The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme 2027 offers early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals a nine-month residential research opportunity across a partner institution and IIAS at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Category A fellows receive a monthly stipend, housing allowance, travel support, visa assistance and access to university facilities.
The International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) has opened applications for the Asia in the World Fellowship Programme, a nine-month residential fellowship designed to encourage innovative research, international collaboration and new approaches to Asian Studies. The programme combines three months at a co-host institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America or Europe with six months in residence at IIAS in Leiden, the Netherlands.
The fellowship is particularly relevant to researchers and knowledge professionals seeking to examine Asia within broader global formations rather than through a single regional or institutional perspective.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme is a nine-month residential programme for early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals. The programme is designed to help fellows broaden their perspectives beyond their existing geography, institution or discipline.
The programme follows a two-phase structure.
During Phase 1, fellows spend three months at a selected co-host institution. Fellows are expected to contribute to the academic environment by giving a talk or lecture and participating in local activities.
During Phase 2, fellows spend six months at IIAS in Leiden. They receive access to shared office facilities, seminar rooms, the university library and a screening room.
The programme is intended to support innovative research and global collaboration in Asian Studies while encouraging a more multi-centred approach to knowledge production.
Two cohorts are planned:
- Cohort 1: September 2027 to the end of May 2028
- Cohort 2: March 2028 to the end of November 2028
Tasks
Selected fellows are expected to use the fellowship period to advance their research while actively participating in the intellectual communities of their host institutions.
Key activities include:
- Developing and conducting an independent research project.
- Spending three months at a selected co-host institution.
- Giving a talk or lecture during Phase 1.
- Participating in activities at the co-host institution.
- Spending six months in residence at IIAS in Leiden.
- Participating in IIAS projects, activities, workshops and academic discussions.
- Sharing insights gained during the first phase with the co-hosting institution.
- Working with other fellows to organise an event highlighting the diversity and critical scope of Asian Studies.
- Building collaborations across academic and professional networks.
Research projects should engage with Asia as part of wider global formations. Applicants may connect their projects with IIAS thematic clusters including Cities, Politics of Culture, Asia in the World, Humanities Across Borders and Knowledge Diplomacy in Action. Interdisciplinary and academic/non-academic approaches are particularly encouraged.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
The fellowship has three application categories.
Category A – Academic, Funded
Applicants must hold a PhD or be candidates whose doctoral defence takes place no later than September 2026. This category is for applicants seeking the fully funded fellowship modality.
Category B – Academic, Self-Funded
Applicants must hold a PhD or have a defence scheduled no later than September 2026. They must also have confirmed external or personal funding covering the full fellowship period.
Category C – Independent Professional, Self-Funded
This category is open to professionals such as journalists, writers, diplomats, policymakers, curators and others with a relevant professional track record. Applicants must have confirmed external or personal funding for the full period.
A good command of English is required for the application.
Experience
The programme is aimed at early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals. Independent professionals are expected to demonstrate a relevant track record in their field.
Applicants should also have a research project that can meaningfully engage with Asia in global contexts and demonstrate potential for interdisciplinary or international collaboration.
Additional Information
Funding for Category A Fellows
The funded academic category provides several forms of financial and institutional support.
Category A fellows receive:
- €1,250 gross monthly stipend during the six-month Leiden residency.
- €1,200 monthly housing allowance during Phase 2.
- A travel grant covering approved travel from the fellow’s country of residence to the co-host institution, from the co-host institution to the Netherlands, and return travel home.
- Professional development opportunities through IIAS-organised activities.
- Access to IIAS office space, seminar rooms, library and screening room.
- Visa support through Leiden University, subject to applicable Dutch immigration requirements.
The stipend is described by IIAS as a contribution toward living expenses rather than a salary or employment income.
Self-funded Categories B and C receive visa support, accommodation assistance through a list of rental agencies, access to IIAS facilities and full participation in the IIAS community programme.
Important Conditions
Fellows must commit to the full nine-month programme, and early departure is not permitted. Category A fellows cannot combine the fellowship with another fellowship or 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 also required during the Leiden residency.
Applicants should carefully review the full fellowship terms and conditions before submitting an application.
Application Timeline
Applications are open from:
1 July 2026 to 10 September 2026
The expected timeline is:
- Application period: 1 July – 10 September 2026
- Shortlisting notification: By December 2026
- Final selection announcement: By March 2027
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide two reference letters and participate in an online introductory meeting.
Application Requirements
The application asks candidates to provide detailed information about their research project, career trajectory, methodology, expected outcomes, language skills and institutional engagement.
The application includes sections covering:
- Research project description
- State of the art and methodology
- Career positioning
- Work plan
- Expected outcomes
- Language skills
- Preferred co-hosting institutions
- Research impact and global engagement
- Academic, professional and personal development
- Potential collaborations
- Reasons for choosing IIAS
- Planned activities and networks at IIAS
Applicants must also submit a CV, publication list where applicable, and a writing sample or other relevant work sample.
Co-Host Institutions
The programme currently works with institutions across several regions, including partners in Indonesia, Portugal, Brazil, India, Greece, Sweden, Germany, Thailand, Spain, Senegal and Tanzania, among others. Applicants are asked to select four preferred co-hosting institutions, although final placements are determined by the selection committee in consultation with partner institutions.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the application through the official IIAS fellowship application page and carefully prepare the required research and supporting documents.
Apply through the official IIAS Fellowship Programme page
Applicants should ensure that their research proposal clearly explains the project’s objectives, methodology, relevance to Asian Studies and potential contribution to understanding Asia in global contexts.
Final Thoughts
The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme 2027 offers an international research environment for academics and eligible knowledge professionals interested in developing research that connects Asia with wider global debates.
For eligible Category A academic applicants, the programme combines financial support with a nine-month international research experience, including a stipend, housing allowance, approved travel support, visa assistance and access to academic facilities in Leiden.
With the application period running until 10 September 2026, prospective applicants should allow sufficient time to develop a strong research proposal, identify suitable co-host institutions and prepare the required supporting documents.
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