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.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
