The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2026–27 is a prestigious international research fellowship offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS). The programme supports early- and mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals who wish to explore Asia from a global perspective through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.
Unlike conventional research fellowships, this programme combines residency at a partner institution with a research stay at IIAS in the Netherlands, allowing fellows to collaborate with scholars across continents and expand their academic network.
About the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship
The fellowship follows a unique 9-month residential model designed to encourage collaborative knowledge creation. Fellows spend:
- Phase 1: Three months at a co-host institution located in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe.
- Phase 2: Six months at IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands.
During the programme, fellows participate in seminars, lectures, collaborative discussions, and research activities while contributing to the global understanding of Asia.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive several academic and professional benefits, including:
- Monthly stipend for funded academic fellows during the Leiden residency.
- Financial support from the co-host institution during the first phase (where applicable).
- Opportunity to conduct international collaborative research.
- Access to IIAS office facilities, seminar rooms, libraries, and research resources.
- Participation in interdisciplinary academic events.
- Exposure to leading scholars from around the world.
- Strong international networking opportunities.
- Enhanced global research visibility.
- Opportunity to contribute to innovative research on Asia and global knowledge exchange.
Application Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 10 September 2026 |
| Shortlisting Notification | December 2026 |
| Final Selection Announcement | March 2027 |
Fellowship Duration
The programme runs for 9 months in two phases:
Phase 1
- Three-month residency at a partner institution.
Phase 2
- Six-month residency at IIAS, Leiden, Netherlands.
Two fellowship cohorts will be selected:
- Cohort 1: September 2027 – May 2028
- Cohort 2: March 2028 – November 2028
Research Areas
Applicants should propose projects that examine Asia within broader global contexts. Research may align with one or more IIAS thematic clusters such as:
- Asia in the World
- Cities
- Politics of Culture
- Humanities Across Borders
- Knowledge Diplomacy in Action
Interdisciplinary and collaborative research proposals are strongly encouraged.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the requirements of one of the following categories.
Category A – Academic (Funded)
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or complete their PhD defense by September 2026.
- Apply under the fully funded fellowship category.
- Demonstrate strong research potential.
Category B – Academic (Self-Funded)
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or complete their PhD defense by September 2026.
- Have confirmed personal or external funding for the full programme.
Category C – Independent Professionals (Self-Funded)
Eligible professionals include:
- Journalists
- Writers
- Curators
- Diplomats
- Policy experts
- Other professionals with relevant experience
Applicants must also have confirmed funding for the full fellowship period.
Additionally, all applicants must:
- Possess good English communication skills.
- Commit to the complete 9-month programme.
- Obtain institutional leave if currently employed.
- Maintain valid health insurance during the Netherlands residency.
Required Documents
Applicants generally need to submit:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal
- Publication list (if applicable)
- Writing sample or creative work (where applicable)
Shortlisted candidates must later provide:
- Two reference letters
- Short video presentation following IIAS guidelines.
Selection Procedure
The fellowship selection process consists of two stages:
Stage 1
Applicants submit:
- Online application
- Required supporting documents
- Research proposal
Stage 2
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit:
- Two recommendation letters
- A short video presentation
The selection committee evaluates applications based on academic excellence, originality, interdisciplinary relevance, global perspective, and alignment with IIAS research themes.
Important Conditions
Applicants should note the following:
- Fellows must complete the full 9-month programme.
- Early departure is generally not permitted.
- The funded fellowship cannot be combined with another fellowship or employment.
- All research outputs must acknowledge IIAS and the co-host institution.
- IIAS does not provide funding for external conferences or fieldwork during the fellowship period.
Official Website:
https://www.iias.asia/fellowships/asia-in-the-world
Application Link
https://www.iias.asia/fellowships/asia-in-the-world
Contact Details
International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS)
- Address: Witte Singel 27A, 2311 BG, Leiden, Netherlands
- Phone: +31 71 527 2227
- Email: IIAS@iias.nl