IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2026 in the Netherlands (Fully Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Are you an early- or mid-career researcher looking for a fully funded fellowship to advance your work on Asian studies in a global context? The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2026, hosted by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University, offers a 12-month, fully funded research opportunity across multiple countries, including the Netherlands, Indonesia, Brazil, India, and more!
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IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2026 Details:
| Offered by: | International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) |
| Duration: | 12 Months |
| Fellowship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Netherlands |
| Last Date: | 15 September 2025 |
This prestigious fellowship is designed for scholars who want to broaden their perspectives, collaborate with leading institutions, and contribute to interdisciplinary research on Asia’s global connections.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2026, including:
- Fellowship benefits (financial coverage, housing, travel grants)
- Eligibility criteria (simplified)
- Application process (step-by-step)
- Required documents
- Research focus areas
- Important deadlines
- FAQs
- Direct application link
Let’s dive in!
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1. About the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2026
The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship is a 12-month, fully funded program that allows researchers to:
✅ Conduct interdisciplinary research on Asia’s global role
✅ Spend 6 months in Leiden, Netherlands, followed by 3–5 months at a partner institution (e.g., Indonesia, Brazil, India, Thailand, Germany). 28
✅ Return to Leiden for the final phase to share research findings.
Key Benefits of the Fellowship
Monthly stipend: €1,250 during the Leiden residency (co-host institutions may provide additional support) 4
Free housing in Leiden and at the partner institution 2
Travel grant: Up to €1,000 for round-trip airfare 4
Professional development: Workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities 8
Access to research facilities: Libraries, seminar rooms, and academic networks 5
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2. Eligibility Criteria (Simplified)
To apply for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2026, you must meet the following requirements:
General Eligibility:
🌍 Nationality: Open to all nationalities (non-Dutch applicants are encouraged) 2
🎓 Academic Background:
Must hold a PhD (or be scheduled to defend by 15 February 2026) 1
Research should align with Asian Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences, or Arts.⁵
📅 Availability: Must commit to the full 12 months (Oct 2026–Oct 2027) 4
🚫 No other commitments: Cannot hold another fellowship or job during the program 1
Additional Preferences:
Interdisciplinary or comparative research approaches 5
Projects related to one of IIAS’s themes:
Asian Cities (urban studies, smart cities)
Politics of Culture (heritage, identity, cultural policy)
Global Asia (transnational trade, geopolitics) 8
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3. Required Documents
Before applying, prepare these documents:
📌 Completed IIAS Fellowship Application Form (online) 1
📌 Curriculum Vitae (CV) with academic background 4
📌 List of publications (if applicable) 5
📌 Work plan (research proposal, timeline, expected outcomes) 8
📌 Two reference letters (only required if shortlisted) 1
📌 Short video presentation (if shortlisted) 4
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
How to Apply for the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2026?
1️⃣ Visit the official application portal: https://www.iias.asia/fellowship-application 1
2️⃣ Fill out the online form with personal and academic details
3️⃣ Upload required documents (CV, work plan, publications list)
4️⃣ Submit before the deadline (15 Sept 2025)
5️⃣ Shortlisted candidates will be asked for:
Two reference letters
A short video presentation (guidelines provided later) 4
6️⃣ Final results announced by February 2026 5
7️⃣ Fellowship begins in October 2026!
5. Important Dates (Deadlines 2025-2026)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 17 July 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 Sept 2025 |
| Shortlist Notifications | Nov 2025 |
| Final Results | Feb 2026 |
| Fellowship Starts | Oct 2026 |
| Fellowship Ends | Oct 2027 |
⚠️ Late applications will NOT be accepted!
6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is the IIAS Fellowship fully funded?
✅ Yes! It covers housing, monthly stipend, travel costs, and research facilities 28.
Q2: Can I apply if I haven’t finished my PhD yet?
✅ Yes, but you must defend your PhD by 15 Feb 2026 and provide university confirmation 1.
Q3: Can I choose my co-host institution?
✅ Yes! You can select from 14 global partners (e.g., Indonesia, Brazil, Germany).²
Q4: Are there language requirements?
❌ No, but proficiency in English is expected for research and presentations 5.
Q5: How competitive is the fellowship?
🏆 Highly competitive! Strong research proposals, academic records, and interdisciplinary approaches increase chances.
7. Final Tips for Applicants
📌 Start early! Writing a strong research proposal takes time.
📌 Align your project with IIAS themes (Asian Cities, Politics of Culture, Global Asia).
📌 Highlight interdisciplinary aspects of your work.
📌 Follow IIAS on social media for updates.
Conclusion
The IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2026 is a life-changing opportunity for researchers to expand their academic networks, conduct global research, and contribute to Asian studies. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this chance—apply now!
📢 Share this post with fellow researchers who might be interested!
Good luck with your application! 🎓✈️
