UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute 24-Month Fellowships Program 2025 (Fully-Funded with Living Stipends in Saudi Arabia)-Apply Now

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Application Deadline: September 22, 2025

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), has announced a fully funded 24-month fellowship program for outstanding heritage professionals. The program, hosted in Saudi Arabia, is designed to strengthen global capacity in heritage research, conservation, and management while advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Through this fellowship, 10 highly skilled experts will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the AlUla region, gaining practical experience through fieldwork, on-the-job training, and international exposure. The initiative is part of the strategic collaboration between UNESCO and RCU to safeguard and promote AlUla’s heritage while building professional expertise in emergency preparedness, cultural preservation, and world heritage management.

Fellowship Focus Areas

The UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute fellowship prioritizes fields that directly impact cultural heritage and its preservation. Selected fellows will engage in activities spanning:

  • Heritage research and documentation
  • Conservation and restoration practices
  • Heritage management and policy development
  • Emergency preparedness and response for world heritage sites
  • Collaboration with international and national heritage organizations

This immersive program not only contributes to preserving AlUla’s unique heritage but also enhances the fellows’ professional competencies to address heritage-related challenges worldwide.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a national of one of the invited UNESCO Member States or Associate Members.
  • Be between the ages of 25 and 40 at the time of application.
  • Hold at least a master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant disciplines such as heritage management, archaeology, architecture, conservation, museum management, cultural policy, anthropology, art history, creative industries, social sciences, or related fields. A bachelor’s degree with two additional years of professional experience may be considered.
  • Demonstrate strong proficiency in English (oral and written). Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages—Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, or Russian—is considered an advantage.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship is fully funded and provides a wide range of entitlements to ensure fellows can focus entirely on their research and professional development. Benefits include:

  • International Travel: Round-trip economy class tickets for all rotations.
  • Accommodation & Meals: Fully covered housing, transportation, and meals during the fellowship.
  • Monthly Stipends: To support other living expenses in line with UN regulations.
  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage provided by the Royal Commission for AlUla.
  • Professional Development: Access to UNESCO, RCU, and partner institutions’ programs, mentorship, and resources.

Fellows will rotate across three assignments, including time in Saudi Arabia, UNESCO duty stations, and partner national commissions or heritage institutions. This rotation system is designed to ensure well-rounded international experience.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages).
  2. Certified copies of the highest academic diploma or degree.
  3. Completed Application Form (Annex 4).
  4. Motivation letter (1 page maximum).
  5. Proposal form (Annex 5, up to 3 pages, PDF format).
  6. Two-minute self-introduction video (MP4, under 50MB) highlighting motivation, skills, and suitability for the fellowship.
  7. Valid passport (expiry date beyond July 31, 2026).

All documents must be submitted in English. If submitted in another language, applicants must include a notarized English translation.

Deadline and Submission

Applications must be submitted via email to alulafellowship@unesco.org no later than 22 September 2025 (Midnight, Central European Time). Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute fellowship is more than a professional opportunity—it is a global platform for advancing heritage research and building the next generation of conservation leaders. By combining academic knowledge with practical fieldwork in AlUla, fellows will play a vital role in shaping how the world preserves cultural treasures in the face of modern challenges.

With its fully funded structure, comprehensive support, and international rotations, this program represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for heritage professionals seeking to make a lasting impact.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE 

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