Hey Mzansi students and young professionals! Ever dreamed of exploring ancient heritage sites, working with global experts, and getting fully funded for it? Well, get ready because the incredible UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute AlUla Fellowships Programme is open for applications for 2025! This isn’t just any funding; it’s a unique opportunity to combine fieldwork in Saudi Arabia with top-notch training in heritage research, conservation, and management. If you’re passionate about culture and history and ready for an international adventure, keep reading!
This fantastic 24-month UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute AlUla Fellowships Programme, in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), is designed for highly skilled heritage experts and young professionals. It aims to boost scientific knowledge in heritage research and conservation, and strengthen World Heritage management, especially in emergency preparedness. You’ll get hands-on experience in the AlUla region of Saudi Arabia, plus on-the-job training within international organizations like UNESCO and national entities. Think of it as a super intensive, fully-funded career accelerator in global heritage!
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this exciting UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute AlUla Fellowships Programme, make sure you tick these boxes:
- You must be a citizen of one of the invited Member States and Associate Members (check the official Annex I document for the full list – applicants must verify this themselves).
- You need to be between 25 and 40 years old at the time of application.
- You should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in fields like culture, heritage management, archaeology, conservation, architecture, urban planning/development, museum management, cultural policies, anthropology, art history, arts management, creative industries, international relations, or social and human sciences. If you have a first-level university degree, you’ll need two additional years of relevant experience to qualify.
- You must have excellent English language skills (both oral and written). Knowledge of other UNESCO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is a bonus!
What Does It Cover?
This is a FULLY FUNDED fellowship! The UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute AlUla Fellowships Programme ensures you won’t have to worry about the costs. Here’s what you can expect:
Rotation 1 (In Saudi Arabia)
- Round-trip international flight to Saudi Arabia and a round-trip flight to the AlUla Region.
- Accommodation, local transport, and food provided 7 days a week.
- A stipend to cover other living expenses in Saudi Arabia, aligned with UN rates.
- Medical insurance from the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Rotation 2 (At UNESCO Duty Station)
- An international flight to your assigned UNESCO duty station.
- Stipends for meals, accommodation, local transport, and other living expenses, aligned with UN rates for that location.
- Medical insurance from the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Rotation 3 (At Partner National Commission/Entity)
- An international flight to your assigned partner National Commission or entity.
- Stipends for meals, accommodation, local transport, and other living expenses, aligned with UN rates for that location.
- Medical insurance from the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Basically, they’ve got you covered for the entire 24 months!
How to Apply?
Ready to embark on this incredible journey? Here’s how to submit your application for the UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute AlUla Fellowships Programme:
All your required documents need to be sent via email to alula.fellowship@unesco.org. Make sure everything is submitted by **Midnight (Central European Time) on 22 September 2025**.
Don’t leave anything out or apply late, because incomplete or late applications won’t be considered!
Required Application Documents:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) – maximum 2 pages.
- Certified photocopies of your highest diploma or degree.
- A completed Application Form (you can download Annex 4 here).
- A motivation letter in English – maximum 1 page.
- A completed Proposal Form (download Annex 5 here) – maximum 3 pages, in PDF format.
- A 2-minute self-introduction video in English (MP4 format, under 50 MB). In this video, you should briefly introduce yourself and answer:
- What motivates you to apply for this Programme, and why do you think you are a strong candidate?
- What skills or added value would you bring to the Programme?
- A copy of your Passport, valid until at least 31 July 2026.
Important Note: If any of your documents are not in English, you must include a notarized English translation. All documents must be clear, authentic, and valid.
For more details, visit the official UNESCO webpage: UNESCO AlUla Fellowships Programme Official Webpage
If a fully funded, international adventure in heritage research and conservation sounds like your dream come true, then don’t hesitate! This UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute AlUla Fellowships Programme could be your big break. Gather your documents, prepare your video, and apply before the deadline. And while you’re here, why not explore more amazing opportunities on Bursaries Room? Your future self will thank you!
