Fellowship Overview
The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) is now accepting applications for the NIAS Individual Fellowship 2027–2028 in humanities and social sciences in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This internationally recognised fellowship allows scholars to pursue independent research while joining a vibrant interdisciplinary academic community. Researchers benefit from dedicated time, intellectual exchange, and collaboration with leading scholars from around the world.
Selected fellows spend five or ten months in residence developing a self-designed research project. During the programme, participants attend seminars, workshops, and collaborative discussions. The fellowship supports research across fields such as sociology, anthropology, political science, history, philosophy, cultural studies, literature, gender studies, demography, economics, and other interdisciplinary humanities and social science areas.
Each year, approximately 30 international scholars are selected through a competitive review process. Applicants must hold a PhD and have at least three years of academic experience after completing their doctorate. Importantly, the fellowship is open to scholars worldwide, including researchers who do not hold permanent academic positions but maintain an active research profile.
The fellowship is fully funded or financially supported, depending on the applicant’s employment arrangement. Many fellows continue receiving their university salary, while NIAS provides office space, research facilities, academic networking opportunities, and a collaborative research environment. As a result, the programme helps scholars expand international partnerships and produce impactful research withinthe humanities and social sciences.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: NIAS Individual Fellowship
- Host Institution: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS)
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Research Field(s): Humanities & Social Sciences
- Fellowship Type: Visiting Research Fellowship
- Career Level: Post-PhD / Early to Mid-career Scholars
- Duration: 5 or 10 months
- Expected Start Date: Academic Year 2027–2028
- Working Hours: Full-time residency (approx. four days per week at the institute)
- Funding / Compensation: Fully Funded fellowship support, research environment, academic facilities, and networking opportunities
- Required Degree / Diploma: PhD with a minimum of three years of academic experience
Explore more postdoctoral fellowships in the humanities and social sciences
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Cultural Studies
- Sociology and Political Science
- Anthropology and History
- Literature and Philosophy
- Interdisciplinary humanities research
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Completed PhD in relevant field
- At least three years of academic experience after the PhD
- Research proposal within Humanities & Social Sciences
- Strong command of English for academic collaboration
Preferred Qualifications:
- Solid publication record
- International academic engagement
- Innovative interdisciplinary research proposal
Fellowship Benefits
- Fellowship support or stipend, depending on employment status
- International academic networking
- Access to research facilities and institutional resources
- Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities
- Academic events, seminars, and workshops
- Professional research environment in Amsterdam
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent research within Humanities & Social Sciences
- Participate in seminars and interdisciplinary discussions
- Collaborate with international fellows and scholars
- Publish and present research findings
Application Process
Submit an online application through the official NIAS portal
Required Documents:
- Application form
- CV / academic resume
- Research proposal (maximum 1,500 words)
- Publication list
- Contact details of three academic referees
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 15 January 2026
- Application Deadline: 16 March 2026 (12:00 CET)
- Eligibility Notification: Before 1 May 2026
- Review Notification: Before 15 May 2026
- Final Results Notification: By 15 December 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: Academic Year 2027–2028
Where to Apply / Useful Links
- Institution Website: NIAS
- Official Fellowship Notification: NIAS Fellowship | NIAS
- Apply Online: NIAS Application Portal
Contact / Queries: selection@nias.knaw.nl
Browse international research funding opportunities in the Netherlands and across Europe.
