IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship Programme, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

Summary

The International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS) has launched a groundbreaking, multi-centred fellowship programme designed to transform traditional approaches to Asian Studies. Moving beyond conventional regional frameworks, this innovative program fosters global dialogue through a unique two-phase, nine-month structure that splits time between a global co-host institution and Leiden University in the Netherlands.

PhD Fellowship Opportunity: IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship Programme, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

Designation

• Asia in the World Fellow (Available in Fully Funded Academic, Self-Funded Academic, and Self-Funded Independent Professional tracks)

Fellowship Cohorts & Structure

The program follows a 9-month residential structure split into two phases:

• Phase 1 (3 Months): Residency at a global co-host institution (giving a talk/lecture and engaging in local activities).
• Phase 2 (6 Months): Residence at IIAS in Leiden, Netherlands (includes access to shared office space, library, and seminar rooms).

Research Area

Interdisciplinary projects engaging with Asia as part of wider global formations across themes like cities, cultural politics, humanities, and knowledge diplomacy.

Projects must engage with Asia as part of wider global formations. Interdisciplinary approaches and projects bridging academic and non-academic knowledge are highly encouraged. Projects should align with one or more of the following IIAS thematic clusters:

• Cities (and Environment)
• The Politics of Culture
• Asia in the World
• Humanities Across Borders
• Knowledge Diplomacy in Action

Location

• Phase 1: One of the participating global partner institutions (located across Indonesia, Portugal, Brazil, India, Greece, Sweden, Germany, Thailand, Taiwan, Spain, Senegal, or Tanzania).
• Phase 2: IIAS, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Eligibility / Qualification

The program is open to three categories of applicants, all requiring a good command of English:

• Category A (Academic – Funded): PhD holders, or candidates whose defense takes place no later than September 2026.
• Category B (Academic – Self-Funded): PhD holders or late-stage candidates (defense by Sept 2026) with confirmed external or personal funding.
• Category C (Independent Professional – Self-Funded): Journalists, writers, diplomats, policymakers, curators, and other professionals with a relevant track record and confirmed funding.

Job Description / Benefits

For Category A (Funded Academic Fellows):

• Monthly Stipend: €1,250 gross per month during the Leiden residency (Phase 1 stipend is determined/provided by the specific co-host institution).
• Housing Allowance: €1,200 per month towards accommodation costs during Phase 2.
• Travel Grant: Contribution towards travel costs covering flights to the co-host country, to the Netherlands, and return home.
• Institutional Support: Office space, visa support from Leiden University for Phase 2, and access to professional development workshops.

Expectations: Fellows must commit to the full 9-month duration. They are expected to conduct their proposed research, deliver a lecture at their co-host institution, collaborate on an event highlighting the diversity of Asian Studies during Phase 2, and properly credit IIAS in all outputs.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the IIAS Fellowship Application Form. The process consists of two stages:

1. Initial Submission: Complete the online fields (including research project description, methodology, work plan, and career positioning) and upload your CV, List of Publications, and a Writing Sample.
2. Shortlisting: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted at a later stage to provide two letters of reference and a short video presentation.

Last Date to Apply

• Application Deadline: 10 September 2026 (Application period opens 1 July 2026)
• Shortlisting Notification: By December 2026
• Final Selection Announcement: By March 2027

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