Asia in the World Fellowship Programme 2027-2028

Applications are now open for the Asia in the World Fellowship Programme offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University, Netherlands. This fully funded and self-funded fellowship gives early to mid-career researchers and professionals a unique nine-month opportunity to conduct innovative research on Asia from a global perspective.

The programme includes two phases: three months at a partner institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe, followed by six months at IIAS in Leiden. It is open to academics and independent professionals. There is no application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Programme Duration: Nine months.
• Host Country: Netherlands (Phase 2)), with Phase 1 in partner countries
• Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
• Degree Level: Post-PhD Fellowship
• Open to: all Nationalities
• Application Fee: None

What IIAS Offers:

Category A — Funded Academic Fellows:

• Monthly stipend €1,250 gross per month during the Leiden residency (Phase 2). The stipend for Phase 1 is determined and provided by the co-host institution.
• Housing allowance €1,200 per month towards accommodation costs during Phase 2. Fellows are responsible for finding and securing their own accommodation in Leiden or the surrounding area.
• Travel grant covering travel from the fellow’s country of residence to the co-host institution, from the co-host to the Netherlands, and return travel home upon completion.
• Professional development through IIAS-organised outings, workshops, and enrichment activities.
• University facilities including access to IIAS office space, seminar rooms, library, and screening room.
• Visa support from Leiden University for the Netherlands residency (co-host provides guidance for Phase 1).

Categories B & C — Self-Funded Fellows:

• Full participation in all IIAS community activities, workshops, and events.
• Visa support from Leiden University for the Netherlands residency.
• Accommodation assistance through a list of trusted rental agencies in Leiden.
• University facilities including access to IIAS office space, seminar rooms, library, and screening room.

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Eligibility Criteria:

The programme welcomes applicants in three categories:

• Category A (Fully Funded Academic): PhD holders or candidates who will defend their thesis by September 2026 and need full funding.
• Category B (Self-Funded Academic): PhD holders or candidates with confirmed external or personal funding.
• Category C (Self-Funded Independent Professionals): Journalists, writers, diplomats, policy makers, curators, and other professionals with a strong track record and confirmed funding.

All applicants must have a good command of English. Fellows must commit to the full nine months.

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Research Focus:

Projects should engage with Asia as part of wider global formations and may align with one or more IIAS thematic clusters: Cities, The Politics of Culture, Asia in the World, Humanities Across Borders, Knowledge Diplomacy in Action.

Interdisciplinary approaches and projects bridging academic and non-academic knowledge are strongly encouraged.

Timeline:

• Application period: 1 July 2026 – 10 September 2026
• Shortlisting notification: By December 2026
• Final selection announcement: By March 2027

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How to Apply:

The selection process consists of two stages:

1. Application through the IIAS website Applicants must submit the completed application form and all required documents via the IIAS Fellowship Application Form.
2. Shortlisting Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to provide:
   • Two reference letters
   • A short video presentation (guidelines will be provided)

Any changes to the timeline will be posted on the official page.

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