NIAS Individual Fellowship 2027–2028 in the Netherlands: Fully Funded Humanities & Social Sciences Research Residency

The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) invites applications for its prestigious Individual Fellowships for the academic year 2027–2028. These fellowships offer scholars the time, space, and intellectual freedom to pursue independent research in the humanities and social sciences within an inspiring interdisciplinary environment.

Each year, NIAS welcomes around 30 fellows from across the world to join its vibrant academic community in Amsterdam.

Application Deadline: 16 March 2026, 12:00 (CET)

About the NIAS Individual Fellowship

The NIAS Individual Fellowship is designed for experienced scholars who wish to focus fully on their own research project. Fellows are relieved of teaching and administrative duties, allowing them to dedicate themselves to deep, innovative scholarship.

Key Features

• Fellowship duration: 5 or 10 months

• Research topic: Applicant’s own choice

• Disciplines: Humanities and Social Sciences

• Working language: English

• Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands

• Format: Full-time, residential fellowship

Fellows become part of a diverse and international community, benefiting from interdisciplinary exchange, seminars, and informal discussions with peers from different academic backgrounds.

Who Can Apply?

NIAS Individual Fellowships are open to scholars from the Netherlands and abroad.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD and have at least three years of academic experience after obtaining it

• Propose a research project within the humanities or social sciences

• Have a strong command of English

• Be able to participate actively in an interdisciplinary academic environment

Applicants do not need to hold a permanent academic position. Independent scholars and those on temporary contracts are welcome to apply.

NIAS aims to assemble a balanced and diverse cohort, reflecting differences in academic cultures, gender, career stage, and disciplinary backgrounds.

 For a complete overview of formal requirements, please consult the official guidelines.

Commitment & Residency Expectations

A NIAS Fellowship is a full-time commitment, comparable to a research residency abroad.

• Fellows are expected to be present at NIAS at least four days per week

• The fellowship requires withdrawal from most other professional obligations

• This applies equally to Dutch and international fellows

Special Note for Dutch Applicants

NIAS reserves part of its fellowships for scholars, artists, journalists, and authors based in the Netherlands. Dutch applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss the fellowship’s requirements with their home institution in advance, as freeing oneself from teaching and administrative duties for 5–10 months can be challenging.

Equal Opportunity & Eligibility Restrictions

NIAS is committed to academic freedom, inclusivity, and equal rights. Researchers are not excluded based on nationality, ethnicity, religion, or institutional background.

Important Notice
Due to EU sanctions introduced in March 2022, NIAS cannot accept applications from scholars affiliated with Russian or Belarusian universities or research institutes.
Applicants of Russian or Belarusian nationality who are independent or affiliated with institutions outside these countries remain eligible.

Application Process: At a Glance

The NIAS Individual Fellowship is awarded through a project-based open call. Selection is based primarily on the quality and originality of the research proposal, with CV and publication record playing a secondary role.

Application Caps (Numerus Clausus)

A maximum of 216 eligible applications will be assessed:

• 72 applications from Dutch-affiliated or Dutch-based applicants

• 72 applications from applicants based in:

  • EU countries and selected associated countries (including the UK, US, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand)

• 72 applications from applicants based in all other countries

NIAS will announce when any category reaches its limit. If one category is undersubscribed, remaining places will be redistributed.

Note: This numerus clausus does not apply to Theme Group Fellowship applications.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application form and submit the following materials:

• A full research proposal (maximum 1,500 words) outlining:

  • The research topic

  • Academic and societal relevance

  • The added value of NIAS’s interdisciplinary environment

• A curriculum vitae

• A publication list

• Names and contact details of three international experts who may act as reviewers (with no conflict of interest)

Please note: Applicants are explicitly requested not to use AI tools to write their application texts.

For full application details and formal requirements, consult the official application guidelines.

APPLY HERE

Application Timeline

• Call opens: 15 January 2026

• Call closes: 16 March 2026, 12:00 (CET)

• Formal eligibility check completed: before 1 May 2026

• Notification for non-reviewed applications: before 15 May 2026

• Final decision communicated: no later than 15 December 2026

A complete overview of the selection procedure is available on the NIAS website.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the fellowship or application process, please contact:

Anja de Haas

selection@nias.knaw.nl
+31 (0)20 224 67 05

Korte Spinhuissteeg 3, 1012 CG Amsterdam
 PO Box 10855, 1001 EW Amsterdam
 +31 (0)20 224 67 00
info@nias.knaw.nl

FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE