The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship offers at-risk scholars, journalists, writers and artists a safe, temporary 5-month stay in Amsterdam. It gives you a chance to continue your important work, connect with a world-class academic community, and take the next step in your career all while being fully supported. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.
Current Call:
The call is open now for the first semester of the 2027-2028 academic year. Applications accepted from 21 July 2026 until 14 December 2026 at 12:00.
Who Can Apply?
You must meet all of these strict eligibility rules (no exceptions):
- For scholarly research: You need a PhD + at least 3 years of postdoctoral experience.
- For literary, artistic or journalistic work: You need a bachelor’s degree + at least 7 years of professional experience (shown in your C.V.).
- You must have full academic English (C1 level) the working language is English.
- You cannot be affiliated with any institution boycotted by the Dutch state.
Interested in More Positions? Follow links below
- Free IELTS Preparation Course by University of Queensland (UQx)
- Free Online Forage Internships with certificate 2026
- Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR) Australia
- PhD scholarships at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
- Postdoctoral & Research Assistant positions at BAM in Berlin, Germany.
- OIST Visiting Scholars Program 2027 in Japan (Fully Funded)
- WHO Paid Internship in Geneva, Switzerland
Quick Selection Overview:
- NIAS checks all applications for formal compliance.
- Eligible applications go to two external referees (research quality 50 %, NIAS environment 50 %).
- Top 10 scholarly + top 10 literary/artistic applications reach the Advisory Committee.
- The NIAS Director makes the final decision, balancing quality, diversity and resources.
What You Will Receive:
- 5-month fellowship in Amsterdam (September–January or February–June).
- Office space with internet and full support.
- Weekly seminars + community events.
- Subsidised studio or family apartment (€975/month).
- Stipend: €3,500 per month.
- Travel reimbursement: one return ticket up to €1,500 or commuting costs up to €250/month.
- Communal lunches, library, expert workshops, and public outreach opportunities.
- Possibility of a Dutch University Grant (if you are affiliated with a Dutch university).
Also Check: Paid Research internships at the Max Planck Institutes ,Germeny
Key Conditions:
- Must be present at NIAS at least 4 days per week.
- Fully released from teaching, supervision and admin duties (except PhD supervision).
- Attend all weekly seminars.
- Complete at least 2 peer reviews for NIAS.
- Up to 2 weeks vacation per semester.
- Maximum 2 external events per semester.
Also Check: Remote UNDP Digital, AI & Innovation Internship programme 2026
Important Notes:
- This is a temporary fellowship no long-term residence in Amsterdam.
- Not an employment contract, so no social insurance or pension contributions.
- NIAS does not offer emergency evacuation, student support, PhD tracks, or asylum help.
Also Check: Digital Humanism Fellowship 2026–2027, Austria
How to Apply:
- Read the full Selection Regulations (download link below).
- Prepare your documents in English:
• Research project proposal (max 1,500 words)
• Updated C.V. (max 2 A4 pages)
• Motivation statement
• Risk statement (max 500 words) - Fill in the online application form on the NIAS website.
- Confirm registration with the automated email within 48 hours otherwise your application expires.
Also Check: Online Scientific Conference for International Students with Free Certificate
