IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 in Netherlands | Fully Funded

The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship offers a distinctive nine-month research opportunity designed for early- to mid-career scholars and professionals. This fully funded program, hosted primarily by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) in Leiden, the Netherlands, unfolds in two phases. Participants will engage in innovative research, contribute to global discussions on Asian Studies, and collaborate with international peers, fostering new perspectives and interdisciplinary connections.

Quick Overview

• Host Country: Netherlands (Leiden) and various partner institutions across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

• Eligible Nationalities: International applicants from all countries are welcome.

• Coverage: Fully Funded for Academic Fellows (Category A), with self-funded options available for other categories.

• Degree Level: PhD holders, PhD candidates, Post-doctoral researchers, and experienced professionals (non-degree).

• Deadline: 09-10-2026

Financial Benefits

The fellowship offers comprehensive support for Category A (Funded Academic Fellows), while Categories B and C (Self-Funded) receive specific assistance:

For Funded Academic Fellows (Category A):

• Monthly stipend of €1,250 during the six-month residency at IIAS in Leiden.

• Stipend for the initial three-month residency at the co-host institution, determined by the respective partner.

• Monthly housing allowance of €1,200 during the six-month Leiden residency.

• A generous travel grant covering international travel from the fellow's country of residence to the co-host institution, onward travel to the Netherlands, and return travel home.

• Access to IIAS-organized tours, workshops, and local cultural activities throughout the fellowship duration.

• Shared access to IIAS office space, seminar rooms, the campus library, and a screening room.

• Comprehensive visa support from Leiden University for the Netherlands phase and guidance from the co-host institution for the initial phase.

For Self-Funded Fellows (Categories B & C):

• Visa support provided by Leiden University for the Netherlands residency.

• Assistance with securing suitable accommodation.

• Shared access to IIAS facilities, including office space, seminar rooms, library, and screening room.

• Full participation in all IIAS community activities, workshops, and events.

Eligibility Criteria

The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship is open to applicants falling into three distinct categories:

• Category A: Academic (Funded)

  • Applicants must hold a PhD degree or be PhD candidates with a confirmed defense date no later than September 2026.

  • Candidates must be seeking a fully funded fellowship opportunity.

• Category B: Academic (Self-Funded)

  • Applicants must hold a PhD degree or be PhD candidates with a confirmed defense date no later than September 2026.

  • Candidates must have secured confirmed external or personal funding to cover the entire fellowship period.

• Category C: Independent Professional (Self-Funded)

  • Open to professionals such as journalists, writers, diplomats, policymakers, curators, and others with a relevant professional background.

  • Applicants must demonstrate a strong track record in their respective fields.

  • Candidates must have secured confirmed external or personal funding for the full fellowship duration.

• General Requirement for All Categories: All applicants must possess a strong command of the English language.

Required Documents

Prepare the following documents for your application:

• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• A detailed list of your academic and professional publications.

• Relevant writing samples that showcase your research or professional work.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your application for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship Program:

• Access and complete the official IIAS Fellowship Application Form online.

• Carefully select your applicant profile (Category A, B, or C) based on your qualifications and funding status.

• Indicate your preferred cohort dates for the fellowship program.

• Provide detailed information about your proposed research project.

• Choose the most relevant research cluster or framework that aligns with your project from IIAS's thematic areas (Cities, The Politics of Culture, Asia in the World, Humanities Across Borders, Knowledge Diplomacy in Action).

• Write a clear and concise description of your project.

• Outline your work plan and specify the expected outcomes of your fellowship research.

• Explain your language skills and their relevance to your proposed project.

• Select your preferred co-hosting institutions for Phase 1 of the fellowship.

• Provide a compelling rationale for your choice of co-hosting institutions.

• Answer all additional questions presented within the application form.

• Upload all required supporting documents as specified.

• Thoroughly review all information provided and agree to the terms and conditions.

• Submit your completed application form.