Asia in the World Fellowship 2027/28: Fully Funded Research Opportunity in the Netherlands

 

Applications are now open for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2027/28, a fully funded international research programme hosted by the International Institute for Asian Studies in Leiden, the Netherlands.

The 12-month fellowship is designed to bring together researchers, artists, practitioners and professionals from across the globe to explore Asia’s role in addressing contemporary global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research.

Hosted at one of Europe’s leading centres for Asian Studies, the programme provides participants with the opportunity to conduct research, engage with international scholars and contribute to academic discussions on issues affecting Asia and the wider world.

Asia in the World Fellowship 2027/28: Key Details

• Host Country: Netherlands
• Host Institute: International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS)
• Location: Leiden, Netherlands
• Programme Duration: 12 months
• Funding: Fully funded
• Application Deadline: 10 September 2026

Financial Benefits

Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:

• Round-trip international airfare.
• Free accommodation in Leiden.
• Monthly living stipend.
• Access to professional development activities and academic events.

The fellowship is designed to enable researchers to focus entirely on their projects while benefiting from IIAS’s international academic environment.

Research Themes

IIAS welcomes proposals from a wide range of disciplines connected to Asia and encourages interdisciplinary research that addresses global challenges.

Priority research areas include:

• Asian societies and cultures.
• International relations.
• Global governance.
• Migration and mobility.
• Climate change.
• Sustainable development.
• Digital transformation.
• Urban development.
• Public policy.
• Arts and humanities.
• Cultural heritage.
• Environmental studies.
• History.
• Political science.
• Economics.
• Social sciences.

Researchers working across multiple disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Open to candidates of all nationalities.
• Researchers affiliated with universities, research institutes, think tanks, museums and other relevant organisations are eligible.
• Applicants should possess expertise relevant to their proposed research.
• Research proposals should demonstrate originality, academic excellence and strong scholarly value.
• Proposed projects should align with IIAS research priorities and the Asia in the World initiative.
• Applicants must be available to conduct their research during the fellowship period.

Required Documents

Applicants are generally required to submit:

• Completed online application form.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Detailed research proposal.
• Motivation statement.
• Publication list (where applicable).
• Any additional supporting documents requested through the application portal.

Why Apply?

The fellowship offers participants the opportunity to:

• Conduct research at one of Europe's leading institutes for Asian Studies.
• Build an international academic and professional network.
• Collaborate with scholars from diverse disciplines.
• Participate in seminars, workshops and academic events organised by IIAS.
• Increase the international visibility of their research.
• Exchange ideas with experts working on Asia-related issues.
• Develop long-term international research collaborations.

How to Apply

Applications for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2027/28 must be submitted through the official IIAS online application system before 10 September 2026.

Prospective applicants should prepare all required documents in advance and ensure that their research proposal clearly demonstrates its relevance to Asia, its interdisciplinary approach and its contribution to addressing global challenges. With comprehensive financial support and access to a vibrant international research community, the fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for scholars and professionals seeking to advance their work in one of Europe's premier centres for Asian Studies.