IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027–2028 in the Netherlands | Fully Funded International Research Fellowship

Applications are now open for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027–2028, a prestigious international research fellowship offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) in collaboration with Leiden University, the Netherlands. The fellowship is designed for early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals whose work explores Asia within broader global contexts. It promotes interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and innovative approaches to Asian Studies through a unique multi-country residency program.

Unlike traditional fellowships, the Asia in the World Fellowship follows a nine-month, two-phase residency model. Fellows spend the first three months at a partner institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe, followed by a six-month research residency at IIAS in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Country: Netherlands (Phase 2)
• Host Institution: International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Leiden University
• Programme: Asia in the World Fellowship
• Programme Duration: 9 Months
• Study Type: International Research Fellowship
• Eligible Applicants: Early- to Mid-Career Researchers and Knowledge Professionals
• Application Period: 1 July – 10 September 2026
• Fellowship Cohorts:
  • Cohort 1: September 2027 – May 2028
  • Cohort 2: March 2028 – November 2028

Fellowship Categories

Applicants may apply under one of the following categories:

Category A – Academic (Fully Funded)

• PhD holders
• PhD candidates whose dissertation defense will take place no later than September 2026

Category B – Academic (Self-Funded)

• PhD holders or eligible PhD candidates
• Must have confirmed external or personal funding

Category C – Independent Professional (Self-Funded)

Open to experienced professionals such as:

• Journalists
• Writers
• Curators
• Diplomats
• Policy makers
• Other professionals with a strong track record related to Asia

Applicants under Categories B and C must secure their own funding.

Fellowship Benefits

For Category A (Fully Funded Academic Fellows), IIAS provides:

• Monthly stipend of €1,250 (gross) during the six-month residency in Leiden
• Financial support during the first residency phase, provided by the partner host institution according to local arrangements
• Office space at IIAS
• Access to Leiden University’s world-renowned libraries and research facilities
• Participation in seminars, workshops, and networking activities
• Collaboration with leading international scholars
• Membership in the IIAS global research community

Fellowship Structure

The programme consists of two phases:

Phase 1 (Three Months)

• Residency at a partner institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe
• Fellows present lectures or seminars
• Collaboration with local researchers
• Participation in institutional activities

Phase 2 (Six Months)

• Residency at IIAS in Leiden, the Netherlands
• Dedicated research time
• Access to academic facilities
• Participation in the IIAS Fellowship Programme
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with international fellows

Research Themes

Applicants should propose projects that position Asia within broader global contexts and align with one or more IIAS thematic clusters, including:

• Asia in the World
• Cities
• The Politics of Culture
• Humanities Across Borders
• Knowledge Diplomacy in Action

Interdisciplinary research and collaborations that bridge academic and non-academic knowledge are especially encouraged.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the funded category must:

• Hold a PhD, or complete their PhD defense no later than September 2026
• Demonstrate excellent English proficiency
• Commit to the full nine-month fellowship
• Be released from any employment responsibilities during the fellowship period
• Not combine the fellowship with another fellowship or employment contract
• Maintain valid health insurance during the residency in the Netherlands

Required Documents

Applicants are generally required to submit:

• Online application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research proposal
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Writing sample or creative work
• Additional documents requested in the application portal

Shortlisted candidates will later be asked to provide:

• Two reference letters
• A short video presentation

Selection Process

The selection process includes:

1. Submission of the online application.
2. Initial review by the IIAS selection committee.
3. Shortlisting of candidates.
4. Submission of reference letters and a video presentation.
5. Final selection announcement.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 1 July 2026
• Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
• Shortlisting Notification: By December 2026
• Final Selection Announcement: By March 2027
• Cohort 1 Begins: September 2027
• Cohort 2 Begins: March 2028

Why Apply?

The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship provides participants with an exceptional opportunity to:

• Conduct internationally recognized research.
• Collaborate with scholars across multiple continents.
• Build lasting academic partnerships.
• Access Leiden University’s extensive research resources.
• Explore innovative perspectives on Asian Studies.
• Join a vibrant global network of researchers and professionals.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official IIAS Fellowship webpage.
2. Choose the appropriate application category.
3. Prepare the required documents.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Submit your application before 10 September 2026.
6. Await notification if shortlisted.

The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027–2028 is an outstanding opportunity for early- to mid-career researchers seeking to expand their work through international collaboration and interdisciplinary research. With its distinctive multi-country residency model, access to Leiden University’s renowned academic environment, and strong emphasis on global perspectives in Asian Studies, the fellowship offers a unique platform for producing impactful research while building an international scholarly network. Researchers working on Asia’s connections with the wider world are strongly encouraged to apply before the 10 September 2026 deadline.