The Chemical Engineering Program provides students with a strong foundation in fundamental principles and cutting-edge applications, empowering them to develop real-world solutions to global challenges. Through rigorous coursework and advanced research, our students and faculty explore innovative processes and materials across key areas such as reaction engineering, thermodynamics, mass transport in liquid and gas phases, and separation science and technology.
Polymers and Porous Materials
Designing and synthesizing ordered porous structures, polymeric membranes, and novel polymeric materials for applications in healthcare, flexible electronics, and sustainable packaging.
Energy Conversion and Storage
Developing next-generation technologies for clean energy solutions, including fuel combustion, electrochemical systems, and sustainable energy storage.
Advanced Separation Technologies
Innovating polymeric and inorganic membranes, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and adsorption-based processes for natural gas separation, water purification, and industrial separations.
Catalysis and Chemical Kinetics
Advancing heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts for sustainable chemical transformations and industrial applications.
Thermodynamics and Surface Science
Investigating fundamental thermodynamic principles and interfacial phenomena to enhance process efficiency and material performance.
With generous and secured research funding, our faculty and researchers are free to focus on long-term, high-impact research that drives innovation in chemical engineering. Our program is committed to producing scientific advancements that align with industrial needs and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 through technology transfer and industrial collaboration.
The Chemical Engineering Program at KAUST is a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation, tackling global challenges in sustainability, energy conversion, catalysis, separation processes, and advanced materials. By leveraging an interdisciplinary approach, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art research facilities, the program equips students with the expertise and experience to drive scientific breakthroughs and develop transformative technologies.
Catalysis and Chemical Kinetics
Focuses on the fundamental and applied aspects of catalysis and reaction engineering, including heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, and the kinetics of complex chemical reactions.
Energy Conversion and Storage
Covers advanced energy technologies such as fuel combustion, battery storage, hydrogen production, and fuel cell applications to enhance sustainable energy solutions.
Advanced Separation Technologies
Explores innovative approaches to separation science, including polymeric and inorganic membranes, natural gas separation, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and ordered porous structures for selective adsorption and filtration.
Polymers and Porous Materials
Investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of polymeric and porous materials in various industries, including energy, healthcare, and environmental remediation.
Thermodynamics and Surface Science
Focuses on phase equilibria, interfacial phenomena, mass transport in liquid and gas phases, and the thermodynamic principles governing materials design and process efficiency.
Core Courses (12 credits):
Students must complete four core courses, which provide a solid foundation in the program area. Examples include:
Elective Courses (12 credits):
Students can tailor their education by selecting elective courses from a wide range of technical subjects, including:
GRADUATE SEMINARS
WINTER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Takes place in January each year and is designed to broaden students horizons. Guest speakers are invited from around the world to speak on the chosen theme selected for that year.
MS (Thesis): Four semesters + one summer session
Catalysis and Chemical Kinetics
Focuses on the fundamental and applied aspects of catalysis and reaction engineering, including heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, and the kinetics of complex chemical reactions.
Energy Conversion and Storage
Covers advanced energy technologies such as fuel combustion, battery storage, hydrogen production, and fuel cell applications to enhance sustainable energy solutions.
Advanced Separation Technologies
Explores innovative approaches to separation science, including polymeric and inorganic membranes, natural gas separation, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and ordered porous structures for selective adsorption and filtration.
Polymers and Porous Materials
Investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of polymeric and porous materials in various industries, including energy, healthcare, and environmental remediation.
Thermodynamics and Surface Science
Focuses on phase equilibria, interfacial phenomena, mass transport in liquid and gas phases, and the thermodynamic principles governing materials design and process efficiency.
PhD students must complete at least two 300 level courses (6 credits), courses tailored to their research focus, along with significant research components. Examples include:
Ph.D. students at KAUST engage in pioneering experimental research within state-of-the-art laboratories, utilizing advanced technologies and methodologies. Through collaborative projects with leading industry partners and global academic institutions, they gain hands-on experience in addressing real-world scientific and engineering challenges.
GRADUATE SEMINARS
MS students are required to register for seminars. Topics of relevant importance in all areas of chemical engineering will be presented by invited speakers from academia and industry
WINTER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Takes place in January each year and is designed to broaden students horizons. Guest speakers are invited from around the world to speak on the chosen theme for that year.
All students must register for WE 100 and successfully complete one Winter Enrichment Program (WEP), usually taken in the first year of study.
PhD: 8 semesters + 4 summer sessions.
The information provided above is for general reference only. For detailed and current degree requirements, please refer to the 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.
The PSE Division leads transformative research across the four RDI Pillars. With world-class faculty and facilities, we drive the discoveries that are shaping a more sustainable and innovative future..
Explore the experts advancing research and innovation in Chemical Engineering at KAUST.
Contact the PSE team: PSE.info@kaust.edu.sa
Drop-in hours:
