Deadline: 21 July 2026 (12:00 PM CET)
Host Institution: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIAS), Amsterdam, Netherlands
Programme Duration: 5 Months
Funding: €3,500 monthly stipend plus additional benefits
Researchers, journalists, writers, and artists whose work has been disrupted by conflict, war, persecution, or restrictions on academic freedom can now apply for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship Programme 2026–2027.
The fellowship, hosted by the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIAS), provides a safe and supportive environment where selected fellows can temporarily relocate to Amsterdam and continue their research or creative work without fear of intimidation or censorship.
Each academic semester, NIAS awards up to three fully supported fellowships, giving participants access to world-class research facilities, an international academic community, and financial support throughout the fellowship period.
About the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship was established to support accomplished researchers and creative professionals whose work has become impossible or unsafe due to:
- Armed conflict or war
- Political persecution
- Threats to academic freedom
- Restrictions imposed by governments or non-state actors
Selected fellows spend five months at NIAS in Amsterdam, where they can focus entirely on advancing their research project while collaborating with scholars from diverse disciplines.
The programme welcomes applications from both academic researchers and professionals working in literary, journalistic, and artistic research.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive fellowship package that includes:
- €3,500 monthly living stipend
- Five-month fellowship at NIAS
- Fully equipped office space
- Access to extensive research facilities
- Daily communal lunches with fellows
- Participation in NIAS’s interdisciplinary academic community
- Reimbursement of international travel expenses (arrival and departure)
- Commuting allowance or subsidised accommodation in Amsterdam
- Support with visa documentation where applicable
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a strong professional or academic record and meet one of the following criteria:
Academic Researchers
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD
- Have at least three years of postdoctoral research experience
- Submit a scholarly research proposal
Literary, Journalistic or Artistic Researchers
Applicants must:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or university of applied sciences
- Have a minimum of seven years of professional experience
- Submit a research-based proposal related to their field
English Language Requirement
Since English is the working language at NIAS, applicants must possess advanced English proficiency (approximately C1 level) to actively participate in seminars, discussions, and collaborative research activities.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents in English before beginning the online application:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal
- Motivation statement
- Any additional documents required under the official fellowship regulations
Applicants should carefully review all programme regulations before submission, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the online application through the official NIAS application portal.
After submitting the application:
- Check your email immediately.
- Confirm your registration using the verification email sent by NIAS.
- Complete this confirmation within 48 hours, otherwise the application will expire.
Applicants cannot edit their applications after submission, so all information should be reviewed carefully beforehand.
Important Deadline
Application Deadline: 21 July 2026 at 12:00 PM (Central European Time).
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Apply Here
Official Application Portal: NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship Application Form
Programme Information: NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship Overview
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Researchers, scholars, journalists, writers, and artists whose work has been seriously affected by conflict, persecution, or restrictions on academic freedom.
The programme provides a generous support package that includes a €3,500 monthly stipend, travel reimbursement, office facilities, subsidised accommodation or commuting support, and access to NIAS research resources.
The fellowship lasts five months.
The programme is hosted at NIAS in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
