The Asia in the World Fellowship 2027/28 is now accepting applications from international researchers. This prestigious, fully funded fellowship is organized by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) and is designed to foster global collaboration and innovative research in Asian Studies. The program spans 12 months and is divided into three distinct phases across multiple global institutions.
This fellowship offers scholars a unique opportunity to engage in cross-cultural academic exchanges, work on independent research, and contribute to a better understanding of Asia’s influence in the global context. The fellowship is open to candidates from all academic disciplines, making it one of the most inclusive and dynamic research programs of its kind.
Asia in the World Fellowship 2027/28 Overview
- Host Country: Netherlands
- Host Institution: Leiden University (IIAS) and Co-Host Institutes
- Fellowship Duration: 12 Months
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 10 September 2026
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial and academic support, including:
- Round-trip airfare for all travel phases.
- Free housing during the program.
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Participation in professional development activities, workshops, and academic events.
Research Focus Areas
The program invites researchers whose work explores Asia’s role in a global context. Fellows must align their research with one of IIAS’ thematic clusters:
- Asian Cities – Urban development and cultural dynamics in Asia.
- The Politics of Culture (Asian Heritages) – Preservation and reinterpretation of cultural heritage.
- Global Asia – Asia’s interconnectedness with global political, economic, and cultural systems.
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Fellowship Structure
Phase 1 – Six Months at IIAS, Leiden University (Netherlands):
Fellows will collaborate with IIAS experts, participate in international debates, and work on publications.
Phase 2 – Three to Five Months at a Co-Host Institution:
Fellows will continue their research while engaging with scholars from leading international institutes such as:
- 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 (Netherlands):
The fellowship concludes with a final phase at Leiden University, where fellows present research outcomes and share insights from their co-host experiences.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to candidates from all countries.
- Must hold a PhD degree
- Early to mid-career researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Must be available for the entire fellowship duration.
- If employed, candidates must secure an official leave of absence.
Required Documents
- Completed IIAS Fellowship Application Form.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- List of publications.
- A detailed research work plan and timeline.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Asia in the World Fellowship 2027/28 is 10 September 2026.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official IIAS application portal. Ensure all required documents are uploaded before the deadline.
