If you are an early- to mid-career researcher, scholar, or knowledge professional looking for an elite international research track, this is your shot. Applications have officially opened for the Asia in the World Fellowship Programme 2027, hosted by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
This program moves away from traditional North-South academic limits, using a unique, multi-country residency model to explore Asia’s global connections.
Below is the complete point-by-point breakdown for your application.
Degree & Profile Requirements
- Academic Applicants: You must hold a PhD or be in the final stages of your doctoral degree. Your official PhD defense/viva must be completed no later than September 2026 to qualify.
- Eligible Fields: Open to all disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and arts, provided your research proposal maps closely onto one of IIAS’s core thematic clusters (e.g., Cities and Environment, Politics of Culture, Knowledge Diplomacy, or Global Asia).
- Professional Track: This program explicitly welcomes non-academic “knowledge professionals” with proven experience in their fields, including journalists, writers, diplomats, policy specialists, curators, and independent researchers.
Minimum & Maximum Age Limits
- Age Rules: There is no minimum or maximum age limit to apply. Eligibility is determined strictly by your career stage (early- to mid-career) and fulfilling the PhD defense timeline.
Can International People Apply?
- Global Access: Yes. This program is 100% open to applicants from all countries worldwide.
- Visa Support: For selected fellows, Leiden University acts as the institutional sponsor, providing full administrative support and visa guidance to secure your Dutch residence permit.
Hidden Charges or Catch?
- Zero Fees: There are absolutely no application fees, registration costs, or administrative processing charges.
- The “Funding Category” Catch: When you apply online, you must select your specific track. Your selection alters your funding:
- Category A (Funded Academic Fellowship): This track is fully funded. Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend of €1,250 gross, a dedicated housing allowance of €1,200 per month during the Netherlands residency, and a full travel grant covering international flights.
- Categories B & C (Self-Funded Academics/Professionals): Intended for applicants who already possess external grant funding or corporate backing. IIAS provides full university resource access, office space, and visa sponsorship for free, but does not provide financial support or stipends.
Program Structure, Timelines & Deadlines
- The 9-Month Residency Format: This program is broken into a dual-phase international structure:
- Phase 1 (3 Months): Spent on-site at a global co-host partner institution (located in countries like Senegal, Tanzania, Indonesia, Brazil, or Portugal).
- Phase 2 (6 Months): Spent in residence at IIAS, Leiden University in the Netherlands.
- Available Cohorts:
- Cohort 1: September 2027 – May 2028
- Cohort 2: March 2028 – November 2028
- Application Deadline: September 10, 2026
- Official Link: Apply directly via the IIAS Fellowships Portal.
🎯 How the Selection Process Works
Securing an offer for this highly competitive global fellowship involves a two-stage evaluation:
- The Initial Dossier: You must submit a comprehensive online application, an updated CV, a complete list of publications, and a detailed research work plan/proposal aligning with IIAS themes.
- The Shortlist Phase: Candidates moving past the first round will be notified by December 2026. Shortlisted applicants are required to submit two letters of reference and a short video presentation expanding on their research goals. Final fellowship awards are announced by March 2027.
We track down elite, fully funded international fellowships, academic grants, and global career tracks every single day so you don’t have to search.
Subscribe to Potenue and be a part of the Potenue family to exclusively get these hidden gems straight to your DMs!