Are you a researcher passionate about Asia’s global connections? Applications are now open for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2026/27, a prestigious and fully funded program offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) in the Netherlands.
This dynamic 12-month fellowship runs from October 2026 to October 2027 and supports early- to mid-career scholars from around the world. Fellows will conduct research across multiple global locations, promoting deeper understanding of Asia’s place in the world.
Fellowship Overview
- Host Country: Netherlands
- Fellowship Name: Asia in the World Fellowship
- Institutions: Leiden University (Netherlands) + Global Co-host Institutions
- Duration: 12 Months (Oct 2026 – Oct 2027)
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Deadline to Apply: 15 September 2025
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Free housing/accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- Access to professional development opportunities
- International research exposure across three continents
Research Themes
Applicants must align their research with one or more of IIAS’s core thematic clusters:
- Asian Cities
- Global Asia
- The Politics of Culture (formerly Asian Heritages)
The program supports scholars whose work explores Asia’s broader impact and interconnectedness with the rest of the world.
Program Structure
The fellowship unfolds in three phases:
Phase 1 (6 months)
- Location: IIAS, Leiden University, Netherlands
- Engage with scholars, publish research, collaborate on international projects, and attend workshops across Europe.
Phase 2 (3–5 months)
Location: One of the following co-host institutions:
- Indonesia: Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads (Surabaya)
- Portugal: Centre for Research in Anthropology (Lisbon, Coimbra, Braga)
- Brazil: Federal University of Bahia (CEAO)
- India: French Institute of Pondicherry & Max Weber Forum (Delhi)
- Thailand: Kasetsart University (Bangkok)
- Germany: Max Weber Centre & Heidelberg University
- Taiwan: Taipei National University of the Arts
- Spain: Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
- Sweden: Malmö University
- Senegal: International Research Laboratory Environment, Health, Societies
- Tanzania: University of Dar es Salaam
Phase 3 (Final month)
- Return to IIAS in Leiden
- Fellows will reflect, share insights, and contribute to IIAS’s broader research network.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to applicants worldwide
- Targeting early to mid-career researchers
- PhD required (or PhD defense scheduled by 15 February 2026 with proof from the awarding university)
- Must be available full-time from October 2026 to October 2027
- No overlapping commitments: selected fellows must be officially released from other roles or contracts for the full fellowship duration
Required Application Materials
- Completed IIAS Fellowship Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of publications
- Detailed work plan
- Proposed research timeline
Selection Timeline
- Shortlisted candidates notified: November 2025
- Final selections announced: February 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants must apply online via the official IIAS website. Ensure your application is complete and submitted before the 15 September 2025 deadline.
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