Researchers in Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies now have an excellent opportunity to spend three fully funded months in the Netherlands advancing their academic work. The KITLV Visiting Fellowship 2026 is officially open, offering international scholars a supported research stay in Leiden, with access to world-class academic resources and a quiet, focused environment to complete major research or publication projects.
This visiting fellowship is designed for scholars seeking uninterrupted time to write, publish, or deepen their research within one of Europe’s leading research institutes. Hosted by the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV), the programme provides financial support for travel and living expenses, along with full academic access and institutional backing to help fellows accelerate their work.
What the KITLV Institute Fellowship Is All About
The KITLV Visiting Fellowship 2026 is a three-month research residency in the Netherlands for scholars working in Southeast Asian or Caribbean Studies. Fellows will be based in Leiden and are free to focus on a publication, manuscript, or independent research project of their choice.
Unlike many academic fellowships, applicants do not need to hold a current university affiliation. Independent researchers are welcome, provided they meet the academic requirements and present a strong research proposal aligned with KITLV’s focus areas.
Available Fellowship Periods
Two fellowship periods are available:
- 1 September 2026 – 1 December 2026 (two fellowships)
- 1 December 2026 – 1 March 2027 (two fellowships)
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Each selected fellow will spend the full three-month period at KITLV, engaging with its academic environment and completing their proposed research or writing project.
What the Fellowship Offers
The fellowship is structured to reduce the financial burden of international research stays, allowing scholars to concentrate fully on producing high-quality academic work.
Selected fellows will receive:
- Return economy airfare or train ticket to and from the Netherlands
- Accommodation reimbursement in Leiden of up to €2,000 per month, including rent and utilities (based on proof of payment)
- Additional monthly compensation to help offset higher living costs in Leiden, calculated individually
- Formal invitation letter and assistance with residence permit applications, if required
- Full access to KITLV facilities and academic resources for the duration of the fellowship
While the fellowship is not a salaried position, the funding covers essential travel and accommodation costs, making it a practical and prestigious short-term research residency in Europe.
Who This Fellowship Is For
This opportunity is aimed at experienced scholars ready to produce meaningful academic output in a focused international research setting.
Eligible applicants must:
- Hold a PhD in the Social Sciences or Humanities
- Conduct research related to Southeast Asian and/or Caribbean Studies
- Be willing to carry out their research in the Netherlands during the fellowship period
- Commit to being based at KITLV in Leiden for the full three months
- Not be a tax resident of the Netherlands
- Have a steady source of income during the fellowship period, as it is not salaried
Applicants may be affiliated with a university or research institution, but this is not required. Independent scholars with strong, relevant research proposals are equally encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the official KITLV fellowship page:
Apply here: Call for visiting Fellowshis
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the KITLV Visiting Fellowship 2026 is:
21 March 2026 at midnight (CET)
Applicants are strongly advised to prepare their research proposal and supporting documents early, as only a limited number of fellowships are available for each fellowship period.
