IIAS 2025 Asia in the World Fellowship Programme

The International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) introduces a groundbreaking fellowship programme that transforms traditional approaches to Asian Studies. Moving beyond conventional North-South dynamics and regional frameworks, this innovative programme fosters a truly global dialogue through a unique three-phase journey: six months at IIAS in Leiden, followed by an exchange period at a partner institution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe, concluding with a final stage in Leiden.

• Table of Content
• About International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS)
• Asia in the World Fellowship Programme
• Aim and Benefits of Asia in the World Fellowship Programme
• Requirements for Asia in the World Fellowship Programme Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Asia in the World Fellowship Programme
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Asia in the World Fellowship Programme

Aim and Benefits of Asia in the World Fellowship Programme

Fellows rewarded the IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship receive:

1. A monthly stipend of €1250 during the residency in Leiden. The stipend for the second phase will be determined by the co-host institution.
2. Housing in Leiden (approx. 20-minutes walking distance from the institute). And housing during the period at the co-host institution.
3. A one-time travel grant of up to €1000, covering travel to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport and your next destination.
4. Opportunities for professional development (such as outings, workshops and other activities).
5. Please note: IIAS does not provide additional funding for participation in academic conferences, workshops, or symposia during the fellowship period. Fellows may participate in such events at their own expense.

Requirements for Asia in the World Fellowship Programme Qualification

1. Applicants must have a PhD. Applicants finalising their PhD may apply, provided that their defense/viva takes place no later than 15 February 2026. Confirmation of this date from your university is required before any fellowship award can be confirmed.
2. Applicants must be fully available from October 2026 to October 2027. The fellowship cannot begin earlier or later than October, nor can it be concluded prematurely. Selected fellows must arrive during the first week of October 2026.
3. Applicants who are currently employed or affiliated with another institution must secure official release from their duties for the full duration of the fellowship. This fellowship may not be held in combination with other fellowships or employment contracts.
4. Applicants planning to conduct fieldwork are strongly advised to complete this prior to the start of the fellowship. IIAS does not provide funding for fieldwork activities during the fellowship period.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Asia in the World Fellowship Programme

Selection process

The selection process consists of two stages:

1. Application through the IIAS website: Applicants must submit the completed application form and all required documents via the IIAS Fellowship Application Form.
2. Shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to provide: 
   I. Two reference letters;
   II. A short video presentation (guidelines will be provided).

Joint applications

Researchers applying as a duo should each submit a separate application form with the same project title and shared project description. In your individual applications, please outline your specific contribution and how you plan to collaborate. Duo applicants are encouraged to select different partner institutes for the second phase of the fellowship. Kindly inform us of your joint application by email at [email protected], using “JOINT APPLICATION CALL 2025–26” as the subject line.

The IIAS Fellowship selection committee

The IIAS Fellowship Selection Committee is composed of highly qualified academics from various disciplines based in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Please find their profiles here.

Assessment criteria

Applications are assessed based on the following criteria:

• The project’s potential to advance its field(s) of study; its original contribution to knowledge.
• The diversity of outputs and approaches to knowledge sharing.
• Open research practices such as sharing of data and methods (where possible).
• Interdisciplinarity.
• Ethical integrity and responsible research conduct.
• A clear and well-articulated motivation for participation in the Asia in the World programme, demonstrating both interest in IIAS and the preferred co-host institution.

Documents Required for Application

Applications must include the following:

1. Completed IIAS Fellowship Application Form (online), including all required uploads 
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of publications
4. Work plan
5. (Reference letters will only be required for shortlisted candidates)

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars' Program at ALCHE 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit IIAS Fellowship webpage