The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship Programme is a nine-month residential programme for early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals. It combines a three-month placement at a co-host institution with six months at the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) in Leiden, the Netherlands. The current application period runs from 1 July to 10 September 2026, with funded and self-funded applicant categories available.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Asia in the World Fellowship Programme
Category: Research Fellowship
Host: International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS)
Location: Co-host institution followed by IIAS in Leiden, the Netherlands
Duration: 9 months
Format: Residential, two-phase programme
Applicant Categories: Funded Academic, Self-Funded Academic, and Self-Funded Independent Professional
Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
About the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship Programme
The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme supports research and collaboration that examines Asia within wider global contexts. It is designed for early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals seeking to work beyond the boundaries of a single geography, institution, or discipline.
The programme uses a co-hosting model that connects IIAS with institutions across different world regions. Research projects should contribute to broader approaches to Asian Studies and may combine academic and non-academic forms of knowledge.
Programme Structure
The fellowship consists of two residential phases over nine months.
Phase 1: Co-Host Institution
Fellows spend three months at a co-host institution. During this phase, they are expected to engage with local activities and give a talk or lecture.
Fellows in the same cohort also participate in online meetings with the IIAS Fellowship Programme coordinator.
Phase 2: IIAS in Leiden
The second phase consists of six months in residence at IIAS in Leiden, the Netherlands.
Confirmed facilities include:
✓ Shared office space
✓ Private seminar room
✓ University library access
✓ Screening room
✓ Participation in the IIAS research community
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Who Can Apply?
IIAS accepts applications through three applicant categories.
Category A: Academic – Funded
Applicants must:
• Hold a PhD, or have their PhD defence scheduled no later than September 2026
• Apply through the funded academic modality
Category B: Academic – Self-Funded
Applicants must:
• Hold a PhD, or have their PhD defence scheduled no later than September 2026
• Have confirmed external or personal funding covering the full fellowship period
Category C: Independent Professional – Self-Funded
This category is available to professionals including:
• Journalists
• Writers
• Diplomats
• Policy makers
• Curators
• Other professionals with a relevant track record
Applicants in this category must have confirmed external or personal funding for the full fellowship period.
A good command of English is required for fellowship applicants.
Research Focus
Projects should examine Asia as part of broader global formations. Interdisciplinary work and projects connecting academic and non-academic forms of knowledge are encouraged.
Research may relate to one or more IIAS thematic areas, including:
• Cities
• The Politics of Culture
• Asia in the World
• Humanities Across Borders
• Knowledge Diplomacy in Action
Applicants are also asked to explain how their project contributes to understanding Asia in global contexts and to identify preferred co-host institutions.
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Funding for Academic Fellows
Category A applicants participate through the funded academic modality.
Confirmed support during the fellowship includes:
✓ Monthly stipend: €1,250 gross per month during the six-month IIAS residency in Leiden
✓ Housing allowance: €1,200 per month toward accommodation during the Leiden residency
✓ Phase 1 stipend: Determined and provided by the relevant co-host institution according to its local context and practices
✓ Travel grant: Contribution toward approved travel between the fellow’s country of residence, the co-host institution, the Netherlands, and the return journey home
✓ Professional development: Access to IIAS-organised workshops, outings, and enrichment activities
✓ University facilities: Access to IIAS working and research facilities
✓ Visa support: Support connected with the applicable residence and visa procedures
The stipend is intended as a contribution toward living expenses and is not treated as a salary or employment remuneration.
Fellows are responsible for finding and securing their own accommodation in Leiden. IIAS provides a list of rental agencies but does not guarantee accommodation availability.
Support for Self-Funded Fellows
Academic and independent professional applicants in the self-funded categories must secure external or personal funding for the full fellowship period.
IIAS provides these fellows with:
✓ Visa support for the Netherlands, subject to applicable immigration requirements
✓ A list of rental agencies to assist with accommodation searches
✓ Access to university and IIAS facilities
✓ Full participation in IIAS community activities, workshops, and events
Self-funded fellows remain responsible for financing their own accommodation.
Key Fellowship Conditions
All fellows must commit to the complete nine-month programme.
Applicants should also note the following conditions:
• Early departure is not permitted.
• The fellowship cannot be combined with another fellowship.
• Employed applicants must obtain official release from their institution for the full fellowship period.
• Category A fellows cannot combine the fellowship with an employment contract.
• Valid health insurance covering the Netherlands is required during the Leiden residency.
• Research outputs must acknowledge IIAS and the relevant co-host institution.
• IIAS does not fund participation in external conferences, symposia, or fieldwork during the fellowship period.
Applicants must review and accept the full fellowship Terms and Conditions before submission.
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Application Materials
The online application requests information about the applicant’s professional or academic profile and proposed project.
Confirmed application materials and sections include:
• Curriculum vitae
• Research project title
• Project description
• State of the art and methodology
• Work plan
• Expected outcomes
• Explanation of language skills relevant to the project
• Rationale for preferred co-host institutions
• Explanation of the project’s contribution to understanding Asia in global contexts
• Description of projected academic, policy, institutional, cultural, or public impact
• Explanation of the applicant’s motivation for joining IIAS
• List of publications, where applicable
• Writing sample, publication, video, audio, or another relevant sample, where applicable
Applicants who have not yet completed their PhD must provide a letter from their institution confirming that their defence will take place before the specified deadline.
Selection Process
The selection process has two stages.
First, applicants submit the completed application and required materials through the IIAS Fellowship Application Form.
Shortlisted candidates are then contacted to:
• Provide two reference letters
• Participate in an online introductory meeting
Preferences for co-host institutions are considered during the process. However, final placements are determined by the Selection Committee in consultation with partner institutions and are not guaranteed.
Key Dates
• Application period: 1 July–10 September 2026
• Application deadline: 10 September 2026
• Shortlisting notification: By December 2026
• Final selection announcement: By March 2027
Apply Here
Review the official programme details and complete the application through the form provided on the official IIAS page.
View the Official Asia in the World Fellowship Programme Page
