Summary
The International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) is offering the fully funded Asia in the World Fellowship 2027–2028. Spanning 12 months, this program is designed for international early- to mid-career researchers to foster creative research and global collaboration across Asian studies. Fellows will spend time at Leiden University in the Netherlands and at an international partner institution.
- 🌍 IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 is a fully funded 12-month fellowship in the Netherlands for international researchers interested in Asian Studies and Asia’s role in the world.
- 🏛️ Offered by: International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Netherlands.
- 📅 Duration: October 2027 to October 2028, divided into three research phases.
- 💰 Funding Benefits: Round-trip airfare, free housing, monthly stipend, and professional development activities are included.
- 🔬 Research Areas: Applicants’ research should align with IIAS thematic clusters, including Asian Cities, The Politics of Culture, and Global Asia.
- 🇳🇱 Phase 1: Six months at IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands, involving research collaboration, academic discussions, publications, and related activities.
- 🌐 Phase 2: Three to five months at a selected co-host institution in countries including India, Indonesia, Portugal, Brazil, Thailand, Sweden, Germany, Taiwan, Spain, Senegal, and Tanzania.
- 🔄 Phase 3: Fellows return to IIAS in Leiden to share insights and outcomes from their co-host research experience.
- 🎓 Eligibility: Applicants of any nationality can apply. The fellowship targets early- to mid-career researchers with a PhD; candidates must have defended their PhD by 15 February 2027 if the degree is not yet completed.
Key Details Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) / Leiden University |
| Coverage Type | Fully Funded |
| Duration | 12 Months (October 2027 – October 2028) |
| Eligible Nationalities | All Nationalities |
| Host Countries | Netherlands & Selected International Co-Host Institutions |
| Application Deadline | September 10, 2026 |
Subject Area & Research Focus
Applicants’ research projects must align with the IIAS thematic clusters:
- Asian Cities
- The Politics of Culture (formerly Asian Heritages)
- Global Asia
Location & Fellowship Structure
The 12-month program is structured across three distinct phases:
- Phase 1 (6 Months): Conduct research, collaborate, and publish at IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands.
- Phase 2 (3 to 5 Months): Research stay at one of the global co-hosting partner institutes (located in countries such as Indonesia, Portugal, Brazil, India, Thailand, Sweden, Germany, Taiwan, Spain, Senegal, or Tanzania).
- Phase 3: Return to IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands to share insights from the co-host experience and conclude the fellowship.
Financial Benefits
This is a fully funded fellowship covering:
- Round-trip international airfare travel expenses
- Free housing accommodation
- Monthly living stipend
- Professional development and networking opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to researchers of all nationalities.
- Target Audience: International early- to mid-career researchers.
- Academic Requirement: A completed PhD is required (or the applicant must have an official defense scheduled with university confirmation by February 15, 2027).
- Availability: Candidates must be available for the entire duration from October 2027 to October 2028 (arrival in early October 2027).
- Employment Status: Employed applicants must secure an official release; holding multiple fellowships or concurrent job contracts is not permitted.
Required Documents
- IIAS Fellowship Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- Work plan and project proposal
- List of publications
- Academic transcripts
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Valid passport or national ID
How to Apply
- Access the official application portal and complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting materials, including your CV, work plan, and publication list.
- Submit the application prior to the closing deadline.
- Selection Timeline: Shortlisted candidates will be notified by December 2026, with final selection announcements made in March 2027.
Last Date to Apply
- September 10, 2026
