For professionals passionate about cultural heritage, history, and preservation, a unique door is opening.
UNESCO, in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), is offering an exclusive 24-month fellowship program.
This initiative will bring together 10 fellows from around the world, giving them the chance to dive into Heritage Research, Conservation, and Management while also contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
What the Fellowship Is All About
The program is designed to expand scientific knowledge in the field of heritage and conservation while also boosting global capacity for World Heritage management, especially in emergency preparedness and response.
Beyond academic theory, fellows will blend hands-on fieldwork in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, with on-the-job training inside both international organizations and national heritage institutions.
Who Can Apply
To be considered, applicants must meet several key requirements:
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Nationality: Must belong to one of the invited Member States or Associate Members.
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Age: Between 25 and 40 years old at the time of application.
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Education: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant fields like heritage management, archaeology, architecture, cultural policy, museum studies, anthropology, or related areas. In some cases, a Bachelor’s degree plus two years of professional experience may be accepted.
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Languages: Excellent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other UNESCO languages—such as Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, or Russian—will be considered a plus.
What Fellows Will Gain
The fellowship provides not just training, but full support to help participants thrive. Benefits include:
Rotation 1: In AlUla, Saudi Arabia
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Round-trip economy-class tickets (international and regional).
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Free accommodation, meals, and local transport (7 days per week).
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Stipends to cover additional living costs.
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Comprehensive medical insurance.
Rotation 2: At a UNESCO Duty Station
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International travel to and from the assigned location.
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Stipends to cover meals, housing, transport, and daily expenses.
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Medical insurance provided.
Rotation 3: With a National Commission or Partner Entity
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International travel support.
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Stipends for meals, accommodation, and local needs.
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Full medical coverage.
Application Essentials
To apply, candidates need to prepare and submit the following documents by 22 September 2025 (midnight CET):
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A concise CV (max 2 pages).
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Certified copies of highest degree(s).
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Completed Application Form (Annex 4) in English.
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A 1-page motivation letter in English.
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A proposal form (Annex 5), max 3 pages in PDF.
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A short 2-minute video introduction (MP4, under 50MB) explaining motivation, skills, and unique contributions.
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A passport copy valid beyond 31 July 2026.
👉 Important: Any document not in English must include a notarized English translation.
Time Is Ticking
This is a rare chance for heritage professionals to combine meaningful research with international exposure and hands-on training.
If you’re ready to take your expertise to the next level, make sure your application lands before the 22 September 2025 deadline.