UNESCO-Kingdoms Institute AIUla Fellowships Programme 2025

Are you looking to advance your expertise in heritage research, conservation, and World Heritage management? The UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute AIUla Fellowships Programme 2025 offers a unique, fully funded opportunity for 10 talented professionals to expand their skills through a combination of research, training, and practical experience.

The programme, a collaboration between UNESCO and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), is designed to deepen scientific knowledge in the field of heritage and to build global capacity in safeguarding World Heritage. Spanning 24 months, it blends immersive fieldwork in Saudi Arabia with international rotations that provide exposure to UNESCO’s culture initiatives and partner heritage institutions.

Programme Structure (Rotations)

Rotation 1 (6 months): Fellowship at the Kingdoms Institute in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Research profiles include:

• Management of World Heritage Sites (2 fellows)
• Immovable Heritage Research (2 fellows)
• Immovable Heritage Conservation (2 fellows)
• Intangible Cultural Heritage (2 fellows)
• Oases as Cultural Landscapes (2 fellows)

Rotation 2 (12 months): Traineeship with the UNESCO Culture Programme at one of their duty stations (e.g., Paris HQ, Abuja, Amman, Bangkok, Cairo, etc.).

Rotation 3 (6 months): Work placement with a Partner National Commission for UNESCO or a recognised cultural or heritage institution (e.g., a museum).

Funding and Benefits

• Travel: Round-trip economy class international flights for each rotation.
• Stipend: A monthly allowance to cover meals, accommodation, local transportation, and other living expenses, based on UN rates applicable to the assigned duty station. (Note: The figure of ‘$541 monthly allowance’ found in one image is not applicable, as stipends follow UN scales and are generally higher).
• Accommodation & Food: Provided during the first rotation in AlUla, Saudi Arabia.
• Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance for the entire fellowship period, arranged by the Royal Commission for AlUla.

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Eligibility Criteria for the AIUla Fellowships Programme 2025

• Nationality: Open to nationals of invited UNESCO Member States or Associate Members (specific list not included in images).
• Age: Applicants must be at least 25 years old and younger than 40 at the time of application.
• Education: A master’s degree (or equivalent) in fields such as heritage management, archaeology, architecture, conservation, anthropology, museum studies, or cultural policy. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree may also qualify if they have at least two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Language: Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of another UNESCO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is an advantage.

Application Process

Applications must be complete and submitted by email to aluiafellowship@unesco.org before the deadline.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages).
• Certified copy of the highest diploma or degree obtained.
• Completed Application Form (in English).
• Motivation Letter (in English, maximum 1 page).
• Completed Proposal Form (in English, PDF, maximum 3 pages).
• A self-introduction video (in English, MP4 format, maximum 2 minutes, under 50 MB) addressing:
  Your motivation for applying.
  · Why you are a strong candidate.
  · The skills or value you would bring.
• A valid Passport copy (valid at least until 31 July 2026).

Important Note: Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.

APPLY FOR THE AlUla FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAMME