Applications are open for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2027–2028, a prestigious nine-month residential programme designed for early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals interested in exploring Asia from global, interdisciplinary, and cross-regional perspectives.

Hosted by IIAS at Leiden University in the Netherlands, the fellowship encourages collaboration across academic disciplines and professional sectors while connecting scholars and practitioners through a unique international residency model.

About the Fellowship

The Asia in the World Fellowship promotes innovative approaches to Asian Studies by moving beyond traditional regional boundaries and encouraging knowledge exchange across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

The programme combines research, professional development, and international collaboration through a two-phase residency that enables fellows to engage with partner institutions before joining the IIAS community in the Netherlands.

Fellowship Structure

The programme runs for nine months and consists of two phases:

• Phase One (3 months): Residency at one of IIAS's partner institutions located in Asia, Africa, Europe, or Latin America. Fellows are expected to participate in local academic activities and deliver a lecture or presentation.
• Phase Two (6 months): Residency at IIAS, Leiden University, where fellows gain access to office facilities, seminar rooms, the university library, and collaborative research opportunities.

Two fellowship cohorts are available:

• Cohort 1: September 2027 – May 2028
• Cohort 2: March 2028 – November 2028

Research Areas

Applications are welcomed from projects that position Asia within broader global contexts and align with one or more of IIAS's thematic areas, including:

• Asia in the World
• Cities and Environment
• Politics of Culture
• Humanities Across Borders
• Knowledge Diplomacy in Action
• Africa–Asia knowledge connections

Interdisciplinary research and collaborations between academic and non-academic sectors are particularly encouraged.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants may apply under one of three categories:

Category A – Funded Academic Fellowship

Eligible applicants should:

• Hold a PhD or complete their doctoral defence by September 2026.
• Apply for the fully funded fellowship option.
• Demonstrate a strong research profile relevant to the programme.

Category B – Self-Funded Academic Fellowship

Applicants should:

• Hold a PhD or complete their doctoral defence by September 2026.
• Have secured external or personal funding covering the full fellowship period.

Category C – Self-Funded Professional Fellowship

This category is open to experienced professionals such as:

• Journalists
• Writers
• Policy specialists
• Diplomats
• Curators
• Independent researchers
• Other professionals with relevant expertise

Applicants must have confirmed funding for the full fellowship period.

A strong command of English is required for all categories.

Self-Funded Fellows

Participants in the self-funded categories will benefit from:

• Access to IIAS academic facilities and resources.
• Participation in the full fellowship programme and community activities.
• Accommodation guidance.
• Visa assistance for the Dutch residency process.

Partner Institutions

During the first phase, fellows will be placed at one of several partner institutions across multiple regions, including locations in:

• Indonesia
• India
• Thailand
• Taiwan
• Tanzania
• Senegal
• Brazil
• Portugal
• Spain
• Germany
• Greece
• Sweden

These placements provide opportunities to engage with local researchers, institutions, and communities before continuing the fellowship in the Netherlands.

Application Process

The selection process includes two stages:

1. Submission of the online application together with all required supporting documents.
2. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit:
   • Two reference letters.
   • A short video presentation following IIAS guidelines.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
• Shortlisting Notification: By December 2026
• Final Selection Results: By March 2027