Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE) at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) | About the University Department

The Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) 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 computer science, electrical and computer engineering, applied mathematics and computational sciences, and statistics — taught in English by internationally renowned faculty, with exceptional research facilities and a genuinely interdisciplinary culture. Here, the next generation of scientific leaders tackle complex national and global challenges, and help create a sustainable future for the Kingdom and the world.

Why study at the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)?

Admitted CEMSE 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 Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences, and Statistics — with the flexibility to work across disciplines.

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.

Access world-class research facilities and computing infrastructure — including the Shaheen III supercomputer — to tackle real national and global challenges in AI, data science, communications and beyond.

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

4

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)

Discover KAUST Webinar Series

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About the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)

At the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering (CEMSE) Division at KAUST, we embrace a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to research, leveraging expertise and cutting-edge resources across disciplines to tackle complex national and global challenges.

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 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 Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)

Analytics / Business Intelligence

Applied Mathematics

Applied Statistics

Artificial Intelligence

Communications Engineering

Computational Mathematics

Computer Architectures

Computer Generated Visual & Audio Effects

Control Systems

Electrical Engineering

Electronic Engineering

Information Systems

Mathematical Methods

Mathematical Modelling

Mathematical Statistics

Mechatronics

Medical Statistics

Numerical Analysis

Operating Systems

Optical Physics

Robotics & Cybernetics

Software Engineering

Statistical Modelling

Statistics

Systems Engineering

Networks & Communications

Operational Research

Probability

Stochastic Processes

Data Science

Machine Learning

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Student life at the Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)

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 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 CEMSE admissions pages for specifics.

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 programs does CEMSE offer?

The CEMSE Division offers master's (M.S.) and Ph.D. degrees across four academic programs: Computer Science;Electrical and Computer Engineering;Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences;and Statistics. Each combines rigorous foundations with interdisciplinary, research-led study, preparing graduates for careers in industry, academia and research.

What funding and support are available?

More than 90% of KAUST graduate students receive full financial support through the KAUST Fellowship, awarded automatically on admission — there's no separate application. The Fellowship covers full tuition and fees, a monthly living stipend, on-campus housing (with utilities included), health insurance, and relocation support (visa, travel and moving costs), so students can focus entirely on their studies and research from day one.

Main campus

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Thuwal

Saudi Arabia

Visit website Register interest

Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)