Applications are now open for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027, a prestigious international fellowship designed for early- and mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals. Hosted by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University, this unique fellowship follows a co-hosting model that promotes interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and cross-cultural knowledge exchange.
The fellowship is a nine-month, two-phase program. During Phase 1, fellows spend three months at a partner institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe, where they conduct research, deliver lectures, and engage with local academic communities. Phase 2 consists of a six-month residency at IIAS, Leiden University, Netherlands, where fellows gain access to world-class research facilities, office space, seminars, workshops, and a vibrant international academic network.
Researchers whose work aligns with IIAS research themes—including Cities, The Politics of Culture, Asia in the World, Humanities Across Borders, and Knowledge Diplomacy in Action—are encouraged to apply. The fellowship offers an outstanding opportunity to strengthen international collaborations, expand academic networks, and contribute to innovative research in Asian Studies.
IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 Overview
- Host Country: Netherlands & Partner Host Countries
- Host Institution: International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Leiden University
- Programme Type: International Fellowship
- Duration: 9 Months
- Phase 1: 3 Months at a Partner Institution
- Phase 2: 6 Months at IIAS, Leiden University (Netherlands)
- Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded (Category A)
- Eligible Countries: All Nationalities
- Research Areas: Asian Studies, Humanities, Cultural Studies, Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Research
- Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
Research Themes
Applicants should propose research related to one or more of IIAS’s key research themes:
- Cities
- The Politics of Culture
- Asia in the World
- Humanities Across Borders
- Knowledge Diplomacy in Action
Interdisciplinary research projects that encourage international collaboration and new perspectives in Asian Studies are highly encouraged.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship accepts applications under the following categories:
Category A – Academic (Fully Funded)
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or complete their PhD defense by September 2026.
- Apply for the fully funded fellowship.
Category B – Academic (Self-Funded)
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or complete their PhD defense by September 2026.
- Have confirmed external or personal funding covering the full fellowship period.
Category C – Independent Professional (Self-Funded)
Open to:
- Journalists
- Writers
- Diplomats
- Policymakers
- Curators
- Other professionals with relevant experience
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate a strong professional track record.
- Have confirmed external or personal funding for the fellowship period.
English Language Requirement
All applicants must have a good command of English, as it is the official working language of the fellowship.
Fellowship Benefits
Category A: Fully Funded Academic Fellows
Selected fellows will receive:
- Monthly stipend of €1,250 during Phase 2 in Leiden.
- Stipend during Phase 1 provided by the partner institution.
- Housing allowance of €1,200 per month during the Leiden residency.
- Travel grant covering:
- Travel from home country to the partner institution.
- Travel from the partner institution to the Netherlands.
- Return airfare after completion of the fellowship.
- Visa support for both fellowship phases.
- Access to IIAS office space, library, seminar rooms, and screening facilities.
- Participation in workshops, lectures, networking events, and academic activities.
Categories B & C: Self-Funded Fellows
Self-funded fellows will receive:
- Visa assistance from Leiden University.
- Accommodation support.
- Access to IIAS research facilities, office space, seminar rooms, library, and screening room.
- Participation in all IIAS workshops, seminars, conferences, and community events.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application:
- Completed online application form.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Research proposal aligned with IIAS research themes.
- PhD certificate or proof of expected PhD completion (for academic applicants).
- List of publications (if applicable).
- Proof of funding (for Categories B & C).
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose.
- Any additional documents requested by IIAS.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027:
- Visit the official IIAS fellowship website.
- Carefully review the fellowship guidelines and eligibility requirements.
- Select the appropriate fellowship category (Funded or Self-Funded).
- Prepare all required application documents.
- Develop a research proposal that aligns with IIAS research themes.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Application Deadline
Deadline to Apply: 10 September 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. Category A fellows receive full financial support, including stipends, housing allowance, travel funding, and visa assistance.
Who can apply?
Researchers and professionals from all countries are eligible to apply.
Do I need a PhD?
Yes. Academic applicants must have completed a PhD or be expected to defend their dissertation by September 2026.
How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts 9 months, including a three-month residency at a partner institution and a six-month residency at IIAS in the Netherlands.
Can professionals outside academia apply?
Yes. Journalists, writers, diplomats, policymakers, curators, and other professionals can apply under Category C (Self-Funded).
Is IELTS required?
There is no mandatory IELTS requirement, but applicants must demonstrate good English language proficiency.
What are the main research themes?
Research should align with IIAS themes such as Cities, The Politics of Culture, Asia in the World, Humanities Across Borders, and Knowledge Diplomacy in Action.
When is the application deadline?
The last date to apply is 10 September 2026.
