The Asia in the World Fellowship Programme, offered by the International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS), is a pioneering 12-month initiative designed to reshape the approach to Asian Studies globally. Designed for early- to mid-career scholars from all disciplines, the fellowship offers a three-phase immersive research journey across multiple continents.
About the Fellowship
This dynamic programme begins with a six-month residency at IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands, where fellows engage with leading scholars, contribute to ongoing projects, and publish in IIAS’s respected outlets. Following this, fellows spend three to five months at a co-host institution located in Asia, Africa, Latin America, or Europe. The final phase brings them back to Leiden to present their research and participate in public academic events.
The programme breaks away from traditional regional frameworks and encourages multi-centred, collaborative knowledge production, supporting innovative, inclusive, and interdisciplinary research in Asian Studies.
Partner Institutions for Exchange
Some of the global co-hosts include:
- Kasetsart University, Thailand
- Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies, India
- University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- French Institute of Pondicherry, India
- CRIA, Portugal
- AIIOC, Indonesia
This global exchange structure ensures scholars engage with varied academic environments, fostering richer perspectives and diversified research approaches.
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Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to scholars with a completed PhD (or near completion by February 2026). Applicants must:
- Be available full-time from October 2026 to October 2027
- Commit to residential phases in Leiden and at a partner institute
- Be unaffiliated from other employment or fellowships during the programme
Preference is given to projects aligned with IIAS’s core research clusters:
- Asian Cities
- Politics of Culture
- Global Asia
Applications from interdisciplinary researchers and those with relevant non-academic experience (e.g., art, curatorial work, activism) are encouraged.
Programme Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- A monthly stipend of €1250 during Leiden residency
- Housing accommodations during both phases
- A travel grant of up to €1000
- Access to professional development, seminars, and global networking opportunities
Application Timeline
- Opening Date: 17 July 2025
- Deadline: 15 September 2025
- Shortlist Notification: November 2025
- Final Selection Announcement: February 2026
Applications must include:
- Completed online application form
- CV and list of publications
- Research work plan
- (Reference letters and a video will be required for shortlisted candidates)
The Asia in the World Fellowship invites passionate researchers to reimagine Asian Studies within a multipolar and interconnected world. With its unique structure and global scope, this fellowship fosters meaningful academic exchange, supporting the next generation of scholars in creating inclusive, global knowledge about Asia.
