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The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 is now open for applications. The fellowship is offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University in the Netherlands. It is a nine-month international fellowship designed for early to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals who want to explore Asia through global and interdisciplinary research.
The fellowship follows a two-phase structure. Fellows first spend three months at a partner institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe, followed by six months at IIAS in Leiden, the Netherlands. Applications are open until 10 September 2026, and selected fellows will join one of the 2027 or 2028 cohorts.
The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship aims to promote international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative research that connects Asia with wider global developments. During the fellowship, participants will engage with researchers from different disciplines, contribute to seminars and public events, and become part of the IIAS academic community.
For funded academic fellows, IIAS provides a monthly stipend during the Leiden residency, a housing allowance, a travel grant, visa support, professional development activities, and access to university facilities. Self-funded fellows also receive visa support, access to IIAS facilities, accommodation assistance, and full participation in fellowship activities.
WhatsApp ChannelIIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 Details
- Host Country: Netherlands (with an initial placement at a partner institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe)
- Host Organization: International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Leiden University
- Fellowship Duration: 9 Months
- Phase 1: 3 months at a co-host institution
- Phase 2: 6 months at IIAS, Leiden University
- Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
Also Check: World Bank Group Africa Fellowship Program 2027
Fellowship Benefits
For Funded Academic Fellows (Category A)
Selected fellows will receive:
- Monthly stipend of €1,250 (gross) during the six-month residency in Leiden.
- €1,200 per month housing allowance during the Leiden residency.
- Travel grant covering travel between the home country, co-host institution, the Netherlands, and return travel.
- Visa support for the Netherlands.
- Access to IIAS workshops, professional development activities, and networking events.
- Office space, seminar rooms, university library, and screening room at Leiden University.
For Self-Funded Fellows (Categories B & C)
Self-funded participants will receive:
- Visa support.
- Accommodation assistance.
- Full access to IIAS facilities.
- Participation in all fellowship events, workshops, and community activities.
Also Check: Gulbenkian Institute Scholarships 2026 in Portugal
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to three categories of applicants:
Category A: Academic (Funded)
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or complete their PhD defence no later than September 2026.
- Apply under the fully funded fellowship category.
Category B: Academic (Self-Funded)
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or complete their PhD defence by September 2026.
- Have confirmed external or personal funding for the full fellowship period.
Category C: Independent Professional (Self-Funded)
Eligible applicants include:
- Journalists
- Writers
- Diplomats
- Policy makers
- Curators
- Other professionals with relevant experience
Applicants in this category must also have confirmed funding for the full fellowship period. A good command of English is required for all applicants.
Also Check: NIAS Fellowship 2026-2027 in the Netherlands
Research Areas
Applicants should propose research that connects Asia with broader global issues. IIAS welcomes projects related to one or more of its thematic clusters, including:
- Cities
- Politics of Culture
- Asia in the World
- Humanities Across Borders
- Knowledge Diplomacy in Action
Interdisciplinary and cross-regional research projects are encouraged.
Fellowship Structure
The programme is divided into two stages:
Phase 1
- Three-month residency at one of the IIAS partner institutions.
- Fellows are expected to deliver lectures, presentations, or participate in local academic activities.
Phase 2
- Six-month residency at IIAS, Leiden University.
- Fellows participate in seminars, collaborative research, workshops, publications, podcasts, and public engagement activities.
Partner Institutions
Phase 1 placements are available at partner institutions located in several countries, including:
- Indonesia
- India
- Brazil
- Portugal
- Greece
- Sweden
- Germany
- Thailand
- Spain
- Senegal
- Tanzania
- Taiwan
Applicants will indicate their preferred co-host institutions during the application process, although final placements are decided by the selection committee.
Selection Timeline
- Applications Open: 1 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
- Shortlisting Notification: December 2026
- Final Selection: March 2027
- First Fellowship Cohort: September 2027
- Second Fellowship Cohort: March 2028
Required Documents for IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship
Applicants will complete the online application and submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Writing sample, publication, video, audio, or other relevant work (optional)
- Research proposal and supporting information
- Two reference letters (requested only from shortlisted applicants)
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit their application through the official IIAS online application portal before 10 September 2026. The application includes personal information, research proposal, work plan, preferred co-host institutions, supporting documents, and acceptance of the fellowship terms and conditions.
