Applications are currently being accepted for the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About IIAS - Asia in the World Fellowship Programme
The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship is a nine-month residential programme for early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals who seek to broaden their perspectives beyond their particular geography, institution, or discipline.
From 2025 onward, the fellowship has been redesigned from this round onward to select two cohorts per round — making the programme more sustainable and enabling IIAS to support a wider community of fellows each year.
Benefits of IIAS - Asia in the World Fellowship Programme
Category A — Funded Academic Fellows
- Monthly stipend €1,250 gross per month during the Leiden residency (Phase 2). The stipend for Phase 1 is determined and provided by the co-host institution, taking into account its local context and applicable practices. The stipend is intended as a contribution towards the fellow's living expenses during each phase of the programme and does not constitute a salary, employment income, or remuneration for services rendered.
- Housing allowance €1,200 per month towards accommodation costs during Phase 2. Fellows are responsible for finding and securing their own accommodation in Leiden or the surrounding area. IIAS will provide a list of rental agencies to assist in this search but cannot guarantee the availability or suitability of any specific property.
- Travel grant A contribution towards travel costs covering: (i) travel from the fellow's country of residence to the co-host institution; (ii) travel from the co-host institution to the Netherlands; and (iii) return travel home upon completion of the fellowship. Travel arrangements must be made in accordance with IIAS guidelines. Costs incurred outside the approved travel plan will not be reimbursed.
- Professional development Access to IIAS-organised outings, workshops, and enrichment activities during the fellowship period.
- University facilities Access to IIAS office space, seminar rooms, library, and screening room on equal terms with all other fellows.
- Visa support Leiden University will act as the issuing institution for residence permit applications for the Netherlands, subject to the fellow meeting all applicable Dutch immigration requirements. The co-host institution will provide the fellow with information and guidance regarding the visa procedures applicable to Phase 1.
Categories B & C — Self-Funded Fellows
- Visa support Leiden University will act as the issuing institution for residence permit applications for the Netherlands, subject to the fellow meeting all applicable Dutch immigration requirements.
- Accommodation assistance IIAS will provide a list of trusted rental agencies in Leiden. Fellows are responsible for securing and financing their own accommodation.
- University facilities Access to IIAS office space, seminar rooms, library, and screening room on equal terms with all other fellows.
- Programme participation Full inclusion in all IIAS community activities, workshops, and events.
IIAS - Asia in the World Fellowship Programme Requirements
The programme is open to three categories of applicants. When you begin the application form, you will be asked to select your category — the form will then present the relevant fields accordingly. Please note that a good command of English is required to apply for the fellowship.
Category A: Academic - Funded
- PhD holders, or candidates whose defence takes place no later than September 2026
- Applying for the Asia in the world fully funded modality
Category B: Academic - Self-Funded
- PhD holders, or candidates whose defence takes place no later than September 2026
- With confirmed external or personal funding for the full period
Category C: Independent Professional – Self-Funded
- Journalists, writers, diplomats, policy makers, curators, and other professionals
- With a relevant track record in their field
- With confirmed external or personal funding for the full period
Application Date and Process
The selection process consists of two stages:
- Application through the IIAS website Applicants must submit the completed application form and all required documents via the IIAS Fellowship Application Form.
- Shortlisting Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to provide:
I. Two reference letters;
II. A short video presentation (guidelines will be provided).
Application Deadline
15 September, 2026
Opportunity Application
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IIAS - Asia in the World Fellowship Programme
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