Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
- Study in Netherlands Fellowship Overview
- Fellowship Benefits
- Research Themes & Focus Areas
- Fellowship Structure
- Eligibility Criteria for Asia in the World Fellowship?
- How to Apply for Asia in the World Fellowship?
- Professional Development & Networking
The Asia in the World Fellowship 2026/27, offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University, is an interdisciplinary doctoral and postdoctoral fellowship designed to foster cross-cultural academic exchanges and innovative research in Asian Studies. Over 12 months, fellows travel through three phases—Leiden, a co-host institution, and back to IIAS—gaining an unparalleled network of international research opportunities across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Study in Netherlands Fellowship Overview
- Host: International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), Leiden University, Netherlands
- Duration: 12 months (October 2026 – October 2027)
- Tracks: Early- to mid-career researchers (PhD holders or candidates defending by 15 Feb 2026)
- Disciplines: Open to all fields with a focus on Asian Studies and global linkages
- Funding: Fully funded global research fellowships including stipend, travel, housing, and workshops
Fellowship Benefits
- Monthly stipend of €1,250 during residence in Leiden; additional support set by co-host institute
- Round-trip international airfare covering all three phases
- Free, fully furnished housing at IIAS and at the co-host institution
- Up to €1,000 travel grant for Phase transitions
- Participation in professional development workshops, seminars, and networking events
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities and IIAS’s global research network
Research Themes & Focus Areas
Applicants should frame projects around one of IIAS’s thematic clusters to explore Asia’s role in the global economy, Asian urbanization, and cultural heritage politics:
- Asian Cities: urban development, smart infrastructure, migration dynamics
- Politics of Culture (Asian Heritages): preservation, reinterpretation, policy
- Global Asia: trade networks, digital diplomacy, geopolitical shifts
This innovative research in Asian Studies encourages interdisciplinary approaches across humanities, social sciences, and beyond.
Fellowship Structure
| Phase | Location | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IIAS, Leiden (Netherlands) | 6 months | Collaborative workshops, co-authored publications, IIAS seminars |
| 2 | Co-Host Institute | 3–5 months | Field research, cross-cultural exchanges, partner-driven seminars |
| 3 | IIAS, Leiden (Netherlands) | Remaining months | Reporting back, public lectures, synthesis of global insights |
Co-host institutes span Airlangga (Indonesia), Heidelberg University (Germany), University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), and 11 others worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria for Asia in the World Fellowship?
- PhD awarded or defense scheduled by 15 Feb 2026, or equivalent research credentials
- Early- to mid-career researchers from any nationality
- Full availability from October 2026 through October 2027 (official leave required if employed)
- No concurrent fellowships or employment contracts during the fellowship term
How to Apply for Asia in the World Fellowship?
- Visit the IIAS application portal before 15 September 2025.
- Complete the IIAS Fellowship Application Form.
- Upload required documents:
- CV with publication list
- Detailed research work plan and timeline
- Two letters of recommendation (host supervisor optional)
- Ensure all files adhere to submission standards (≤ 4 MB each).
- Shortlist notifications by November 2025; final decisions February 2026.
Professional Development & Networking
- Tailored workshops on academic writing, grant applications, and career planning
- Regular mentoring by IIAS senior scholars and co-host experts
- Invitations to IIAS’s annual symposium and partner-institution conferences
Ready to advance your career through a uniquely interdisciplinary doctoral and postdoctoral fellowship, engage in cross-cultural academic exchanges, and join a community driving transformative research in Asian Studies? Visit the IIAS website, align your proposal with their thematic clusters, and apply by 15 September 2025.
Waqas Khan is a dedicated writer and blogger who has been crafting compelling content since 2012. Specializing in science and technology topics, he has built a reputation for translating complex technical concepts into reader-friendly articles. His work demonstrates a deep understanding of emerging technologies and scientific advancements, making him a reliable voice in the digital content space.
