Program Reviews

My internship at KAUST was truly a unique and unforgettable experience. The research environment is outstanding, equipped with cutting-edge facilities and technologies, and I always felt well-supported throughout my time there. I also appreciated the convenience of having resources, shops, and amenities close by, which made daily life much easier. As it was my first time going abroad, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to feel connected—thanks to the vibrant social activities and the diverse, international community on campus.

I really enjoyed living in KAUST and being in this program. The VSRP team was always super nice and helpful and I always felt like I was at home. They provide you with everything you need, so no need to bring anything but a good attitude and clothes.

The people here are really nice and I made really good friends and colleagues. The labs at KAUST are great and they will let you use any equipment you can think of. So there’s a lot to learn here. Also there are lots of activities, from going to the mall to relaxing at the beach.

Living and working at KAUST is one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I came for the science, but what I took away was so much more than just research skills or data sets.

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the beauty of the Red Sea and the peacefulness of the campus. It felt like a world of its own, calm, inspiring, and full of incredibly passionate people. I was surrounded by researchers from all over the world, each with their own story, and it didn’t take long before those colleagues turned into close friends. We’d share meals, dive trips, and long conversations about science, life, and everything in between.

Every day brought something new, diving among corals I’ve only read about, learning how warming and acidification were affecting reef life, or just sitting by the water at sunset, reflecting on how lucky I was to be there. The Red Sea is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen, and getting to study it firsthand was a dream come true.

But it wasn’t always easy. Living in a new culture, far from home, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I’m so grateful for that. It taught me patience, independence, and how to truly connect with people, even when everything feels unfamiliar at first.

My time at KAUST reminded me why I love marine science, but also helped me grow as a person. It gave me confidence in my path and a deeper sense of purpose in the work I want to do. I left feeling more curious, more grounded, and incredibly inspired.

VSRP is a unique experience, not only because you get a taste of what your postgraduate studies might be like, but also because of the incredible environment KAUST offers. The research experience varies between research units, but it’s always highly valuable thanks to the university’s cutting-edge technology and facilities. Beyond research, KAUST genuinely cares about the well-being of its community. It’s amazing how many hobbies and activities you can explore here — and most of them are free. During the VSRP, you meet wonderful people and form meaningful connections that often turn into lasting friendships. Additionally, you gain travel experiences, both independently and through program-organized trips to other cities, allowing you to learn more about Saudi Arabia and its culture. Inside KAUST, there are plenty of activities like dinner cruises, bowling, kayaking, snorkeling, and more. All the benefits — housing, round-trip flights, activities, and the overall experience — make you want to come back to KAUST for your master’s or PhD.

KAUST offers an outstanding research environment with world-class facilities, a collaborative atmosphere, and access to top researchers in various fields. Beyond the lab, it's also a vibrant international community where you can experience personal and cultural growth. One of the highlights of my stay was the opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia through incredible trips organized by the university. Another valuable part of the experience is the amazing people you meet—many of whom become good friends.

Participating in the Visiting Student Research Program (VSRP) at KAUST has been one of the most enriching and transformative experiences of my academic journey. From the moment I was accepted, the level of organization and support provided by the admissions and administrative teams was outstanding. Every step of the process—from documentation to travel arrangements—was clearly communicated and efficiently managed. The support before, during, and after arrival makes VSRP truly stand out among internship programs around the world.

Upon arriving at the KAUST campus, I was immediately impressed by the world-class research environment. The university offers access to cutting-edge laboratories, modern libraries, and advanced technical resources that allow students to fully engage in high-level research. The campus is designed to foster innovation and collaboration, and every detail—from the housing facilities to the research infrastructure—contributes to a productive and inspiring experience.

One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the mentorship and guidance provided by KAUST faculty. Working alongside renowned professors and researchers who are leaders in their fields has been an incredible opportunity. These mentors not only provide academic supervision but also encourage open discussions, creative thinking, and professional development. Their dedication and willingness to support interns throughout the project creates a truly collaborative and respectful research atmosphere.

The diversity of the KAUST community adds an exceptional dimension to the internship experience. Students, researchers, and staff from all over the world come together in a unique cultural setting that promotes exchange and understanding. Living and working in such a multicultural environment fosters personal growth, global awareness, and lifelong friendships. The campus is vibrant, safe, and inclusive, offering numerous social, academic, and recreational activities to make the most of the experience outside the lab.

Moreover, the financial and logistical support offered by KAUST allows students to focus fully on their research and learning. The stipend, accommodation, travel expenses, and visa processing are all covered, which removes common barriers faced by students in other programs. This level of support reflects KAUST’s commitment to making research accessible and rewarding for talented students from across the globe.

In summary, the VSRP at KAUST is more than just a research internship—it is a comprehensive academic and cultural experience that empowers students to grow as scientists, professionals, and global citizens. The combination of outstanding facilities, expert mentorship, international community, and exceptional support makes it one of the best internship programs in the world. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this environment and would highly recommend the program to any student who is passionate about research and innovation.

Kaust has been instrumental in my growth, helping me both professionally and personally. It has been the best decision to join the research program, and I'm grateful for the opportunities and experiences I've had here. I've learned so much and have been able to develop my skills and knowledge in a supportive and stimulating environment. The people I've met and the connections I've made have been invaluable, and I appreciate the freedom to pursue my interests and passions. I'm confident that the experience and expertise I've gained will have a lasting impact on my future endeavors, and I'm thankful for the support and guidance I've received along the way.

This internship is one-of-a-kind. Never in my life would I have expected to take up an internship that would provide me with such unique experiences. I made friends and travelled with them during the Taif Rose Festival, AlUla Skies Festival, and I am looking forward to some of the VSRP-organized trips to Riyadh as well. Work-wise, the labs here offer a wide range of equipment suited for research needs. It was fruitful to learn more about research, doing some reflection about my future goals with like-minded people, as well as what KAUST has to offer.

KAUST offers incredible laboratory base, with equipment like almost nowhere else around the world. Best part of all is that as a student you can operate and work with all of the machines after passing the required trainings. This gives you one in a kind practical experience and possibility to better yourself tremendously.

Apart from work, the campus life is incredibly beautiful with great accommodation, places for leisure and all kinds of sport.

The hospitality of the people here is incredible and you get to meet best of the best scientists from all around the world.

When I arrived to KAUST, I didn't know what to expect. Now I am surprised because my experience here was much better than anything I could imagine. KAUST is the perfect place to study, learn a lot and make friends or colleagues, here I discover the best part of myself willing to do research in a very preparate team. The opportunity to be an collaborate in a place like this is unique in all the world. I would recommend this experience to anyone willing to pursue a path in research or Academia, this was my life changing experience.