Call Visiting Fellowships 2026 KITLV

Call for Applications: KITLV Visiting Fellowships 2026 - 1

The KITLV invites scholars working in the fields of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies to apply for a Visiting Fellowship.

Duration
Duration: 3 months

Period 1 1 March 2026 up to 1 June 2026 (2 fellowships) Period 2 1 June 2026 up to 1 September 2026 (2 fellowships)

Our offer
The selected candidates will be offered:

• A return air or train fare (economy) to and from the Netherlands;
• Reimbursement of the costs of their accommodation in Leiden (including rent, energy costs, and if applicable service costs) up to a maximum of € 2,000 per month, based on proof of payment;
• A monthly compensation for higher living costs in Leiden, as compared to the main place of residence (calculated on a case-by-case basis).

If needed, the KITLV can provide a formal letter of invitation and offer support in applying for a residence permit. The institute will not, however, assist in finding suitable accommodation. The latter is the fellow’s own responsibility.

Eligibility

Candidates are invited to send in a proposal of the work they wish to carry out while at KITLV.

Fellows may work on a publication or research project of their own choice in the fields of Southeast Asian or Caribbean Studies. Applicants are not required to have an affiliation at a university or a research institute. They are, however, expected to have a steady income in the period of the Visiting Fellowship. The KITLV Visiting Fellowship is not a salaried position.

Eligible applicants

• Have a PhD in the Social Sciences and/or Humanities;
• Carry out research in the field(s) of Southeast Asian and/or Caribbean Studies;
• Are interested to carry out their desired research in the Netherlands;
• Are prepared to be based at KITLV during the entire period of the fellowship;
• Are not a (tax) resident of The Netherlands.

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.

About the KITLV
The Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV-KNAW) is an Academy research institute. The KITLV conducts interdisciplinary and comparative historical research. Its research focus is Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, with an emphasis on Indonesia and the 'Dutch' Caribbean. It is particularly interested in such issues as state formation, violence and citizenship, processes of mobility and the formation of ethnic and national identity. KITLV is active in the humanities, social sciences and comparative area studies and works closely with Leiden University.

Our institute hosts several international research fellows. KITLV fellows are invited to present lectures, participate in seminars and cooperate in the institute's research projects. This page lists, in alphabetical order, the affiliated and visiting fellows currently staying at the KITLV/Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies.