The International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) is offering a fully funded, 12-month “Asia in the World Fellowship” for the 2026/27 academic year (October 2026 to October 2027). This fellowship is open to researchers from all disciplines worldwide who want to conduct innovative research in Asian Studies. The program involves three phases: six months at Leiden University in the Netherlands, three to five months at a co-host institution, and a final phase at the IIAS in Leiden. The fellowship promotes global collaboration in Asian Studies research. Applications are now being accepted.

Details About Asia in the World Fellowship 2026/27 in the Netherlands

• Host Country: Netherlands
• Fellowship Name: Asia in the World Fellowship
• Location: Leiden University, and Co-Host Institute
• Duration: 12 Months
• Benefits: Fully Funded
• Deadline: 15th September 2025

Financial Benefits

The Fellowship Covers:

• Round Airfare Travel Expenses
• Free Housing
• Monthly Stipend
• Professional Development Activities

Research Focus

They’re looking for researchers whose work helps us understand Asia’s role in the world in a broader, more connected way. Applicants’ research must align with IIAS’ thematic clusters

• Asian Cities
• The Politics of Culture (formerly Asian Heritages)
• Global Asia

Structure of the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship

The fellowship concludes in three Phases:

Phase 1: Six Months at IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands

Participants will engage in debates, collaborate on projects, publish their work, and participate in various activities with IIAS and its partners across Europe.

Phase 2: Three to Five Months at One of the Co-Hosting Institutes:

• Airlangga Institute of Indian Ocean Crossroads (AIIOC) (Surabaya, Indonesia) 
• Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA) (Lisbon, Coimbra, & Braga, Portugal) 
• Centro de Estudos Afro-Orientais (CEAO) Federal University of Bahia (Salvador, Brazil)
• French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP) (Puducherry, India) 
• Kasetsart University (KU) (Bangkok, Thailand) 
• Institute for Urban Research (IUR) Malmö University (Malmö, Sweden)
• Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies, University of Erfurt (Erfurt, Germany) 
• Max Weber Forum For South Asian Studies (Delhi, India) 
• School of Culture Resources of Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA) (Taipei, Taiwan)
• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Madrid, Spain)
• International Research Laboratory Environment, Health, Societies (Dakar, Senegal)
• University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
• Worldmaking Heidelberg University (Heidelberg, Germany)

Phase 3: Return to IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands

Back in Leiden, you’ll share insights from your co-host experience.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants from all countries are eligible.
• Target Audience: Early- to mid-career researchers from around the world.
• PhD Required: You need a PhD, or your defense must be by February 15, 2026 (with university confirmation).
• Full Availability: You must be fully available from October 2026 to October 2027 and arrive in the first week of October 2026.
• No Other Commitments: If employed, you need an official release for the entire fellowship. You can’t hold other fellowships or job contracts simultaneously.

Required Documents

• IIAS Fellowship Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of publications
• Work plan

Timeline

You’ll hear if you’re shortlisted by November 2025, with final selections announced by February 2026.

How to Apply for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2026/27?

Candidates must follow the application process and make an online application. The Link to the official website is below.