IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 Fully Funded Research in Netherlands
Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Latest UpdatesIIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 | Fully Funded Research in Netherlands
Fully funded 9-month research fellowship at the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Leiden University
Complete guide to eligibility, benefits, research themes, and application process
Quick Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) |
| Location | Leiden, Netherlands + Partner Institutions |
| Duration | 9 Months (3 Months Partner + 6 Months Leiden) |
| Cohort 1 | September 2027 – May 2028 |
| Cohort 2 | March 2028 – November 2028 |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (Category A) |
| Monthly Stipend | €1,250 (Category A, Phase 2) |
| Housing Allowance | €1,200 per month (Category A, Phase 2) |
| Application Deadline | 10 September 2026 |
| Official Website |
Opportunity Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) |
| Opportunity Category | Research Fellowship |
| Location | Leiden, Netherlands + Partner Institutions |
| Duration | 9 Months |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Language | English |
About the Fellowship
The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship is a structurally distinctive nine-month program that splits a fellow's time between two different research settings.
Phase 1 (3 Months): Based at a partner institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe – delivering lectures, participating in academic activities.
Phase 2 (6 Months): In residence at IIAS in Leiden – office space, university library, screening room, and full institutional support.
Research Themes
| Theme | Details |
|---|---|
| Cities | Urban studies in Asia |
| The Politics of Culture | Cultural politics |
| Asia in the World | Global Asian Studies |
| Humanities Across Borders | Transnational humanities |
| Knowledge Diplomacy in Action | Science diplomacy |
Applicant Categories
| Category | Eligibility | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | PhD holders (or defence by Sep 2026) | Fully Funded |
| Category B | PhD holders (or defence by Sep 2026) | Self-Funded |
| Category C | Independent Professionals (Journalists, Diplomats, Curators, etc.) | Self-Funded |
Benefits
Category A (Funded Academic Fellows)
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend | €1,250 (Phase 2 – Leiden) |
| Phase 1 Stipend | Determined by co-host institution |
| Housing Allowance | €1,200 per month (Phase 2) |
| Travel Grant | Home → Co-host → Netherlands → Home |
| IIAS Access | Office space, library, seminar rooms, screening room |
| Visa Support | From Leiden University |
| Activities | Tours, workshops, local activities |
Categories B & C (Self-Funded Fellows)
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Support | From Leiden University |
| Accommodation Assistance | Support provided |
| IIAS Access | Office space, library, seminar rooms, screening room |
| Community Participation | Workshops, events, full community engagement |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Category A & B | Completed PhD OR defence scheduled by September 2026 |
| Category C | Professional track record (Journalist, Writer, Diplomat, Policymaker, Curator, etc.) |
| Category B & C | Confirmed external or personal funding for full period |
| Language | Good command of English |
| Commitment | Full nine-month structure (3 months partner + 6 months Leiden) |
Application Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply through the official IIAS Fellowship Application Form |
| 2 | Select applicant profile (Category A, B, or C) |
| 3 | Choose preferred cohort (Cohort 1 or 2) |
| 4 | Provide full research project details |
| 5 | Select research cluster or framework |
| 6 | Write project description and work plan |
| 7 | Explain language skills and relevance |
| 8 | Select preferred co-hosting institutions and rationale |
| 9 | Upload supporting documents |
| 10 | Review terms and conditions |
| 11 | Submit application |
Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| CV | Updated |
| Publication List | Academic publications |
| Writing Samples | Relevant to proposed research |
| Project Description | Detailed research direction |
| Work Plan | Expected outcomes |
| Language Skills | Explanation of language relevance |
| Co-Host Selection | Preferred institutions and rationale |
| Additional Responses | Application form questions |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 10 September 2026 |
| Cohort 1 | September 2027 – May 2028 |
| Cohort 2 | March 2028 – November 2028 |
Important Links
| Description | Official URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | |
| Official Website |
Why You Should Apply
Fully Funded Option: Monthly stipend, housing allowance, and travel grant.
Unique Structure: Two research environments – partner institution + Leiden.
Global Network: Engage with academics and professionals across continents.
Flexible Categories: Open to academics and independent professionals.
Prestigious Institution: Leiden University, Netherlands.
Career Opportunities After Completion
| Area | Opportunities |
|---|---|
| Academia | Research and teaching positions |
| Diplomacy | International relations and policy |
| Journalism | Global reporting and analysis |
| Curatorial | Museum and cultural institutions |
| International Organizations | Policy and research roles |
Tips to Increase Selection Chances
Research co-hosting institutions carefully.
Provide a strong rationale for institution choices.
Demonstrate language skills relevant to the project.
Align research with IIAS thematic clusters.
Apply early and prepare thoroughly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Late Submission | Applications after 10 September 2026 will not be accepted |
| Unclear Research Proposal | Provide detailed project description |
| Weak Co-Host Rationale | Explain why you chose specific institutions |
| Missing Language Relevance | Explain how languages support your research |
| Incomplete Funding (B/C) | Confirmed funding required before applying |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Q1. What is the fellowship duration? | 9 months (3 months partner + 6 months Leiden). |
| Q2. What are the two cohorts? | Cohort 1: Sep 2027 – May 2028; Cohort 2: Mar 2028 – Nov 2028. |
| Q3. Who can apply? | PhD holders (or near completion) and independent professionals (journalists, diplomats, curators). |
| Q4. What is the monthly stipend? | €1,250 per month (Category A, Phase 2). |
| Q5. What is the housing allowance? | €1,200 per month (Category A, Phase 2). |
| Q6. Is there a self-funded option? | Yes, Categories B and C are self-funded. |
| Q7. What are the research themes? | Cities, Politics of Culture, Asia in the World, Humanities Across Borders, Knowledge Diplomacy. |
| Q8. What is the deadline? | 10 September 2026. |
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for researchers and professionals to engage with Asian Studies from a global perspective. With a two-phase structure, generous funding, and multiple applicant categories, it accommodates both academics and independent professionals.
Best Opportunity For
| Category | Suitable |
|---|---|
| PhD Holders | Yes |
| Near-PhD Candidates | Yes |
| Journalists | Yes (Category C) |
| Diplomats | Yes (Category C) |
| Curators | Yes (Category C) |
| Academics | Yes |
Competition Level
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall Competition | High |
| Selection Difficulty | Difficult |
| Application Complexity | High |
CareerFlora Recommendation
| Recommendation Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Value | Excellent |
| Career Growth | Very High |
| Application Difficulty | High |
| Apply Early | Strongly Recommended |
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 before 10 September 2026.
Visit the official IIAS website.
Review application requirements.
Submit your application.
Follow CareerFlora for the latest updates.