IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship

The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship is a 12-month initiative designed for early- to mid-career researchers from around the globe. This program aims to broaden participants' perspectives beyond their specific geography, institution, or discipline.

📖 About the Fellowship

Opportunity Details

• Date Published: July 22, 2025
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
• Category: Fellowship
• Opportunity Location: Netherlands
• Sponsor Organisation: International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS)

Fellowship Duration

The fellowship runs from October 2026 to October 2027 and is divided into three phases:

1. Phase 1: Fellows reside in Leiden, Netherlands for six months.
2. Phase 2: Fellows spend three to five months at a co-host institution (see the list of partner institutions on the official website).
3. Phase 3: Fellows return to IIAS in Leiden for the final phase.

🎁 Benefits

Fellows awarded the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship receive:

• Monthly stipend of €1250 during the residency in Leiden. The stipend for the second phase will be determined by the co-host institution.
• Housing in Leiden (approximately 20 minutes walking distance from the institute) and housing during the period at the co-host institution.
• One-time travel grant of up to €1000, covering travel to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport and the next destination.
• Opportunities for professional development, including outings, workshops, and other activities.

Note: IIAS does not provide additional funding for participation in academic conferences, workshops, or symposia during the fellowship period. Fellows may participate in such events at their own expense.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a PhD. Applicants finalizing their PhD may apply, provided their defense/viva takes place no later than February 15, 2026. Confirmation of this date from the university is required before any fellowship award can be confirmed.
• Be fully available from October 2026 to October 2027. The fellowship cannot begin earlier or later than October, nor can it be concluded prematurely. Selected fellows must arrive during the first week of October 2026.
• Applicants currently employed or affiliated with another institution must secure official release from their duties for the full duration of the fellowship. This fellowship may not be held in combination with other fellowships or employment contracts.
• Applicants planning to conduct fieldwork are strongly advised to complete this prior to the start of the fellowship. IIAS does not provide funding for fieldwork activities during the fellowship period.

📋 Application Process

Required Documents

Applications must include the following:

• Completed IIAS Fellowship Application Form, including all required uploads.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• List of publications.
• Work plan.
• Reference letters (only required for shortlisted candidates).

Submission Requirements

• All materials must be submitted via the online application form.
• Files larger than 4MB will not be accepted.
• Please name your files using the following format: FIRSTNAME_LASTNAME_FILENAME.doc/pdf.

Timeline

• Shortlisted applicants will be notified in November 2025.
• Final selections will be announced by February 2026.
• Any changes to the timeline will be posted on the official website.

📅 Application Deadline

September 15, 2025

🌐 Application Portal

View details of the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship Programme.

Apply for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship Programme.

For further information, visit the official IIAS website.

• A monthly stipend of €1250 during the residency in Leiden. The stipend for the second phase will be determined by the co-host institution.
• Housing in Leiden (approx. 20-minutes walking distance from the institute). And housing during the period at the co-host institution.
• A one-time travel grant of up to €1000, covering travel to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport and your next destination.
• Opportunities for professional development (such as outings, workshops and other activities).
• Please note: IIAS does not provide additional funding for participation in academic conferences, workshops, or symposia during the fellowship period. Fellows may participate in such events at their own expense.