Deadline: September 22, 2025
Are you passionate about cultural heritage, archaeology, and sustainable site management? The UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – AlUla Fellowships Programme 2025 is now open for applications. This prestigious two-year fellowship provides 10 professionals from UNESCO Member States the opportunity to advance their expertise through research, fieldwork, and hands-on training across Saudi Arabia, UNESCO duty stations, and national heritage institutions worldwide.
About the UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – AlUla Fellowships Programme 2025
This fellowship programme is a collaboration between UNESCO and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). It is designed to strengthen global expertise in heritage conservation, emergency preparedness, cultural landscapes, and sustainable management of cultural sites, while contributing to UNESCO’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Selected fellows will participate in three rotations over 24 months, gaining diverse experience in cultural heritage research and management.
Programme Structure
Rotation 1 – 6 Months at Kingdoms Institute, Saudi Arabia
Fellows will be based at the RCU’s Kingdoms Institute in AlUla, specialising in areas such as:
- Management of World Heritage Sites (2 positions)
- Archaeology, built heritage, and intangible heritage research (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-Month UNESCO Traineeship
Fellows will undertake a traineeship at a UNESCO duty station such as:
- UNESCO HQ (Paris, World Heritage Centre, or Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit)
- UNESCO Field Offices in Abuja, Almaty, Amman, Bangkok, Cairo, Harare, Kingston, or Yaoundé
This provides hands-on training in heritage management at an international level.
Rotation 3 – 6-Month Placement with a National Commission or Heritage Entity
The final rotation places fellows in a national UNESCO commission, museum, or cultural heritage site. Placements are assigned based on fellow background and institutional needs, ensuring mutual learning and long-term impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Between 25 and 40 years old at time of application
- Nationality: Citizen of an invited UNESCO Member State or Associate Member
- Education:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in archaeology, heritage management, architecture, anthropology, museum management, art history, creative industries, or related fields
- OR a first-level university degree with at least two additional years of relevant experience
- Language: Excellent command of English (knowledge of another UNESCO language is an asset)
Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Updated CV (max. 2 pages)
- Certified copy of highest degree certificate
- Completed Application Form (in English)
- Motivation Letter (1 page)
- Proposal Form (max. 3 pages, PDF)
- Short self-introduction video (2 minutes, MP4, <50 MB) covering:
- Why you are applying
- What makes you a strong candidate
- What you bring to the programme
- Copy of valid passport (expiry after 31 July 2026)
Fellowship Benefits
Fellows will receive full support during all three rotations, including:
- Travel: Return international flights and local transfers
- Accommodation & Meals: Provided or covered via stipend
- Living Stipend: Based on UN rates, covering housing, meals, and local expenses
- Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance provided by RCU
This ensures fellows can focus fully on training and research without financial burden.
Duration & Timeline
- Programme Length: 24 months (6 + 12 + 6 rotations)
- Fellowship Start: March 2026
- Fellowship End: May 2028
- Application Deadline: 22 September 2025 (midnight, Central European Time)
How to Apply
All required application documents should be submitted via email to:
📩 alulafellowship@unesco.org
- Deadline: 22 September 2025 (midnight CET)
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Summary Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Duration | 24 months (6 + 12 + 6 rotations) |
| Number of Fellows | 10 |
| Focus Areas | Heritage research, archaeology, conservation, emergency preparedness, cultural landscapes |
| Eligibility | 25–40 yrs, relevant degree/experience, strong English |
| Support | Flights, stipends, accommodation, insurance |
| Deadline | 22 September 2025 |
| Submission | alulafellowship@unesco.org |
🔗 Click here to Apply
🔗 Read more about the Programme
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