Applications are open to apply for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship for the academic session 2026. A prestigious fellowship program offered by the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIAS), with the support of the University of Amsterdam and Maastricht University, aims to support scholars, writers, journalists, and artists from all around the world who are at risk and are unable to work due to their circumstances, such as political repression, conflict or war.
The objective of the fellowship programme is to support outstanding international scholars by providing them with temporary relocation in the Netherlands, which will enable them to continue their work. The duration of the fellowship programme is 5 months, which takes place in two cohorts each year (1) September-January, 2026 & (2) February-June 2026.
The NIAS fellowship offers a wide range of benefits, which include an office space, access to research facilities, a stipend of 3,500 per month, with other perks and benefits that we will mention later in the post. In this post, we will cover all the details regarding the NIAS Safe Haven fellowship in the Netherlands, such as coverage, eligibility criteria, and application process. Therefore, don’t miss out, read the complete details, and apply.
NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026 Overview
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Fellowship: NIAS Safe Haven
- Fellowship Duration: 5 Months
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: December 31st, 2025
About NIAS
NIAS is one of the most reputable research institutes located in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and is a part of the Netherlands Academy of Arts & Sciences (KNAW). The institute is a globally recognized interdisciplinary community for scholars in the social sciences and humanities.
Fellowship Duration and Location
It’s a short-term fellowship programme, the duration of the fellowship is 5 months, which will either take place from September – January or from February to June 2the 026 at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Note: This is a temporary fellowship programme; no fellow will be allowed for long-term residence at the institute.
Fellowship Coverage
A fully funded fellowship that offers the following support:
- A designated Office space
- Access to Research Facilities
- Communal Lunch
- Participation in the NIAS community
- Travel Expenses
- Accommodation in Amsterdam
- A monthly Stipend of €3,500 per month
- Letter of Invitation for visa assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants meeting the desired criteria are invited to submit their applications:
- The fellowship is open to all nationals who are unable to work due to their current location or circumstances.
- For Scientific Projects: Researchers with 3 years of post-PhD research experience are required
- For Journalists, Writers & Artists: Phd degree or three years of research experience is not required
- Applicants’ proposals must fall within the social sciences or humanities
- Fluency in English is required as the working language is English
Required Documents
All the documents below need to be submitted in the English language (via DOCX, DOC, or PDF format)
1. Project Proposal (A detailed description of your project or research)
Applicants must include their research topic, relevance (eg, societal, cultural, academic, or artistic), Problem identification, timeline, and outcomes. (Max 1000 Words)
2. Motivation Statement
Briefly explain why this fellowship is essential for your work, also mention your situation or risk factors due to which you are unable to continue your work. (Max 150 words)
3. An Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Submit a professional CV, not exceeding more than 2 pages. Researchers must focus on their academic experience, whereas artists and journalists must highlight their portfolio
4. Documentation of Risk
Provide the evidence and explain the reason why your work has been disrupted.
Also, Check:
- KAUST Global Fellowship 2026 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-26
How to Apply for the NIAS Fellowship Programme 2025?
Here is the step-by-step guide to apply for the NIAS fellowship:
- Step 1: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria
- Step 2: Prepare the above-mentioned documents
- Step 3: Visit the official NIAS website portal
- Step 4: Click on “Apply Now” to start with online application
- Step 5: Fill in all the personal or professional details
- Step 6: Upload the required documents in the mentioned format
- Step 7: That’s it, you are done. Submit your application
To apply, visit the official link below: