UNESCO UK AlUla Fellowships Programme 2026
The UNESCO / Kingdoms Institute: AlUla Fellowships Programme 2026 offers international students and professionals a unique opportunity to pursue cultural research, conservation, and world heritage studies abroad for free. Fellows will gain hands-on training and research experience while collaborating with experts in Saudi Arabia and across UNESCO offices.
This prestigious fellowship is designed to strengthen global expertise in protecting and promoting cultural heritage. By supporting skill development and international collaboration, the program empowers participants to make meaningful contributions to safeguarding heritage worldwide.
What Does the Fellowship Provide
The program offers 10 completely funded fellowships in 2026. Every fellowship lasts 24 months and consists of three valuable rotations: Postdoctoral fellowship opportunities.
- Rotation 1 (6 months, AlUla, Saudi Arabia): Study and training at the Kingdoms Institute in heritage management, archaeology, conservation, and cultural landscapes.
- Rotation 2 (12 months, UNESCO Duty Stations): Funded traineeship in international sites including Paris HQ, Cairo, Bangkok, Harare, and others. Trainees acquire practical skills through UNESCO’s Culture Programme.
- Rotation 3 (6 months, National Commissions & Heritage Entities): Internships at museums, heritage institutions, or cultural organizations to utilize skills in practical heritage management.
The grant includes:
- Research opportunities in culturally abundant AlUla.
- Education in emergency readiness and reaction for cultural heritage locations.
- Guided professional growth with experts from UNESCO and collaborating organizations.
- A defined route for developing an international career in heritage preservation and cultural administration.
Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship invites young professionals and researchers in heritage who fulfill the following criteria:
- Possess nationality from a Member State or Associate Member invited by UNESCO.
- Be aged 25 to 39 when applying.
- Possess a minimum of a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in areas such as heritage management, archaeology, anthropology, conservation, architecture, museum management, art history, cultural studies, or similar fields.
- Exhibit outstanding English skills. Proficiency in additional UNESCO official languages (Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, or Russian) is beneficial.
Updated Dates for Application Submission
For the 2026 version, applications need to be sent in by Monday, 6 October 2025 (midnight, Paris local time). All necessary documents—such as CV, diploma copies, application form, motivation letter, proposal form, video introduction, and passport copy—must be uploaded to this portal before the deadline.
Reasons to Apply
The AlUla Fellowships Programme offers more than training; it provides an international platform to kickstart your career in heritage research and management. Participants will:
- Collaborate with UNESCO specialists and global collaborators
- Assist in safeguarding World Heritage sites, particularly during periods of danger.
- Establish a robust professional network in the areas of cultural preservation and heritage.
- Acquire global exposure through experience in Saudi Arabia and UNESCO offices around the globe.
This fellowship offers students and young professionals an extraordinary opportunity to study and work abroad at no cost in 2026, enabling them to make a meaningful contribution to global heritage and conservation while supporting the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
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