Asia in the World Fellowship Programme

Deadline: 10-Sep-2026

The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme offers a nine-month residential research fellowship for early- to mid-career researchers and knowledge professionals working on interdisciplinary research related to Asia and its global connections. The programme combines a three-month residency at a co-host institution outside the Netherlands with a six-month research residency at IIAS, Leiden University. What Is the Asia in the World Fellowship Programme? The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme supports innovative research that examines Asia as part of wider global formations. It is designed for researchers and knowledge professionals who want to develop new ideas, build international collaborations, and connect academic research with broader social, cultural, and policy knowledge.

The programme encourages:

Interdisciplinary and comparative research. Research connecting Asia with global processes. Collaboration between academic and non-academic knowledge communities. International research networks and knowledge exchange. Projects addressing contemporary issues through Asian Studies. Applicants may develop projects related to one or more of the following IIAS thematic clusters: Category A applicants are eligible for the fellowship’s financial support package.

Category B: Academic Self-Funded Fellows

Category B is for academic researchers who have secured external or personal funding covering the full fellowship period. Applicants must have confirmed financial resources to support their participation and living expenses.

Category C: Independent Professionals

Category C is open to independent knowledge professionals with an appropriate professional track record.

Examples include:

Journalists Writers Diplomats Policymakers Curators Other relevant professionals Category C applicants must have confirmed external or personal funding for the full fellowship period. A good command of English is required. What Funding Does the Fellowship Provide? The financial benefits depend on the applicant category. For Category A funded academic fellows, the programme provides: €1,250 gross per month during the six-month Phase 2 residency in Leiden. €1,200 per month housing allowance during Phase 2. A travel grant covering eligible travel between the fellow’s country of residence, the Phase 1 co-host institution, the Netherlands, and the return journey home, subject to IIAS travel guidelines. The Phase 1 stipend or financial support is determined by the relevant co-host institution according to its local arrangements. Fellows are responsible for finding and securing their own accommodation in Leiden or the surrounding area. What About Self-Funded Fellows? Categories B and C do not receive the same fellowship funding package as Category A. However, self-funded fellows can benefit from: Visa support through Leiden University. Access to IIAS facilities. Office and research infrastructure. IIAS workshops and events. Professional development activities. Academic and networking opportunities. Access to the IIAS community. A list of trusted rental agencies in Leiden. Self-funded fellows must arrange and finance their own accommodation and have sufficient funding for the entire fellowship period. Why Does the Fellowship Matter? The Asia in the World Fellowship is particularly valuable for researchers whose work crosses disciplinary, geographic, or institutional boundaries.

The programme provides an opportunity to:

Develop an international research project. Spend extended periods at two research institutions. Build international academic networks. Exchange knowledge with researchers outside one’s home institution. Connect Asian Studies with global research questions. Strengthen interdisciplinary research. Engage with both academic and non-academic knowledge. Develop future collaborations and publications. The two-phase structure is especially useful because fellows experience research environments in two different geographic and institutional contexts. What Types of Research Projects Are Suitable? Strong projects should clearly explain how Asia interacts with broader global formations. If selected, complete the three-month Phase 1 residency at the designated co-host institution. Continue the project during the six-month Phase 2 residency at IIAS in Leiden. Participate in lectures, workshops, seminars, networking and professional development activities. Complete the fellowship and continue developing the research outcomes and collaborations. Visa and Immigration Support Leiden University acts as the issuing institution for residence permit applications for the Netherlands. Fellows must still satisfy all applicable Dutch immigration and residence requirements. For Phase 1, the relevant co-host institution provides information and guidance regarding visa procedures. Applicants should therefore consider visa requirements and processing times when planning their fellowship. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should pay particular attention to the following issues: Submitting a project that is only loosely connected to Asia: The Asia-related dimension should be clearly explained.

Ignoring the global component: Projects should engage with Asia as part of wider global formations.

Choosing the wrong applicant category: Academic fellows, self-funded academics and independent professionals have different eligibility and funding arrangements.

Failing to demonstrate professional or academic track record: The proposal should establish why the applicant is well positioned to undertake the research.

Underestimating accommodation costs: Fellows are responsible for securing accommodation in Leiden.

Ignoring Phase 1 requirements: Applicants should be prepared to participate actively in the co-host institution’s academic or professional activities.

Leaving visa arrangements until late: International applicants should plan immigration requirements well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the duration of the