Scholar Fellowship

The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) offers the following grants to support outstanding Kuwaiti researchers:

1. Postdoctoral Research: A grant for those holding a PhD to continue research in their specialized fields under the supervision of experts or academic/research      institutions.

2.Research Internship: A fellowship for conducting research or gaining experience in using advanced research techniques.

First: Eligibility Criteria:

1. Kuwaiti nationals.

2. No more than 45 years of age at the time of submitting the application.

3. Have obtained their most recent academic degree within three years before the application date.

4. The fellowship must be related to the applicant's academic field and falls within Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) domains. To view the fields, please click here.

5. The applicant must have received an acceptance letter from a university, research/academic institution or company involved in scientific research and innovation. Provided that the institution is ranked among the top 200 globally according to Times Higher Education home or U.S. News & World Report.

6. If approved, the applicant must provide an official letter from their employer or university confirming approval of their leave during the fellowship period and stating whether they will continue to receive a salary, stipend, scholarship, or any other financial support.

7. Specific Eligibility Criteria:
   7.1 Postdoctoral Research:
           a. The applicant must have obtained a Ph.D. degree or its equivalent
           c. The duration must not be less than 6 months and not more than 12 months.
   
   7.2 Research Internship:

        a. Must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
        d. The duration must not be less than 3 months and not more than 6 months.

 

Second: Required Documents:

1. Recent copy of the civil ID through the "Kuwait Mobile ID" app.

2. Updated Curriculum Vitae.

3. An updated acceptance letter (issued on the most recent date) from the university, academic/research institution, or company, clearly stating:

   • The fellowship start and end dates.

   • The activities to be undertaken during the fellowship period.

   • The type and scope of the research or academic training.

4. All academic degrees and transcripts must be authenticated by the Ministry of Higher Education.

5. Personal Statement – minimum 200 words.

6. A recent “To Whom It May Concern” certificate issued by the Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS).  https://eservice.pifss.gov.kw/default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f

7. If currently enrolled in a university abroad, a recent “To Whom It May Concern” letter issued by the relevant Kuwait Cultural Office.
   
    

Third: Financial Benefits:

• Monthly Allowance per table below:

*Only for the grant duration

• A flight ticket allowance for one round-trip economy-class ticket to the fellowship location.

• Travel insurance

• Applicants must declare if they receive funding for the same fellowship from another source.  KFAS will cover the difference.
  
   

Fourth: Application Submission:

1. Applications are open twice a year:
   - Cycle 1: April 1 – May 31
   - Cycle 2: October 1 – November 30

2. If the applicant does not submit the required documents within two weeks from the date of notification by KFAS, the application is considered declined and must be resubmitted.

3. Application process will take up to 60 working days after application window closure.

4. For Applying, please click here, Only applications that are submitted through the application link will be considered.
   - For any inquiries, please contact: rgraduates@kfas.org.kw