IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027

The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 is an international research opportunity offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University in the Netherlands. The program is designed for early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals who want to develop innovative research and explore Asia through broader global perspectives.

The fellowship follows a unique nine-month, two-phase residential structure . Fellows spend the first three months at a selected co-hosting institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe. They then spend six months at IIAS in Leiden, where they can participate in an international research community and use academic facilities.

The program encourages interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and new approaches to understanding Asia and its connections with the wider world.

IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 – Overview

Host Organization: International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS)
Host University: Leiden University
Main Location: Leiden, Netherlands
Program Duration: 9 months
Application Period: 1 July 2026 – 10 September 2026
Cohort 1: September 2027 – May 2028
Cohort 2: March 2028 – November 2028
Eligible Applicants: Researchers and independent professionals, depending on the application category
Language: Good command of English required
Funding: Fully funded option available for eligible Academic Category A applicants

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship is divided into two major phases.

Phase 1: Three-Month Residency

During the first phase, fellows spend three months at a selected co-hosting institution. Partner institutions are located in different regions, including Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe.

Fellows are expected to become involved in the intellectual activities of their host institution. They may also be required to give a lecture or talk and participate in local academic activities.

Phase 2: Six Months at IIAS

The second phase takes place at IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands. Fellows become part of the IIAS research environment and receive access to shared office facilities, seminar spaces, the university library, and other facilities.

The two-phase structure is intended to encourage collaboration across regions and institutions while helping researchers develop perspectives that extend beyond their usual geographical or disciplinary boundaries.

Benefits of IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027

Eligible fellows applying under Category A – Academic (Funded) can receive substantial financial and institutional support.

Benefits include:

Monthly stipend of €1,250 during the Leiden residency .
Housing allowance of approximately €1,200 per month during Phase 2 .
Financial support for travel between the fellow's country of residence, the co-host institution, the Netherlands, and the final return journey.
Funding arrangements for Phase 1 determined by the relevant co-host institution.
Visa support from Leiden University for the Netherlands phase.
Guidance from the co-host institution regarding Phase 1.
Access to IIAS office facilities, seminar rooms, library resources, and screening facilities.
Participation in IIAS-organized workshops, tours, community activities, and professional development events.

Important: Categories B and C are self-funded. Applicants in these categories must have confirmed external or personal funding for the complete fellowship period.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship has three applicant categories.

Category A – Academic, Funded

Applicants must:

Hold a PhD, or be PhD candidates whose defense is scheduled no later than September 2026.
Apply for the fully funded fellowship modality.
Have a strong research profile relevant to the program.
Have a good command of English.

Category B – Academic, Self-Funded

Applicants must:

Hold a PhD or expect to complete their PhD defense by September 2026.
Have confirmed external or personal funding for the entire fellowship period.
Demonstrate a relevant research background.

Category C – Independent Professional, Self-Funded

This category is intended for professionals such as:

Journalists
Writers
Diplomats
Policymakers
Curators
Other professionals with a relevant track record

Applicants in this category must also have confirmed external or personal funding for the fellowship period. All three categories require a good command of English.

Research Areas

Applicants should develop research projects that examine Asia as part of broader global connections. Projects may relate to one or more of the IIAS thematic clusters, including:

Cities and Environment
The Politics of Culture
Asia in the World
Africa-Asia Axis of Knowledge
Humanities Across Borders
Knowledge Diplomacy in Action

Interdisciplinary and interregional projects are particularly encouraged. The program also welcomes research that connects academic and non-academic forms of knowledge production.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the documents and information requested in the IIAS application form. These may include:

Curriculum Vitae
List of publications
Research project description
Work plan
Writing samples or other supporting materials where requested
Information about professional experience
Details of research interests and proposed outcomes

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide two reference letters and participate in an online introductory meeting.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official IIAS Fellowship Application Form.

The application process generally involves:

Select the appropriate applicant category.
Choose a preferred fellowship cohort.
Provide information about your academic or professional background.
Develop and submit your research project.
Select relevant IIAS research clusters.
Explain your proposed work plan and expected outcomes.
Identify suitable co-hosting institutions.
Explain why the selected institutions are relevant to your project.
Upload the required supporting documents.
Carefully review the terms and conditions.
Submit the completed application before the deadline.

Application Deadline

The application period for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 runs from 1 July 2026 to 10 September 2026 .

Shortlisted applicants are expected to be notified by December 2026 , while the final selection is scheduled to be announced by March 2027 .

Selection Process

The selection process begins with an online application submitted through the IIAS website. After the initial assessment, shortlisted candidates will be contacted for additional requirements.

Shortlisted applicants will need to provide two reference letters and take part in an online introductory meeting. The selection committee evaluates the research proposal, its potential contribution to the field, interdisciplinary qualities, knowledge-sharing approaches, and the applicant's motivation for joining the Asia in the World program.

Why Apply for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship?

The fellowship provides more than financial support. It offers researchers the opportunity to work across different academic environments and develop international collaborations.

Its two-phase format allows fellows to experience a partner institution in one region and then become part of the IIAS research community in Leiden. This makes the program particularly valuable for researchers whose work connects Asia with other regions, disciplines, or global issues.

Final Thoughts

The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for researchers and knowledge professionals interested in Asian Studies, interdisciplinary research, and international academic collaboration. With a nine-month residential structure, access to IIAS facilities, international networking, and a fully funded option for eligible Academic Category A applicants, the fellowship can provide valuable support for developing an innovative research project.

Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements, funding conditions, research themes, and terms before submitting their application. Apply Now