STUDY BIOENGINEERING AT KAUST

 

Seamlessly blending the natural world with an expanding universe of modern technology, bioengineering is a discipline with extraordinary potential to secure a better tomorrow. By borrowing fundamental biological principles — how natural organisms regulate themselves, protect themselves, replicate and adapt to threats — bioengineers are making life longer, safer and healthier for everyone. With strong governmental backing and state-of-the-art facilities at KAUST, our bioengineering program is on the brink of scientific breakthroughs. Driven by a passionately entrepreneurial outlook, and with one of the fastest-growing research-citation rates, KAUST Bioengineering is the place to put theory into practice — and improve the world for all.

WHY JOIN US?

Strategic Research for Global Impact
In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, KAUST is dedicated to transforming not only the academic landscape but also the broader world by addressing pressing global challenges such as disease, hunger and climate change. Our commitment to fostering innovative solutions is exemplified through initiatives like TAQADAM, our startup incubator, which empowers students to turn groundbreaking ideas into impactful ventures with the necessary funding, training and mentorship. By partnering with industry leaders — from Saudi Aramco to emerging sustainability pioneers — KAUST ensures that our research reaches beyond the laboratory and contributes to the Kingdom's goal of economic diversification and sustainable development. Through our focus the RDIA’s four research pillars, we aim to commercialize ideas that not only enhance lives but also contribute to a vibrant, knowledge-driven economy envisioned in Saudi Vision 2030. 

The Bioengineering program at KAUST embraces an interdisciplinary approach that unites diverse fields to drive innovation and address complex challenges in healthcare and sustainability. Through its three specialized tracks — Biodevices and Biomaterials, Synthetic Biology, and Bioinformatics and Machine Learning — the program fosters collaboration among scientists, engineers and technologists. This integration allows students and researchers to develop cutting-edge biodevices that improve diagnostics and treatment, explore the vast potential of synthetic organisms for environmental and health solutions, and harness the power of bioinformatics and machine learning to analyze biological data and drive informed decision-making. By blending these disciplines, KAUST equips its community to pioneer transformative advancements that can significantly enhance quality of life and address global issues. 

At KAUST Bioengineering, by offering students generous funding and world-class facilities and giving them the power to commercialize their technology and transform their ideas into successful startups, we let innovators focus on what matters most: finding the technologies of tomorrow and then sharing them with the world. 
Across our program, we offer students the funding and freedom to pursue their individual passions, then ensure they drive collective change without borders. 
Whether you want to develop synthetic tissues, build prosthetics that mimic the human body, or use bioreactors to treat wastewater, KAUST Bioengineering offers unrivalled research opportunities for postgraduate dreamers and doers. 
Combine our entrepreneurial spirit with free tuition, world-class facilities and unique collaborations across commerce and industry, and it is no wonder KAUST Bioengineering has quickly made its mark. Now it is time to stamp your legacy! 

Founded as a research institution with large aspirations less than two decades ago, KAUST has rapidly become one of the most respected universities in the world. With graduate students coming from five continents, our bioengineering program prides itself on its international, collaborative spirit — bringing together a diverse cohort of innovators to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. 

Join KAUST and engage in a dynamic program where creativity, collaboration, and breakthrough discoveries advance the field of Bioengineering

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

BIOENGINEERING PROGRAM

 

The Bioengineering program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to develop and apply engineering principles to the life sciences. This dynamic field focuses on modeling, monitoring, and treating disorders and disabilities affecting living organisms, as well as creating innovative algorithms to enhance our understanding of biological systems. Students will explore how to engineer living systems to optimize their performance, fostering advancements in health and technology.

The interdisciplinary nature of bioengineering merges concepts from electrical and mechanical engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, materials science, and biology, enabling the creation of novel solutions that address challenges in enhancing the well-being of living systems.

The Bioengineering program offers three specialized tracks to allow students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

  • Biodevices and Biomaterials Track: Focuses on the design and application of devices and materials that interact with biological systems, emphasizing innovation in medical technologies.
  • Synthetic Biology Track: Explores the engineering of biological systems and organisms, enabling students to develop synthetic pathways for novel applications in medicine and industry.
  • Bioinformatics and Machine Learning Track: Combines computational methods with biological data analysis, preparing students to harness machine learning techniques for advancements in genomics and personalized medicine.

Through this comprehensive curriculum, students will be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of modern bioengineering and contribute to the advancement of health and technology.

BIOENGINEERING MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM

KAUST Bioengineering advances human knowledge, We work with nature to revolutionize life across disciplines, guiding the next generation of bioengineers towards greatness.

Program Specializations

  • Biodevices and Biomaterials
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Bioinformatics and Machine Learning

Mandatory Courses

  • 4 Core Courses
  • 4 Electives
  • Graduate Seminars

Lab Experience

  • Foundations of Bioengineering Lab
  • Thesis and Non-thesis options

Duration of Study

  • 1.5 to 2 years
  • 3 x 15-week semesters and one Summer for Non-thesis
  • 4 x 15-week semesters and one Summer for Thesis

BIOENGINEERING PHD DEGREE PROGRAM

Program Specializations

  • Biodevices and Biomaterials
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Bioinformatics and Machine Learning

Mandatory Courses

  • 2 PhD-level Electives
  • Graduate Seminars
  • PhD courses can be taken from any program

Lab Experience

  • Doctoral Dissertation Research with your Pl Traveling Scholar for external collaboration

Duration of Study

  • 2.5-4 years
  • Maximum of 8 x 15-week semesters and 4 Summers

The information provided above is for general reference only. For detailed and current degree requirements, please refer to the Program Guide.

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PROGRAM GUIDE

Visit the KAUST Program Guide for detailed information about our graduate degree options.  The Program Guide provides prospective and current students with comprehensive information on various aspects of the program.

Within the guide, you will find detailed information on program course and credit requirements, placement tests, Ph.D. proposals, dissertation process guidance and the academic year structure.

The Program Guide will serve as your roadmap to successfully navigate your academic journey at KAUST and will allow you to make informed decisions about your studies.

Research

In BESE, we tackle the world’s most critical environmental and biological challenges by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and leveraging advanced technologies to enhance ecosystem resilience, secure food and water, and advance human health.

Explore Our Research

Meet Our
Bioengineering
Faculty

Explore the experts advancing research and innovation in bioengineering at KAUST.

Our Faculty

CONTACT US

Contact the BESE Student Recruitment Team:

sahika

 

Sahika Inal

Associate Professor, Bioengineering

Program Chair

Selena_Franchini

Selena Franchini

Graduate Program Coordinator

Building 9, Room 3325