The NIAS Individual Fellowship offers scholars in the humanities and social sciences the opportunity to conduct independent research at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) in Amsterdam. The 2027-2028 fellowship call opens on 15 January 2026 and closes on 16 March 2026 at noon CET. Each year, NIAS selects around 30 fellows from a global pool, creating a vibrant, interdisciplinary community. Importantly, the program values diversity in academic backgrounds, career stages, and disciplines. Therefore, fellows benefit from a stimulating environment that encourages original research and collaboration.
Application Deadline: 16 March 2026, 12:00 noon CET
Eligible Countries: Open to all nationalities (with some restrictions; see below)
Program Duration: 5 or 10 months
Program Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Funding/Benefits: Time and space for independent research, interdisciplinary community, practical and academic support
Award Provider: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS)
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About this Program
The NIAS Individual Fellowship supports scholars who wish to advance a personal research project in the humanities or social sciences. Fellows join an international cohort and gain access to a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. The program offers residencies of either five or ten months, during which participants can focus on their research, free from daily work obligations. NIAS aims to foster intellectual exchange and broaden academic networks for both Dutch and international fellows. As a result, fellows often experience significant professional growth and new research perspectives.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have at least three years of academic experience since obtaining a PhD (or equivalent experience for journalists, artists, or authors).
- Project proposals must relate to the humanities or social sciences.
- Applicants do not need a permanent university or research institute position.
- The working language is English; strong English proficiency is required.
- NIAS welcomes applicants from all countries, except those currently affiliated with Russian or Belarusian institutions (due to EU sanctions). However, Russian or Belarusian nationals affiliated outside those countries may apply.
- Applicants can only submit one application per call and cannot apply if another application is under review at NIAS.
- Previous NIAS fellows may only reapply after a 10-year interval.
What Fellows Receive: Fellows receive dedicated time for research, access to NIAS facilities, and integration into an interdisciplinary cohort. Practical and academic support is provided throughout the fellowship.
Program Components: Independent research, interdisciplinary collaboration, seminars, and networking opportunities.
How to Apply
- Prepare your application in English using the NIAS online application module.
- Submit a project proposal (maximum 1,500 words) covering your research question, relevance, methodology, and intended results. Embed your project in existing literature and include a short list of references.
- Upload a CV and publication list (maximum 3 pages), including a narrative on your academic trajectory and why the fellowship is timely for you.
- Provide the names and contact details of three independent international experts in your field (no conflicts of interest).
- Ensure all documents are complete and meet the formal requirements. Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected.
- Submit your application between 15 January 2026 and 16 March 2026, 12:00 noon CET.
For questions, contact Anja de Haas at selection@nias.knaw.nl or +31 (0)20 224 67 05.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
