NIAS Individual Fellowship 2026 in Netherlands | Fully Funded

NIAS Individual Fellowship 2026 provides scholars in the humanities and social sciences a unique opportunity to pursue independent research at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) in Amsterdam. This prestigious fellowship welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds and career stages, offering a vibrant and interdisciplinary environment to advance original research.

Selected fellows join an international cohort and can choose residencies of five or ten months, fully dedicating their time to research. The program encourages collaboration, intellectual exchange, and professional growth, helping participants expand their networks and gain new perspectives while focusing on meaningful scholarly projects.

Benefits

• Financial support in the form of stipends and grants and travel expenses
• Library service that delivers books (almost) to your door steps
• Hot lunch with good company and lively discussions
• Weekly academic seminars
• Grant writing group
• Creative writing workshop
• Interdisciplinary reading groups
• Opportunities to organise an expert workshop
• Opportunities to organise public events
• Social and cultural activities
• An office, shared or private, with telephone and a laptop with reliable internet access and subsidised accommodation

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must have at least three years of academic experience since obtaining a PhD (or equivalent experience for journalists, artists, or authors).
• Project proposals must relate to the humanities or social sciences.
• Applicants do not need a permanent university or research institute position.
• The working language is English; strong English proficiency is required.
• NIAS welcomes applicants from all countries, except those currently affiliated with Russian or Belarusian institutions (due to EU sanctions). However, Russian or Belarusian nationals affiliated outside those countries may apply.
• Applicants can only submit one application per call and cannot apply if another application is under review at NIAS.
• Previous NIAS fellows may only reapply after a 10-year interval.

Required Documents

• Project Proposal
• Motivation Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Description of why you were compelled to leave your workplace.

How to Apply?

• Start by carefully reading the fellowship guidelines and ensure your research project fits within the humanities or social sciences.
• Prepare a research proposal of up to 1,500 words, clearly explaining your topic, its academic and societal relevance, and why NIAS is the right environment for it.
• Update your CV and compile a publication list to demonstrate your academic experience and achievements.
• Identify three international experts in your field who can act as reviewers and have no conflict of interest. Include their names and contact information in your application.
• Complete the online application form with your personal details, career information, and practical matters.
• Upload all required documents, including your research proposal, CV, publication list, and reviewer details. Ensure your proposal is original and not generated by AI.
• Submit your application before the deadline, 16 March 2026 at 12:00 noon CET. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• After submission, await confirmation and further communication from NIAS regarding eligibility, review outcomes, and final selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The NIAS Individual Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded residency of five or ten months in Amsterdam for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. Fellows submit research proposals, receive mentorship, join an international cohort, and benefit from a rich interdisciplinary environment.