Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 IIAS

The Asia in the World Fellowship 2027/28 is a fully funded 12-month international research fellowship at the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) in Leiden, the Netherlands, open to researchers, artists, practitioners, and professionals of all nationalities with expertise relevant to Asia’s role in addressing global challenges. The fellowship covers round-trip airfare, free housing, a monthly stipend, and professional development activities. The application deadline is 10 September 2026.

Program Highlights

DetailInformation
Opportunity TypeFully Funded International Research Fellowship
Organising BodyInternational Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS)
ModeOffline (Residential, Leiden, Netherlands)
Duration12 Months
LocationIIAS, Leiden, Netherlands
Last Date to Apply10 September 2026

About the Program

The Asia in the World Fellowship 2027/28 is administered by the International Institute for Asian Studies — one of Europe’s foremost centres for interdisciplinary Asian Studies research — to bring together a diverse cohort of researchers, artists, practitioners, and professionals from across the globe for a year of collaborative academic inquiry at IIAS’s Leiden campus. The fellowship operates under the Asia in the World initiative, which positions Asia not as a region studied in isolation but as a central actor in shaping responses to the world’s most pressing global challenges, from climate change and digital transformation to migration, governance, and cultural heritage. Consequently, selected fellows conduct independent, high-quality research within a stimulating interdisciplinary environment, gaining access to IIAS’s extensive scholarly networks, research infrastructure, and a rich programme of academic events throughout their twelve-month residency. Furthermore, the fellowship’s deliberate encouragement of interdisciplinary applications — welcoming scholars from universities, think tanks, museums, and civil society organisations alongside traditional academics — ensures a genuinely diverse and intellectually dynamic annual cohort.

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification

  • Open to applicants from all nationalities worldwide
  • Must have expertise relevant to the proposed research project
  • Research proposals must demonstrate strong academic quality and originality
  • Applicants from interdisciplinary fields are highly encouraged to apply

Experience & Other Conditions

  • Researchers from universities, research institutes, think tanks, museums, and other organisations are all eligible to apply
  • The proposed research must align with IIAS’s research priorities and the Asia in the World initiative
  • Applicants must be able to conduct their research in person at IIAS during the full fellowship period
  • A publication list is required where applicable

Benefits & Funding

ComponentDetail
Return AirfareRound-trip travel expenses covered
HousingFree accommodation for the full 12-month fellowship period
Monthly StipendProvided throughout the fellowship to cover living expenses
Professional DevelopmentAccess to professional development activities at IIAS
Research EnvironmentAccess to one of Europe’s leading Asian Studies research institutes
Academic EventsParticipation in IIAS-hosted academic events and seminars
International NetworkOpportunity to build a global academic network across disciplines

Topics / Themes Covered

IIAS welcomes interdisciplinary research related to Asia and encourages projects connected with the following global themes:

  • Asian Societies and Cultures
  • International Relations and Global Governance
  • Migration and Mobility
  • Climate Change and Environmental Studies
  • Sustainable Development and Urban Development
  • Digital Transformation and Public Policy
  • Arts, Humanities, and Cultural Heritage
  • History, Political Science, Economics, and Social Sciences

Selection Process

  • Application submitted through the official IIAS application system before 10 September 2026
  • Evaluation based on research proposal quality, academic originality, relevance to IIAS’s Asia in the World initiative, and the applicant’s expertise and professional background
  • Publication list assessed where applicable to support the applicant’s academic track record
  • No application fee is stated

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official Asia in the World Fellowship 2027/28 application portal on the IIAS website.
  2. Complete the online application form with your personal, professional, and academic background details.
  3. Prepare a clearly structured research proposal demonstrating academic quality, originality, and alignment with IIAS’s research priorities and the Asia in the World initiative.
  4. Write a motivation statement articulating why you are applying and how the fellowship will advance your research.
  5. Compile your CV, publication list (where applicable), and all supporting documents requested in the application portal.
  6. Submit your complete application through the official IIAS system before the 10 September 2026 deadline.

Application Fee

CategoryFee Amount
All ApplicantsNo application fee stated

Required Documents

DocumentDetail
Online Application FormCompleted through the official IIAS application portal
Curriculum VitaeFull academic and professional background
Research ProposalDemonstrating originality, quality, and alignment with IIAS priorities
Motivation StatementExplaining motivation and research goals for the fellowship year
Publication ListRequired where applicable
Supporting DocumentsAs specified in the official application portal

Important Dates

EventDate
Application Deadline10 September 2026
Fellowship Year2027–28 (12 months)

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 IIAS?
Researchers, artists, practitioners, and professionals of all nationalities from universities, research institutes, think tanks, museums, and other organisations with expertise relevant to their proposed research on Asia and global challenges are eligible; interdisciplinary applicants are particularly encouraged.

What does the Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 IIAS cover financially?
The fellowship covers round-trip airfare, free housing for the full 12-month period, a monthly stipend, and access to professional development activities at IIAS in Leiden.

What research themes does the Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 support?
The fellowship supports interdisciplinary research across a wide range of themes including Asian societies and cultures, international relations, climate change, migration, digital transformation, cultural heritage, and public policy, all examined through the lens of Asia’s role in addressing global challenges.

Is the Asia in the World Fellowship open to non-academic applicants?
Yes — the fellowship explicitly welcomes applicants from think tanks, museums, and other non-university organisations alongside traditional academics, provided their proposed research demonstrates strong quality, originality, and alignment with IIAS priorities.

Is there an application fee for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2027 IIAS?
No application fee is stated; applicants should refer to the official IIAS application portal for any administrative requirements before submitting their application.

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