Researchers in Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies now have a powerful opportunity to spend three fully supported months in the Netherlands advancing their academic work. The KITLV Visiting Fellowship 2026 is officially open for applications, offering international scholars a funded research stay in Leiden with access to world-class academic resources and a focused environment to complete major research or publication projects.
This visiting fellowship is designed for scholars who want uninterrupted time to write, publish, or deepen research within a leading European research institute. Hosted at the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV), the program provides selected fellows with financial support for travel and living costs, along with academic access and institutional backing to accelerate their work.
What This KITLV Institute Fellowships 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 will have the freedom to work on a publication, manuscript, or independent research project of their choice.
Unlike many fellowships, applicants do not need to hold a current university affiliation. Independent researchers are welcome, provided they meet the academic requirements and can demonstrate a clear research proposal aligned with the institute’s focus areas.
Two (02) fellowship periods are available:
- 1 September 2026 to 1 December 2026 (two fellowships)
- 1 December 2026 to 1 March 2027 (two fellowships)
Each selected fellow will spend the entire three-month period at KITLV, engaging with its research environment and completing their proposed academic work.
What the Fellowship Offers?
This fellowship is structured to remove the major financial barriers associated with international research stays while allowing scholars to focus on producing high-quality work.
Selected fellows will receive:
- Return economy airfare or train ticket to and from the Netherlands
- Accommodation reimbursement in Leiden up to €2,000 per month (including rent and utilities) based on proof of payment
- Additional monthly compensation to offset higher living costs in Leiden, calculated individually
- Formal invitation letter and support with residence permit application if required
- Access to KITLV facilities and academic environment for the entire fellowship period
While this is not a salaried position, the financial package covers essential research travel and accommodation costs, making it a practical and prestigious short-term research residency in Europe.
Who This Fellowship Is For?
This opportunity is tailored for experienced scholars ready to produce impactful academic work in a focused international setting.
Eligible applicants must:
– Hold a PhD in 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 an existing steady income during the fellowship period (as it is not salaried)
Applicants may be affiliated with a university or research institute, but this is not mandatory. Independent scholars with strong research proposals are equally encouraged to apply.
Application Process: https://www.kitlv.nl/news/call-for-visiting-fellowships-2026-2/
Can You Apply Now?
The deadline to apply for the KITLV Visiting Fellowship 2026 is 21 March 2026 at midnight (CET). Candidates are strongly advised to prepare their research proposal and required documents early, as only a limited number of fellowships are available for each intake period.