IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027–2028 in the Netherlands: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

Introduction

The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship is a nine-month research fellowship in the Netherlands offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University. It is designed for early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals who want to develop new ideas about Asia in a wider global context. The programme has two phases: three months at a partner institution in another country and six months at IIAS in Leiden. Academic applicants may apply for a funded category, while some applicants may apply with their own funding. The fellowship includes research support, access to university facilities, and other professional development opportunities.

IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship at a Glance

Detail	Information
Fellowship name	IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship
Host country	Netherlands
Main host	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 in Leiden
Target applicants	Early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals
Academic eligibility	PhD holders or candidates whose defence takes place no later than September 2026
Independent professionals	Journalists, writers, diplomats, policy makers, curators and other relevant professionals
Funded category	Category A – Academic Funded
Stipend in Leiden	€1,250 gross per month
Housing allowance in Leiden	€1,200 per month
Travel support	Contribution towards approved travel costs
Application period	1 July 2026 – 10 September 2026
Shortlisting	By December 2026
Final selection	By March 2027
Application method	Online IIAS Fellowship Application Form

What Is the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship?

The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship is a nine-month residential research programme based on international cooperation.

Instead of focusing only on one region or traditional North–South research models, the programme encourages fellows to study Asia as part of wider global connections.

The fellowship has two main stages:

Phase 1: Three Months at a Co-Host Institution

During the first three months, fellows stay at one of the programme’s partner institutions.

Fellows are expected to:

• Develop their research project.
• Take part in activities at the co-host institution.
• Give a talk or lecture.
• Work with local researchers and communities.
• Join online meetings with the IIAS Fellowship Programme coordinator.

Phase 2: Six Months at IIAS in Leiden

The second phase takes place at IIAS in Leiden, the Netherlands.

Fellows receive access to:

• Shared office space
• Seminar rooms
• University library facilities
• Screening room
• IIAS academic activities
• Workshops and community events

Fellows can also take part in discussions, publications, podcasts, projects and other activities connected with IIAS.

Who Can Apply?

The programme has three applicant categories.

Category A: Academic – Funded

This category is for academic researchers who want to apply for the funded fellowship option.

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD, or
• Be a PhD candidate whose defence takes place no later than September 2026.
• Have a good command of English.
• Be able to commit to the full nine-month fellowship.

Category B: Academic – Self-Funded

This category is also for PhD holders or candidates whose defence takes place no later than September 2026.

Applicants must have confirmed external or personal funding for the full fellowship period.

Category C: Independent Professional – Self-Funded

This category is for professionals such as:

• Journalists
• Writers
• Diplomats
• Policy makers
• Curators
• Other professionals with a relevant professional record

Applicants in this category must have confirmed external or personal funding for the full fellowship period.

Research Focus

Applicants should propose a project that connects Asia with wider global developments.

Projects may relate to one or more of the IIAS research areas, including:

• Cities and Environment
• Politics of Culture
• Asia in the World
• Africa-Asia Axis of Knowledge
• Humanities Across Borders
• Knowledge Diplomacy in Action

Interdisciplinary research is encouraged. Projects that connect academic knowledge with non-academic knowledge are also welcome.

IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship Benefits

The benefits depend on the applicant category.

Benefits for Category A Funded Academic Fellows

The official information states that Category A fellows may receive:

• €1,250 gross per month during the six-month residency at IIAS in Leiden.
• €1,200 per month housing allowance during Phase 2 in Leiden.
• A travel grant contribution for approved travel related to the fellowship.
• Professional development activities.
• Access to IIAS office and academic facilities.
• Visa support for the Netherlands, subject to Dutch immigration requirements.

The stipend is described as a contribution to living costs and is not a salary or employment income.

The stipend for Phase 1 is determined and provided by the relevant co-host institution according to its local context and practices.

Benefits for Self-Funded Fellows

Categories B and C do not receive the Category A funding described above.

However, self-funded fellows receive:

• Visa support for the Netherlands, subject to immigration requirements.
• A list of rental agencies in Leiden.
• Access to IIAS office and academic facilities.
• Participation in IIAS activities, workshops and events.
• Full participation in the fellowship community.

Applicants in these categories are responsible for their own accommodation and funding.

Is the IIAS Fellowship Fully Funded?

The official information does not describe the entire programme as fully funded for every applicant.

Category A is specifically the Academic – Funded option and provides a monthly stipend during the Leiden phase, a housing allowance, and a contribution toward approved travel costs.

Categories B and C are self-funded.

Therefore, applicants should carefully check which category they are applying for before making financial plans.

Fellowship Amount

For Category A Academic Funded Fellows, the official information lists:

Support	Amount
Monthly stipend during Phase 2	€1,250 gross per month
Housing allowance during Phase 2	€1,200 per month
Phase 1 stipend	Determined by the co-host institution
Travel support	Contribution toward approved travel costs

The official information does not provide a fixed amount for the Phase 1 stipend or a fixed total travel amount.

Can International Students and Researchers Apply?

The information does not give a specific nationality list or a separate nationality restriction.

The programme is presented as an international fellowship for researchers and knowledge professionals working on Asia in global contexts.

Applicants must meet the requirements of their selected category and the applicable immigration requirements for the Netherlands.

IELTS or TOEFL Requirement

The official information says that applicants need a good command of English.

It does not state a specific IELTS or TOEFL score.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that a particular English test score is required unless IIAS provides additional instructions.

Are There Age Limits?

The official information does not state an age limit.

The programme describes its target group as early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals.

Applicants should therefore focus on meeting the stated academic or professional requirements rather than assuming an age requirement.

Required Documents

The application form asks applicants to provide information and materials such as:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications, if applicable
• Writing sample or sample publication/video/audio/other, if applicable
• Research project information
• Work plan
• Expected outcomes
• Language skills
• Information about selected co-host institutions

Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide two reference letters and take part in an online introductory meeting.

The exact requirements should be checked carefully in the official application form before submission.

Application Deadline

The application period is:

1 July 2026 – 10 September 2026

The official selection timeline states:

• Shortlisting notification: By December 2026
• Final selection announcement: By March 2027

Applicants should submit their application before the stated deadline and check the official IIAS page for any changes to the timeline.

How to Apply for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship

Applicants can apply online through the IIAS Fellowship Application Form.

The main steps are:

1. Choose the applicant category that matches your situation.
2. Select your preferred fellowship cohort.
3. Prepare your research project.
4. Select four preferred co-host institutions.
5. Explain why you selected those institutions.
6. Describe how your research contributes to understanding Asia globally.
7. Explain the expected academic, policy, cultural or public impact of your work.
8. Describe your professional and personal development goals.
9. Explain why you want to join IIAS.
10. Upload your CV and other applicable materials.
11. Read and accept the full Terms and Conditions.
12. Submit the application before 10 September 2026.

Co-Host Institutions

Applicants are asked to select four preferred co-host institutions.

The programme currently lists the following options:

• Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads (AIIOC), Indonesia
• Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA), Portugal
• Center for Afro-Oriental Studies, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
• Center for East Asia Studies of the Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
• Faculty of Social Sciences, Kasetsart University, Thailand
• French Institute of Pondicherry, India
• Institute of International Relations (IDIS), Panteion University, Greece
• Institute for Urban Research (IUR), Malmö University, Sweden
• International Research Laboratory Environment, Health, Societies, Senegal
• Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies, University of Erfurt, Germany
• Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies, India
• School of Culture Resources of Taipei National University of the Arts, Taiwan
• Srishti Manipal Institute of Art Design and Technology, India
• University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Worldmaking Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Germany

The applicant’s preferences are considered, but the final placement is decided by IIAS in consultation with the selection committee and partner institutions.

Fellowship Cohorts

The programme has two cohorts.

Cohort 1

September 2027 – end of May 2028

This includes:

• 3 months at a co-host institution
• 6 months at IIAS in Leiden

Cohort 2

March 2028 – end of November 2028

This also includes:

• 3 months at a co-host institution
• 6 months at IIAS in Leiden

The preferred cohort in the application is only an indication. The final decision is made by IIAS and the selection committee in consultation with the co-host institutions.

Important Conditions

Applicants should understand several important conditions before applying.

• Fellows must complete the full nine-month programme.
• Early departure is not permitted.
• The fellowship cannot be combined with another fellowship.
• Category A fellows cannot combine the fellowship with an employment contract.
• Applicants who are employed must obtain official release from their institution for the full fellowship period.
• Valid health insurance covering the Netherlands is required during the Leiden residency.
• Fellows must acknowledge IIAS and the relevant co-host institution in their outputs.
• IIAS does not fund participation in external conferences, symposia or fieldwork during the fellowship.
• Applicants must read and accept the full Terms and Conditions before submitting the application.

Am I Eligible?

You may be a suitable applicant if most of the following statements describe your situation:

• You hold a PhD, or your PhD defence will take place no later than September 2026.
• You are an early- to mid-career researcher or a relevant knowledge professional.
• You have a strong research idea connected with Asia and wider global contexts.
• You have a good command of English.
• You can commit to the complete nine-month fellowship.
• You can obtain official release from your employer if required.
• You can meet the health insurance and immigration requirements for the Netherlands.
• If applying under Category B or C, you have confirmed funding for the full period.

Independent professionals may also apply if they have a relevant professional record and confirmed funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship?

PhD holders and PhD candidates whose defence takes place no later than September 2026 can apply under the academic categories. Independent professionals such as journalists, writers, diplomats, policy makers and curators may also apply under Category C if they meet the requirements.

Is the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship fully funded?

Not for all applicants. Category A is the funded academic option. Categories B and C are self-funded.

How much is the fellowship stipend?

Category A fellows receive €1,250 gross per month during their six-month residency at IIAS in Leiden.

Is there a housing allowance?

Yes. Category A fellows receive a €1,200 per month housing allowance during Phase 2 in Leiden.

Does the fellowship provide travel support?

Category A includes a contribution toward approved travel costs between the fellow’s country of residence, the co-host institution and the Netherlands, as well as return travel home.

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?

The official information only says that applicants need a good command of English. It does not state a specific IELTS or TOEFL score.

What is the application deadline?

The application period ends on 10 September 2026.

How long is the fellowship?

The programme lasts nine months: three months at a co-host institution and six months at IIAS in Leiden.

Can independent professionals apply?

Yes. Journalists, writers, diplomats, policy makers, curators and other professionals with a relevant track record can apply under Category C, provided they have confirmed external or personal funding for the full period.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the IIAS Fellowship Application Form. Applicants need to complete the research and profile sections and upload the required materials.

Conclusion

The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship offers an opportunity for researchers and knowledge professionals to develop research about Asia from a wider global perspective. The nine-month programme combines three months at an international co-host institution with six months at IIAS in Leiden, the Netherlands. Category A provides a monthly stipend, housing allowance and a contribution toward approved travel costs, while Categories B and C are self-funded. Applicants should carefully check their category, research fit, funding situation and programme conditions. The application period runs until 10 September 2026, but applicants should always check the official IIAS information for the latest updates before applying.

Official Website

International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Leiden University:
Official IIAS Website

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