Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

The Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division sits at the heart of KAUST, a graduate-only research university on the Red Sea. We offer master's and Ph.D. programs across bioscience, environmental science and engineering, marine science and plant science — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty with exceptional access to the Red Sea and world-class laboratories. Our students and researchers work to secure food and water, protect marine and coastal ecosystems, and understand how living organisms adapt to their environments — tackling pressing national and global challenges, and helping build a sustainable future for the Kingdom and the world.

Why study at the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)?

Admitted BESE 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, environmental science and engineering, marine science and plant science, with the flexibility to work across disciplines.

Tackle global food, water and environmental challenges through research on the Red Sea ecosystem, desalination, and plant and marine science — with access to KAUST's coastal and marine facilities and research vessels.

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

3

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

Upcoming Open Days & Webinars


About the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)

At the Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE) Division, we advance the understanding and management of marine, terrestrial and human biology to develop food, water and soil security within healthy communities. Our faculty and researchers apply innovative technologies to investigate how living organisms interact with — and adapt to — their environments.

Our research spans cell and developmental biology, genomics and genetics, microbiology, biodiversity and ecology, marine science, water desalination and reuse, and plant science. Uniquely positioned on the shores of the Red Sea, BESE draws on this natural laboratory and aligns its work with KAUST's national Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) priorities and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Through an interdisciplinary, technology-driven approach, BESE prepares graduates to lead discovery and impact across the life and environmental sciences — in industry, academia and research.

This collaborative approach has fueled impactful research projects — both fundamental and goal-oriented — in diverse areas, including telecommunications, extreme computing, artificial intelligence, and the analysis of environmental, physiological, and social data.

Building on our strong research foundation and aligning with KAUST's new strategic focus on national Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) priorities, we are refining our research efforts to contribute to the RDI's four key pillars.

Latest Scholarships



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.


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.

Admitted BESE 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.

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 BESE admissions pages for specifics.

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

The BESE Division offers master's (M.S.) and Ph.D. degrees across bioscience, environmental science and engineering, marine science and plant science — each combining rigorous foundations with interdisciplinary, research-led study, and exceptional access to the Red Sea as a natural laboratory.


Main campus

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Thuwal

Saudi Arabia

Course saved sucessfully
Environmental Sciences (13) Biological Sciences (4) Geology (18) Engineering (12) Chemistry (6) Agriculture (1)