Applications are officially open for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2026/27. This is a fully funded, 12-month fellowship offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS). The fellowship runs from October 2026 to October 2027 and is divided into three phases.
The first six months will be spent at Leiden University in the Netherlands, followed by a three to five-month second phase at one of the designated co-host institutions. The final phase will take place at the IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands.
The fellowship aims to invite candidates from around the world to conduct Research in Asian Studies. The Goal is to promote innovative research and global collaboration. Candidates from all disciplines are invited to apply for this unique opportunity. More details are below.
Details About Asia in the World Fellowship 2026/27 in the Netherlands
- Host Country: Netherlands
- Fellowship Name: Asia in the World Fellowship
- Location: Leiden University, and Co-Host Institute
- Duration: 12 Months
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 15th September 2025
Financial Benefits
The Fellowship Covers:
- Round Airfare Travel Expenses
- Free Housing
- Monthly Stipend
- Professional Development Activities
Research Focus
They’re looking for researchers whose work helps us understand Asia’s role in the world in a broader, more connected way. Applicants’ research must align with IIAS’ thematic clusters
- Asian Cities
- The Politics of Culture (formerly Asian Heritages)
- Global Asia
Structure of the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship
The fellowship concludes in three Phases:
Phase 1: Six Months at IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands
Participants will engage in debates, collaborate on projects, publish their work, and participate in various activities with IIAS and its partners across Europe.
Phase 2: Three to Five Months at One of the Co-Hosting Institutes:
- Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads (AIIOC) (Surabaya, Indonesia)
- Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA) (Lisbon, Coimbra, & Braga, Portugal)
- Centro de Estudos Afro-Orientais (CEAO) Federal University of Bahia (Salvador, Brazil)
- French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP) (Puducherry, India)
- Kasetsart University (KU) (Bangkok, Thailand)
- Institute for Urban Research (IUR) Malmö University (Malmö, Sweden)
- Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies, University of Erfurt (Erfurt, Germany)
- Max Weber Forum For South Asian Studies (Delhi, India)
- School of Culture Resources of Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) (Taipei, Taiwan)
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Madrid, Spain)
- International Research Laboratory Environment, Health, Societies (Dakar, Senegal)
- University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
- Worldmaking Heidelberg University (Heidelberg, Germany)
Phase 3: Return to IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands
Back in Leiden, you’ll share insights from your co-host experience.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants from all countries are eligible.
- Target Audience: Early- to mid-career researchers from around the world.
- PhD Required: You need a PhD, or your defense must be by February 15, 2026 (with university confirmation).
- Full Availability: You must be fully available from October 2026 to October 2027 and arrive in the first week of October 2026.
- No Other Commitments: If employed, you need an official release for the entire fellowship. You can’t hold other fellowships or job contracts simultaneously.
Required Documents
- IIAS Fellowship Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of publications
- Work plan
Timeline
You’ll hear if you’re shortlisted by November 2025, with final selections announced by February 2026.
How to Apply for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2026/27?
Candidates must follow the application process and make an online application. The Link to the official website is below.
APPLY FOR THE ASIA IN THE WORLD FELLOWSHIP