Applications are now open for the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals KFUPM Inbound Summer Research Program 2026 in Saudi Arabia. This is an excellent fully funded summer research opportunity for international students who want to gain hands-on research experience at one of Saudi Arabiaās top universities. The program is open to high school students (Grade 11 and 12) and undergraduate students from universities outside KFUPM.
Selected participants will spend 8 weeks conducting research on campus under the supervision of KFUPM faculty members. Students will also receive free accommodation, subsidized meals, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a participation certificate. The application deadline is April 26, 2026, and there is no application fee .
Key Details:
- Host University: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
- Program Location: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Program Type: Summer Research Program
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Eligible Applicants: High school students (Grade 11 and 12) and undergraduate students
- Eligible Nationalities: Open to international students/non-KFUPM students
- Application Deadline: April 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM (UTC)
- Application Fee: No application fee
What This Program Offers:
- Free on-campus accommodation for the entire program duration
- Subsidized meals at the university cafeteria
- One-on-one mentorship from KFUPM faculty members
- Practical research experience in advanced fields
- Social and cultural activities
- Certificate of participation after successful completion
- Strong research experience that can help with future university and scholarship applications
Eligibility Criteria:
To apply for this program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
High School Students:
- Must be in Grade 11 or Grade 12
- Must have at least 99% academic grades
- Must have 95% or above in Qudurat
- Must show strong interest in research
Undergraduate Students:
- Must be studying at a university outside KFUPM
- Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0
- Must show strong interest in a specific research field
Important Requirement for All Applicants:
- Must contact a KFUPM faculty member/researcher before applying
- Must get approval from a faculty member to supervise the research project
Required Documents:
- Academic transcript
- Updated CV/Resume
- Completed application form
- Research proposal written in English
- Two recommendation letters written in English
Recommendation Letters:
For undergraduate students:
- Letters should be from university faculty members
For high school students:
- Letters should be from science and math teachers
Programs Available:
- Advanced Materials
- Communication Systems and Sensing
- Construction and Building Materials
- Finance and Digital Economy
- Hydrogen Technologies and Carbon Management
- Integrative Petroleum Research
- SDAIA-KFUPM Joint Research Center for Artificial Intelligence
- Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics
Program Requirements After Completion:
- Submit a final research report
- Write an abstract
- Include background research
- Explain methodology
- Present results and discussion
- Write conclusions
- Prepare a research poster or presentation
- Present their work at the summer research exhibit day
How to Apply:
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official application portal
- Choose your research field
- Contact a KFUPM faculty member for approval
- Prepare all required documents
- Submit your online application before the deadline
Final Deadline Reminder:
The last date to apply for the KFUPM Inbound Summer Research Program 2026 is April 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM (UTC). Apply early and contact a faculty supervisor as soon as possible to improve your chances.
