NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026–2027

The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship Programme protects researchers and creatives facing severe infringements on their academic freedom — whether from conflict, war, political repression, or other threats. By offering temporary relocation to Amsterdam, NIAS enables fellows to pursue independent projects while contributing to a vibrant interdisciplinary community.

Key features of the programme:

• €3,500 monthly stipend — Tax-free living allowance

• Return travel reimbursement — Flight or train depending on your location

• Subsidised accommodation — Or commuting expense coverage

• Private office — With laptop, phone, printer, and internet

• Communal lunch — Provided 4 days a week

• All disciplines — Humanities, social sciences, arts, journalism, and literature

• Two semesters per year — September–January and February–June

• Up to 3 fellows per semester — Highly selective

Related: Learn more about academic freedom initiatives.

Successful Safe Haven Fellows receive:

• Monthly stipend: €3,500 to cover living expenses

• Travel reimbursement:

  • Fellows outside Europe: 1 return flight ticket

  • Fellows in Europe 500+ km from Amsterdam: 1 return flight ticket

  • Fellows in Europe within 500 km of Amsterdam: 1 return train ticket

  • Fellows within the Netherlands (within 90 minutes one-way from NIAS): daily commuting reimbursement (second-class train)

• Accommodation: Subsidised rates in Amsterdam, or commuting support if living nearby

• Office and research facilities: Private office with laptop, phone, printer, and internet connection

• Library access: Full access to NIAS library services and academic materials

• Communal lunch: Provided 4 days a week — fostering interdisciplinary conversation

• NIAS community: Participation in seminars, workshops, and social activities

• Public events: Opportunity to organise cultural, social, and professional activities

• Creative writing workshops: For literary and artistic researchers

• Weekly academic seminars: Engage with fellow researchers across disciplines

• Additional support: Fellows from low-income countries may request extra financial assistance

• Dutch university partners: Access to resources at UvA and Maastricht University

Note: Fellows already affiliated with Dutch universities may continue receiving their salary and apply for a Dutch University Grant of €2,500/month instead of the standard stipend.

All documents must be written in English. The application consists of the following annexes:

• Research proposal — Detailed outline of your project

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Full academic and professional history

• Motivation statement — Explaining why you need the fellowship

• Risk statement — Description of the circumstances that compel you to seek relocation

Additional requirements:

• All documents must meet the formal requirements set out in the Safe Haven Fellowship Selection Regulations (available under DOWNLOADS on the official page)

• Applications must be submitted by the applicant themselves — applications prepared or submitted by intermediaries will be rejected

• Applications cannot be altered once submitted

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Profile

• Must be a scholar, journalist, writer, or artist whose work is restricted or obstructed by state or non-state actors

• Those facing severe infringements on academic freedom due to conflict or war are explicitly encouraged to apply

• Must be a researcher first and foremost, with a demonstrable track record of output

Scholarly Research Track

• Must hold a PhD and have a minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application

Literary, Journalistic, or Artistic Research Track

• Must have completed a Bachelor's degree at a university or university of applied sciences

• Must demonstrate at least 7 years of professional experience in their field (evidenced in the CV)

Language

• English C1 proficiency (academic level) is mandatory — the working language at NIAS is English

Presence

• Must be physically present at NIAS for at least 4 days a week during the fellowship

Exclusions

• NIAS does not accept applicants affiliated with institutions boycotted by the Dutch state

• The programme offers no exceptions or alternative pathways — only applicants meeting the exact profile above are eligible

Follow these steps to apply for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship:

Step 1: Download and carefully read the Safe Haven Fellowship Selection Regulations from the DOWNLOADS section on the official page. Ensure you meet every formal requirement.

Step 2: Prepare all required annexes in English — your research proposal, CV, motivation statement, and risk statement. Make sure each document complies with the regulations.

Step 3: Complete the online application form through the NIAS online application module. Only online applications are accepted — email submissions are ineligible.

Step 4: Review your application thoroughly. Ensure it is complete, truthful, and contains all requested information and documentation. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Step 5: Submit your application before the deadline.

Step 6: After submitting, you will receive an automated email asking you to confirm your registration. You must confirm within 48 hours, or your application will expire.

Step 7: Wait for the compliance check. NIAS staff will verify that your application meets all formal requirements.

Step 8: If eligible, your application will be sent to two external referees who will evaluate your research proposal.

Step 9: The top 10 scholarly applications and top 10 artistic/journalistic applications will be presented to the Advisory Committee, which ranks candidates and advises the NIAS Director on final selection.

Step 10: NIAS will inform all candidates in writing of the outcome.

Important: You cannot have another application under review with NIAS at the same time. Submit only one application per round.