in the Times Higher Education (THE) Arab University Rankings (2023 - 2026), No.48 in Times Higher Education (THE) Global Impact Ratings, 8 subjects in QS World University Subject Rankings top 100.

Thuwal Saudi Arabia

main campus

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Upcoming Open Days & Webinars

October

2026

Multiple dates

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

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About the Biomedical Sciences (BioMed)

The Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) Division brings together world-class science, technology and education to address today's most pressing health challenges. Through interdisciplinary research, advanced computational and digital tools, and strong partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem, BioMed connects discovery with real-world impact — supporting national priorities while contributing to global advances in health and disease.

Our research combines expertise in cell and molecular biology, structural biology, genomics, bioimaging, bioinformatics and AI with the engineering of living systems through synthetic biology, biodevices and biomaterials. Focus areas include epigenetics, infectious diseases, stem cells, ageing, neuroscience and the microbiome, aligned with KAUST's Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) priorities and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Through this interdisciplinary approach, BioMed prepares graduates to lead discovery and innovation across the life sciences and human health — in industry, academia and research.

Latest Scholarships

KAUST Fellowship (Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Study at KAUST)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

$75,000

Scholarship value

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Subjects available at the Biomedical Sciences (BioMed)

Biochemistry

Bioengineering - Bioelectronics & Bioelectricity

Bioengineering - Biomaterials

Bioengineering - Biosensors

Bioengineering - Imaging

Bioengineering - Medical Devices & Instrumentation

Bioengineering - Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine

Bioengineering (Biomedical)

Biotechnology - Medical

Cell Biology

Data Science

Developmental Biology

Genetics - Genomics

Genetics - Molecular

Microbiology

Microbiology - Bacteriology

Molecular Biology

Biotechnology

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Student life at the Biomedical Sciences (BioMed)

KAUST offers something rare: a fully residential, self-contained community set directly on the Red Sea coast, an hour north of Jeddah. Postgraduate students live on a modern, purpose-built campus where world-class research facilities, housing, dining and recreation sit within walking or cycling distance. Life here is genuinely international, bringing together students, faculty and families from across the globe in a safe, welcoming environment. Beyond the labs, the campus offers a marina, beaches, coral-reef diving, sports and fitness facilities, cafés and year-round community events. It's family-friendly too, with on-campus schools and amenities. This unusual blend of intensive research culture and coastal quality of life defines the KAUST student experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is the language of instruction?

All teaching, research and campus life at KAUST are conducted in English, so no Arabic is required to study or thrive here.

What funding is available?

Admitted BioMed students receive the KAUST Fellowship, awarded automatically on admission with no separate application. It covers full tuition and fees, a monthly living stipend, on-campus housing (with utilities), health insurance, and relocation support, so you can focus entirely on your studies and research.

What programs does BioMed offer?

The BioMed Division offers master's (M.S.) and Ph.D. degrees in bioscience and bioengineering — combining rigorous foundations in the life sciences with engineering principles, computational methods and AI, through interdisciplinary, research-led study focused on human health.

Do students live on campus?

Yes. KAUST is a residential university, and students live within the gated campus community on the Red Sea, with housing, dining and recreation all on site.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants typically hold a strong bachelor's degree (for M.S.) or a relevant bachelor's/master's (for Ph.D.) in a related field, along with transcripts, references and English-language evidence. Requirements vary by program — see the BioMed admissions pages for specifics.

Main campus

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Thuwal

Saudi Arabia

Visit website Register interest

Biomedical Sciences (BioMed)