Asia in the World Fellowship 2026-27 is now accepting applications for its fully funded 12-month research opportunity, hosted by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS). Designed for scholars across all disciplines, this prestigious fellowship begins in October 2026 and concludes in October 2027. Participants will spend the first six months at Leiden University in the Netherlands, followed by a three to five-month placement at a selected co-host institution, with the final phase returning to IIAS in Leiden.
This global research initiative is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge scholarship in Asian Studies and fostering cross-cultural academic collaboration. Open to candidates worldwide, the Asia in the World Fellowship offers a unique platform to explore Asia’s influence in global contexts while engaging with top institutions and scholars. Don’t miss this exceptional chance to broaden your research and network internationally.
Benefits of the Asia in the World Fellowship
- Round Airfare Travel Expenses
- Free Housing
- Monthly Stipend
- Professional Development Activities
Eligibility Criteria for the Asia in the World Fellowship
- Applicants from all countries are eligible.
- Target Audience: Early- to mid-career researchers from around the world.
- PhD Required: You need a PhD, or your defense must be by February 15, 2026 (with university confirmation).
- Full Availability: You must be fully available from October 2026 to October 2027 and arrive in the first week of October 2026.
- No Other Commitments: If employed, you need an official release for the entire fellowship. You can’t hold other fellowships or job contracts simultaneously.
Required Documents
- IIAS Fellowship Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae
- List of publications
- Work plan
Timeline
You’ll hear if you’re shortlisted by November 2025, with final selections announced by February 2026.
Research Focus
They’re looking for researchers whose work helps us understand Asia’s role in the world in a broader, more connected way. Applicants’ research must align with IIAS’ thematic clusters
- Asian Cities
- The Politics of Culture (formerly Asian Heritages)
- Global Asia
Structure of the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship
The fellowship concludes in three Phases:
Phase 1: Six Months at IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands
Participants will engage in debates, collaborate on projects, publish their work, and participate in various activities with IIAS and its partners across Europe.
Phase 2: Three to Five Months at One of the Co-Hosting Institutes:
- 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 in Leiden, Netherlands
Back in Leiden, you’ll share insights from your co-host experience.
How to Apply for the Asia in the World Fellowship?
- Visit the official application page
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic details
- Follow the outlined application process as stated on the official website
- Submit all required documents before the deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Asia in the World Fellowship by IIAS is a fully funded, 12‑month research residency from Oct 2026–Oct 2027, offering €1250/month, housing, travel stipend, global co‑host placements, and requires PhD, interdisciplinary research on Asia’s global linkages, with applications from 17 Jul to 15 Sep 2025
What is the Asia in the World Fellowship?
The Asia in the World Fellowship is a 12‑month initiative by International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) for early‑ to mid‑career researchers in humanities, arts or social sciences, offering global dialogue on Asia beyond regional frames
Who can apply for the Asia in the World Fellowship?
Applicants must have a PhD (or defend by 15 February 2026), be available full‑time from October 2026 to October 2027, and not hold concurrent employment or fellowships during the programme
What are the dates and application deadline?
Applications open 17 July 2025 and close 15 September 2025. The fellowship runs October 2026 through October 2027, with arrival scheduled during the first week of October 2026
What does the fellowship structure look like?
The programme has three phases: six months in Leiden at IIAS, three‑five months at a co‑hosting institution worldwide, and a final return to IIAS in Leiden for the concluding phase
What benefits does the Asia in the World Fellowship offer?
Fellows receive a monthly €1250 stipend in Leiden, housing in Leiden and at co‑host, a one‑time travel grant up to €1000, and access to professional development opportunities
Where are the co‑host institutions located?
Partner institutions span Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, including institutes such as Airlangga (Indonesia), UFBA (Brazil), Kasetsart (Thailand), CRIA (Portugal), Max Weber Erfurt (Germany), TNUA (Taiwan)
What disciplines are eligible for this fellowship?
The fellowship accepts research in Asian Studies across social sciences, humanities and arts. Interdisciplinary approaches and global framing of Asia’s connections are strongly encouraged
How is the selection process structured?
Selection involves submission of online form, CV, publications list and work plan. Shortlisted candidates provide two references and a short video presentation; joint applicants follow separate yet coordinated submissions
What must applicants commit to during the fellowship?
Selected fellows must reside in the Netherlands during phases 1 and 3, participate actively in IIAS and host activities, and abstain from concurrent employment or other fellowships
What outputs and engagement are expected?
Fellows engage in seminars, workshops, publish in IIAS platforms, podcasts, co‑host an event in Leiden reflecting their research and contributions, and acknowledge IIAS in outputs
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