Applications are now open for the Nederlands Letterenfonds Fellowship 2027, an exceptional five-month literary fellowship designed exclusively for established writers based in the Caribbean Parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Jointly organized by the NIAS (Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study) and the Dutch Foundation for Literature (Nederlands Letterenfonds), this prestigious fellowship offers writers the opportunity to dedicate themselves full-time to an individual literary research or writing project while becoming part of an international interdisciplinary academic community in Amsterdam.

The fellowship provides generous financial support, including a monthly stipend of €3,500, travel reimbursement, subsidized accommodation, office space, and access to world-class academic resources. Fellows will spend five months (February–July 2027) working alongside scholars, researchers, and professionals from numerous disciplines, creating an environment that encourages intellectual exchange, collaboration, and creative inspiration.

The application period runs from 6 July 2026 until 25 August 2026 (12:00 noon Central European Time).

About the Fellowship

The Nederlands Letterenfonds Fellowship is a continuation of the long-running Writer-in-Residence programme established through the partnership between the Dutch Foundation for Literature and NIAS. Since 1999, this collaboration has welcomed renowned writers from around the world to Amsterdam, allowing them to develop ambitious literary projects while engaging with an international scholarly community.

For the 2026–2027 edition, the fellowship specifically focuses on writers based in the Caribbean Parts of the Kingdom, helping amplify Caribbean literary voices and encouraging dialogue between literature, research, culture, and society.

The fellowship provides an environment where literary creativity and academic research intersect, allowing writers to gain fresh perspectives, deepen their work, and contribute to discussions that extend beyond literature.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive fellowship package that includes:

• A five-month residency at NIAS in Amsterdam.
• A personal stipend of €3,500 per month.
• Reimbursement for an international return flight ticket.
• Subsidized accommodation in Amsterdam (where applicable).
• A private office at NIAS.
• Full access to NIAS library and research facilities.
• Participation in academic seminars and interdisciplinary discussions.
• Opportunities to engage with leading international scholars.
• Access to outreach programmes and community activities.
• A supportive environment designed specifically for sustained literary work.

Fellowship Duration

The fellowship will run for:

• February 2027 – July 2027
• Total duration: Five months

During this period, fellows are expected to dedicate themselves fully to their proposed literary project.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to literary writers who satisfy all of the following criteria:

Applicants must be based in one of the Caribbean Parts of the Kingdom:

• Aruba
• Bonaire
• Curaçao
• Saba
• Sint Eustatius
• Sint Maarten

Applicants must write in one or more of the following languages:

• Papiamentu
• Papiamento
• English from the Islands
• Dutch

Applicants should also:

• Be established literary fiction or non-fiction writers.
• Have a strong literary publication record.
• Demonstrate sustained literary excellence.
• Be at the mid-career or senior stage of their writing career.
• Be comfortable working in an international academic environment.
• Have a good command of English, the working language at NIAS.
• Be willing to actively participate in seminars, workshops, and intellectual exchanges.
• Submit a literary project that is already beyond the idea stage and sufficiently developed for productive work during the residency.

What Kind of Projects Are Eligible?

Applicants are expected to propose a literary project that will clearly benefit from the unique research environment at NIAS.

Projects should:

• Already be substantially developed.
• Demonstrate clear objectives.
• Show strong literary quality.
• Be feasible within the five-month fellowship period.
• Benefit from interaction with scholars from multiple disciplines.

Both literary fiction and literary non-fiction projects are welcome.

Expectations During the Fellowship

The residency is considered a full-time commitment.

Selected fellows are expected to:

• Be present at NIAS for four working days each week.
• Participate in weekly seminars.
• Join interdisciplinary discussions.
• Engage with fellow researchers and scholars.
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the institute.
• Work consistently on their literary project throughout the fellowship period.

Selection Criteria

Applications first undergo an eligibility review by the Dutch Foundation for Literature.

Eligible applications are then evaluated by an independent ranking committee appointed by the Foundation.

Applications are assessed primarily on:

• Literary quality of previous work.
• Strength and originality of the proposed project.
• Feasibility of completing meaningful work during the fellowship.
• Suitability of the applicant for the NIAS interdisciplinary environment.

Following the committee’s evaluation:

1. The Dutch Foundation for Literature prepares a ranked recommendation.
2. NIAS reviews the recommendations.
3. The final selection is made in consultation with the NIAS Academic Advisory Board.

Only one fellow will be selected for the 2026–2027 programme.

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

Unlike many writing residencies, the Nederlands Letterenfonds Fellowship places writers within one of Europe’s leading interdisciplinary research institutes.

Participants gain:

• Time dedicated exclusively to writing.
• Financial stability throughout the residency.
• Access to leading academics and researchers.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• International networking opportunities.
• A vibrant intellectual community in Amsterdam.
• Resources that can significantly enrich literary research and creative work.

This makes the programme particularly valuable for experienced writers seeking an environment that combines literary creativity with scholarly engagement.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 6 July 2026
• Application Deadline: 25 August 2026 (12:00 noon CET)
• Fellowship Period: February – July 2027

How to Apply

Interested applicants can learn more and apply for the Nederlands Letterenfonds Fellowship 2027 HERE.

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