Najmul H. Abid​

I get a lot of emails regarding how to secure a funded PhD offer. I am not an expert in this; however, I do have a little experience from what my friends and I went through. Therefore, I thought it would be beneficial if I answer some of the most frequently asked questions here.

​

Is it easier to get into a funded MSc program or a funded PhD program? 

Definitely a funded PhD program is easier to get. Because of the following reasons:

        1. Advisors know that a master's student will spend most of his time on courses.

        2. A PhD student spends more time in research; thus, contributing more to the research group. 

        3. Master students are not as serious about research as PhD students. The moment they get involved in the research, its time for                     them to graduate and move on. 

​

What is the best way to grab the attention of a Professor?

Meeting him in person is the best. Asking a common colleague to introduce you might also work. 

​

Professors are not replying to my email. What should I do?

Keep trying! All Professors receive ALOT of emails from potential students. They honestly don't have the time to read all of them and reply.

 

Should I do GRE and Tofel or IELTS?

This depends on where you want to do your PhD. Check the admission requirements for the program that you are applying to and do accordingly.

​

How far can a Professor push your application?

Difficult question!

​

How can I get admission in King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)?

I applied to KAUST 2 times: Masters program (2013) and PhD program (2015) and I personally know a lot of people who have applied. Hence, I will answer the question based on my experience and theirs. There are several steps involved in this process. Do the following:

1. Contact a professor that would be willing to take you in his research team. Once he agrees, put his name in the application.

2. Fill in the application (online application, statement of purpose, CV, KAUST scholarship essay,  etc.) and submit it before the deadline.

3. The first interview is with a professor who is interested in taking you in his research team (possibly the one whose name you put in the application). This interview will be on Skype or in KAUST (if you have stated that you are residing in Saudi Arabia). The interview will revolve around your knowledge in the specified field of research. 

4. There is a second interview. This interview is called the social interview. The objective of this interview is to see whether you are fit for KAUST's environment. This interview will be in-person, hence you will be required to travel to a country of their choice (some students had this interview on Skype). The flight tickets, accommodation (if required), and local travel expense will be paid for.  

(The above information is valid for admission process before/on 2015. There might be changes that might have occurred.)

​

How can I get admission in Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MI)?

I applied to MI 2 times: Masters program (2013) and PhD program (2015) and I personally know a lot of people who have applied. Hence, I will answer the question based on my experience and theirs. The application is a simple and there are no interviews involved. Here are some tips:​

• Contacting professors is kind of useless as they have no ability to control the outcome of an application.

• Apply early. In 2013, they had rolling admission. This gave an advantage to those who applied early. 

• Getting a visa can be difficult, hence don't be over excited once you have been accepted. 

(The above information is valid for admission process before/on 2015. There might be changes that might have occurred.)

​

More to be written soon...

​

Please feel free to email me if you have any specific question.