UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – AlUla Fellowships Programme (Fully Funded). The UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute AlUla Fellowships Programme 2025 is now open for applications until 22 September 2025. This fully funded 24-month fellowship offers heritage professionals an opportunity to gain international experience in conservation, heritage research, and World Heritage site management while receiving travel, stipends, and full support.
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Background & Fellowship Description
The AlUla Fellowships Programme 2025, jointly organized by UNESCO and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), is designed to strengthen global capacity in heritage research, conservation, and management.
A total of 10 fellows will be selected for a two-year programme, which combines academic learning, fieldwork in Saudi Arabia, UNESCO traineeships, and placements with cultural or heritage entities worldwide.
The fellowship plays a vital role in UNESCO’s mission to protect cultural heritage, enhance scientific knowledge, and support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – AlUla Fellowships Programme (Fully Funded)
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship spans 24 months, divided into three main rotations:
Rotation 1 – 6 months (Saudi Arabia)
Hosted by the Kingdoms Institute in AlUla, fellows will focus on research and training in heritage conservation and management. Profiles include:
- World Heritage Site Management (2 positions)
- Archaeology, Built Heritage & Intangible Cultural Heritage (2 positions)
- Heritage Conservation with focus on emergency preparedness (2 positions)
- Intangible Cultural Heritage (2 positions)
- Oases as Cultural Landscapes: Risk Management & Conservation (2 positions)
Rotation 2 – 12 months (UNESCO Offices Worldwide)
Fellows will join sponsored traineeships under the Culture Programme at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris or field offices such as Abuja, Amman, Bangkok, Cairo, Harare, and others.
Rotation 3 – 6 months (Partner Institutions)
Final placements will be with National Commissions for UNESCO, museums, or heritage sites, chosen based on fellows’ backgrounds and institutional needs.
Benefits & Facilities Provided
Selected fellows will receive full financial and institutional support, including:
- Monthly stipend during all rotations
- Travel expenses (air tickets provided)
- Medical insurance
- Accommodation support and local facilities
- Mentorship and on-the-job training from global experts
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a national of one of UNESCO’s invited Member States or Associate Members (see Annex I of the guide).
- Aged 25–39 years at the time of application.
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in heritage-related fields such as:
- Culture, Heritage Management, Archaeology, Conservation, Museum Studies, Architecture, Anthropology, Arts Management, or related disciplines.
- A Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years’ relevant experience may also qualify.
- Excellent English (oral and written). Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Russian, or Chinese) is an advantage.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted by email to alulafellowship@unesco.org no later than 22 September 2025 (midnight CET).
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages)
- Certified copies of academic degree(s)
- Completed Application Form (Annex 4)
- Motivation Letter (1 page)
- Proposal Form (Annex 5, max 3 pages, PDF)
- 2-minute self-introduction video (English, MP4, max 50 MB)
- Copy of valid Passport (expiry after 31 July 2026)
📌 Note: All non-English documents must be accompanied by certified English translations.
Selection Process
- Applications will be screened jointly by UNESCO and RCU.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
- Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email.
- Selection emphasizes gender equality and cultural diversity.
Conclusion
The UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute AlUla Fellowships Programme 2025 offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for heritage professionals to gain world-class training, global exposure, and the chance to contribute to safeguarding humanity’s shared cultural heritage.
If you are passionate about heritage, conservation, and international cooperation, this fully funded fellowship could be your gateway to a global career.
Visit the official UNESCO application guide and submit your documents to alulafellowship@unesco.org before 22 September 2025.
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