Level:
Beginner
Duration:
10 weeks or more (split between courses)
Application Announcement
Registration is open until 5 November.
Eligible candidates will be invited to the placement test. To be eligible for the placement test, the candidate must be enrolled in the KAUST Academy/Coursera program within 5 days of receiving Coursera invitation and then complete the required pre-requisite courses within the recommended period, otherwise the Coursera subscription will be revoked and passed on to other applicants on the waiting list.
Requirements
1- Students and recent graduates in Saudi universities majoring in biology, chemistry and physics or relevant fields.
2- You must complete the prerequisite courses on Coursera.
3- Passing the assessments at each stage. Top qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
*Compulsory Step
Prerequisite Core Course
To qualify for the Water Sustainability Specialization Program, you’ll need to sign up for Coursera within 5 days of receiving the invitation link at your registered email address, and then successfully complete the core courses on Coursera to be eligible to take part in the placement test.
Students with top scores in the placement test will receive invitations for (Introduction to water sustainability) to join a one week in person training during university breaks. At the end of the course, students with top performance will be invited to another one week in person training (Advanced water sustainability) and take an exam at the end of the course as well.
The top qualified students will receive invitations to participate in a variety of KAUST Academy Summer Programs at elite partners institutions in KSA and/or abroad including Summer School, Internships, and Research Programs.
Students who will not be selected after passing the placement test in December will still have access to 200 courses, specializations, guided projects and more on Coursera until 31 July 2026. They will be eligible to receive a free certificate for each achievement on Coursera during that period.
Covered topics in this course
- Emerging waterborne chemical contaminants and microbial contaminants
- Wastewater treatment and resource recovery
- Water desalination
- Quantitative microbial risk assessment
- Hands-on experiences in analytical instrumentation and detection of water chemical contaminants
Skills you’ll gain
Molecular Biology Methods
Water Management
Purification Treatment
Water Desalination Techniques
Student Journey
Stage 1: Prerequisite Course
Method:
Self-Paced, Online Courses
Duration:
2 to 4 Weeks
Completion Date:
To Be Determined
Important Note: Signing up for the prerequisite courses on Coursera (Stage 1) does not guarantee participation in subsequent stages. Students must demonstrate their knowledge and skills by excelling in the assessments to progress through the program. Certificates of Completion will be awarded at each stage to acknowledge participants’ achievements. Qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Description: The students are required to complete dedicated online courses to establish a solid foundation for their water sustainability education.
Introduction to water sustainability
Method:
Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Duration:
5 days
Start Date:
(TBD) during university breaks
Description: The qualified students from the first stage will have the opportunity to participate in in-person lectures in different key locations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Advanced water sustainability
Method:
Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Start Date:
(TBD) during university breaks
Duration:
4 Days
Description: The qualified students who excel in the second stage, will be invited to advance in person training to a deeper exploration of the water sustainability domain
Stage 4: Water Sustainability Summer Program
Method:
Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Start Date:
To Be Determined
Duration:
Two months
Top performing students, distinguished from the third stage, will earn a coveted scholarship for 8 weeks during summer break.
Vision Message Dean of BESE
Water defines our future. From sustaining life and ecosystems to driving innovation and prosperity, the ability to secure and manage water resources underpins every aspect of human progress. Yet, securing this precious resource in a changing climate is one of humanity’s most urgent challenges. The Sustainability (Water) Specialization Program invites students to explore this grand challenge through the lens of science, technology, and global impact. In partnership with the KAUST Academy, students will work alongside leading researchers to understand and explore the science and systems supporting sustainable water management, from cutting-edge water technologies and circular resource strategies to life cycle analysis and integrated sustainability frameworks. This program is not only about understanding water: it’s about shaping a sustainable future for the planet and its people.
Professor Matthew McCabe
Dean, Division of Biological & Environmental Sc. and Eng. at KAUST
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for this program?
Saudi students and recent graduates in Saudi universities majoring in biology, chemistry and physics or relevant fields.
How do I start this program?
By signing up and completing the prerequisite (online) courses via Coursera.
Is there a tuition fee for the KAUST Academy Specializations Program?
The program is currently offered with a full scholarship for talented students at all Saudi universities.
Is this training program for technical professionals?
No, this training program is catered to Saudi students and recent graduates in Saudi universities to well prepare them for the ideal career opportunities in the Kingdom and/or abroad.
Will I be able to apply learned skills in real-world scenarios after this course?
Absolutely, the course emphasizes practical aspects and covers foundational concepts that are applicable to real-world problems and solutions.
How much time should I dedicate to the course each day?
(Stage one) Prerequisite online course is self-paced, suggested completion time is 2 to 4 weeks. (Stages 2, 3, and 4) Introduction, Advanced, and Summer Program) are full day in-person training and instructor-paced. They will will take place during university breaks.
How do I get invited to the placement test in stage one?
To qualify for the placement test, you are required to successfully complete only the pre-requisite course(s) which are auto-enrolled to your access upon joining Coursera.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes, participants who successfully complete the online course(s) and/or the in-person courses will receive a certificate of completion to showcase their newfound knowledge and skills at each stage.
How do I qualify for the in-person training and reach the fourth stage (summer program)?
The program consists of four stages with assessment after each stage to get qualified to the following one. Top performing students will be selected to advance further until they successfully reach the summer program.
How could I benefit from this training program if I could not get selected to the in-person course?
Students who successfully complete the pre-requisite courses on Coursera will be already benefited from this program even if they do not get selected to the second stage.
Do not forget that you have free access to over 200 courses, specialization, guided projects, and more through the KAUST Academy/Coursera license.
We strongly recommend that you enroll, complete and earn free certificates for as many courses as you like, during the entire period of the program.
