The International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University has officially opened applications for the prestigious Asia in the World Fellowship Programme 2027–2028, an exceptional international fellowship designed for early- and mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals from around the world.

Unlike conventional research fellowships that focus on a single institution or region, the Asia in the World Fellowship adopts an innovative South–South–North model of collaboration. Fellows spend three months at a partner institution located in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe, followed by six months at IIAS, Leiden University in the Netherlands.

The programme promotes interdisciplinary research, global knowledge exchange, and collaborative scholarship while encouraging participants to rethink Asian Studies from broader international perspectives.

Application Deadline

10 September 2026

 

About the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship

The Asia in the World Fellowship is a nine-month residential programme that enables researchers and professionals to expand their academic and professional horizons beyond traditional geographical, disciplinary, and institutional boundaries.

Beginning from 2025, IIAS redesigned the fellowship to select two cohorts annually, allowing the institute to support a larger and more diverse international community of fellows.

The fellowship seeks researchers interested in examining Asia as part of wider global developments rather than studying Asia in isolation.

Its objective is to encourage innovative research that connects different regions of the world while strengthening international academic cooperation.

 

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship consists of two distinct phases.

Phase 1: Three-Month Residency

During the first phase, fellows spend three months at one of IIAS’s international partner institutions located across Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe.

Participants are expected to:

• Deliver lectures or research presentations
• Engage with local academic communities
• Participate in institutional activities
• Collaborate with researchers
• Join online meetings coordinated by IIAS

 

Phase 2: Six-Month Residency at Leiden University

Following the first phase, fellows relocate to the International Institute for Asian Studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands.

During this period, fellows receive access to:

• Shared office facilities
• Seminar rooms
• University library
• Screening room
• Workshops
• Academic discussions
• Professional networking events
• Collaborative research opportunities
• IIAS publications
• Podcast initiatives
• Public engagement activities

Fellows will also collaborate to organize a public event highlighting innovative perspectives on Asian Studies while sharing insights gained from their co-host institutions.

 

Fellowship Cohorts

Applicants may indicate their preferred cohort.

Cohort 1

• September 2027 – May 2028

Cohort 2

• March 2028 – November 2028

Final placement will be determined by IIAS and its partner institutions.

 

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcomed from three categories.

Category A: Academic (Fully Funded)

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD, or
• Complete their PhD defense no later than September 2026

This category receives full financial support from IIAS.

 

Category B: Academic (Self-Funded)

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or defend by September 2026
• Possess confirmed external or personal funding covering the entire fellowship

 

Category C: Independent Professional (Self-Funded)

Eligible professionals include:

• Journalists
• Writers
• Diplomats
• Policy makers
• Curators
• Independent researchers
• Other experienced professionals

Applicants must demonstrate a strong professional record and secure funding for the fellowship period.

 

Research Themes

Projects should position Asia within broader global contexts.

Applicants are encouraged to submit interdisciplinary proposals connected to one or more IIAS thematic clusters, including:

• Cities
• Politics of Culture
• Asia in the World
• Humanities Across Borders
• Knowledge Diplomacy in Action

Research bridging academic and non-academic knowledge systems is especially encouraged.

 

Benefits for Funded Fellows

Applicants selected under Category A will receive an attractive package that includes:

Monthly Stipend

• €1,250 gross per month during the six-month residency in Leiden.

The stipend for the first three months is provided by the selected co-host institution according to local arrangements.

Housing Allowance

• €1,200 per month to assist with accommodation expenses during the Leiden residency.

Although fellows arrange their own housing, IIAS provides a list of trusted rental agencies.

Travel Grant

Funding contributes toward travel covering:

• Home country to co-host institution
• Co-host institution to the Netherlands
• Return travel home after completing the fellowship

Travel arrangements must comply with IIAS guidelines.

Professional Development

Participants benefit from:

• Workshops
• Academic outings
• Enrichment programmes
• International networking

University Resources

Access includes:

• Office facilities
• Seminar rooms
• Library resources
• Screening room
• Research community

Visa Support

Leiden University assists with Dutch residence permit applications.

Partner institutions provide guidance regarding visa procedures for the first phase.

 

Benefits for Self-Funded Fellows

Self-funded participants also receive numerous institutional benefits, including:

• Visa support
• Accommodation guidance
• Access to university facilities
• Participation in workshops
• Inclusion in IIAS academic community
• Networking opportunities
• Research collaborations

 

Fellowship Conditions

Applicants should carefully note the following requirements:

• Participation is mandatory for the full nine months.
• Early departure is not permitted.
• The fellowship cannot be combined with another fellowship.
• Employed applicants must obtain official leave from their employer.
• Health insurance covering the Netherlands is mandatory.
• All fellowship outputs must acknowledge IIAS and the host institution.
• IIAS does not fund external conferences, fieldwork, or symposium participation during the fellowship.
• Applicants must read and accept the complete Terms and Conditions before submitting an application.

 

Selection Timeline

Activity	Date
Applications Open	1 July 2026
Application Deadline	10 September 2026
Shortlisting Notification	December 2026
Final Results	March 2027

 

Selection Process

The selection process consists of two stages.

Stage One

Applicants submit:

• Online application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research proposal
• Publications (if applicable)
• Writing samples or other supporting materials

Stage Two

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to provide:

• Two reference letters
• Short video presentation

Detailed instructions will be shared with shortlisted applicants.

 

International Co-Hosting Institutions

During Phase One, fellows will be placed at one of IIAS’s international partner institutions.

Current partners include institutions in:

• Indonesia
• Portugal
• Brazil
• India
• Greece
• Sweden
• Germany
• Thailand
• Spain
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Taiwan

Applicants may indicate four preferred host institutions, although final placements are determined by IIAS.

 

Why Apply?

The Asia in the World Fellowship is much more than a traditional research programme.

Participants become part of a truly international research network dedicated to generating new knowledge through collaboration across continents.

The fellowship provides opportunities to:

• Build global academic partnerships
• Conduct interdisciplinary research
• Access world-class university resources
• Expand international professional networks
• Publish and disseminate research
• Participate in workshops and public events
• Collaborate with scholars from multiple world regions
• Develop innovative perspectives on Asia and global affairs

Researchers seeking an internationally recognized fellowship that combines academic excellence with global engagement will find this programme an outstanding opportunity.

Apply here 

 

 

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here

• More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here