The International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) at Leiden University has officially opened applications for the prestigious Asia in the World Fellowship Programme 2027–2028, a nine-month residential fellowship designed to help participants expand their academic and professional horizons. The programme consists of three months at a partner institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe, followed by six months at IIAS, Leiden University, in the Netherlands.
Beginning in 2025, IIAS redesigned the fellowship to admit two cohorts each year, allowing the institute to support a larger and more diverse international community of fellows. The first cohort will run from September 2027 to May 2028, while the second will run from March 2028 to November 2028. Applications for this cycle close on September 10, 2026.
During the first three months, fellows will be expected to deliver lectures or research presentations, engage with local academic communities, participate in institutional activities, collaborate with researchers, and attend online meetings coordinated by IIAS. The remaining six months will be spent at IIAS, where fellows will have access to university facilities, opportunities to be featured in IIAS publications and podcast initiatives, and various academic and social activities.
Applications are invited under three categories. The first category is the Academic Fellowship, open to applicants who already hold a PhD or who will be awarded their PhD before September 2026. Fellows in this category receive full funding, including a monthly stipend of approximately €1,250 for the six-month residency at IIAS, in addition to other fellowship benefits.
The second category is the Academic Self-Funded Fellowship for PhD holders or candidates who finance their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses. However, IIAS provides visa support, access to university facilities, and networking opportunities.
The third category is the Independent Professionals Fellowship, which is also self-funded and intended for professionals working outside academia.
Applications opened on July 1, 2026, and will remain open until September 10, 2026. Shortlisted applicants are expected to be announced in December 2026, while final results will be released in March 2027.
The application process consists of two stages.
Stage One requires the following:
- Online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal
- Publications (if applicable)
- Writing samples or other supporting materials
Applicants are encouraged to visit the official website for detailed guidelines on the required documents.
Stage Two is for shortlisted applicants only and requires:
- Two reference letters
- A short video presentation
- Any additional documents or instructions provided by IIAS
For more information and to apply, visit the official fellowship website:
https://www.iias.asia/fellowships/asia-in-the-world
