Find Refuge And Continue Your Work: Apply For The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2025 In The Netherlands (Fully Funded)

About the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship

In a world where conflict and political instability continue to threaten academic freedom and creative expression, the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship offers a lifeline. This prestigious program provides a secure and supportive environment in the Netherlands for scholars, writers, artists, and journalists who are at risk in their home countries. Hosted by the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS), the fellowship allows individuals to continue their research, writing, or creative work in peace.

If you are an individual facing threats or hardship due to war or conflict and have a background in the humanities or social sciences, this is your chance to take a breath, focus on your craft, and connect with a vibrant international academic community.

The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship was designed specifically to support individuals whose work has been disrupted or endangered by conflict, war, or political persecution. The program provides a five-month residency at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in Amsterdam, offering not just financial support but also an academic and creative community that fosters interdisciplinary exchange, reflection, and renewal.

Through this fellowship, NIAS reaffirms its commitment to academic freedom and the protection of intellectual and artistic voices under threat. The Safe Haven Fellowship is more than a research stay—it is a sanctuary for rebuilding, creating, and thriving once again.

Eligible Fields

The fellowship is open to individuals with project proposals that fall within the following disciplines:

Humanities (e.g., history, philosophy, literature, cultural studies)
Social Sciences (e.g., sociology, anthropology, political science, economics)

Journalism
Creative Arts and Literature

Both academic and non-academic applicants are welcome, provided the proposed project aligns with NIAS’s intellectual environment.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Research Background: If applying with an academic project, you must have at least three years of postdoctoral research experience as of the application deadline.
Field of Work: Your project must fall within the realms of the humanities, social sciences, literature, journalism, or the creative arts.

Conflict or Risk: You must be unable to work safely in your current location due to war, conflict, or political pressure. If relevant, you must explain why you were compelled to flee or abandon your previous workplace.
English Proficiency: You must have sufficient English skills to participate fully in the community and communicate your work.
Proposal Requirements:
- A detailed project proposal (maximum 1,000 words) outlining the work you plan to undertake during the fellowship.
- A brief motivation statement (max. 150 words) explaining why a stay at NIAS is essential for your project and safety.
Curriculum Vitae: An updated CV of no more than two pages (A4).

No Prior Rejections: You may not resubmit a proposal previously rejected by NIAS.
Complete Application: Incomplete applications or those missing required documentation will not be considered.

Selection Criteria

The fellowship is competitive. Proposals are carefully evaluated based on the following criteria:

Clarity of Project and Research Questions: How well-defined is your proposal?
Relevance and Impact: Academic, cultural, or societal importance of your work.
Methodology: Soundness of your approach and research framework.

Feasibility: Can the proposed work be realistically completed during the 5-month stay?
Expected Output: What tangible results do you anticipate producing?
Contribution to NIAS Community: How will your presence enrich the intellectual life of NIAS?

Necessity of Fellowship: Why is NIAS specifically a crucial and safe environment for your work at this time?

Eligible Countries

There are no nationality restrictions for this fellowship. It is open to individuals from any country, as long as they:

Are at risk due to war, persecution, or instability.

Are not affiliated with institutions or entities boycotted by the Dutch government.

This global inclusivity ensures that scholars and creatives from all regions impacted by conflict have equal access to support and safety.

Benefits of the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship

Recipients of the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship will receive extensive support to help them resettle and focus on their work during their stay in the Netherlands. Benefits include:

Monthly Stipend: A generous €3,500 per month to cover living expenses.
Accommodation or Commuting Support: Either subsidized housing or support for daily commuting, depending on your needs and arrangements.
Travel Reimbursement: Coverage of return economy-class airfare to and from the Netherlands.

Health and Research Infrastructure:
- Access to a private office and NIAS’s excellent research facilities.
- Use of university libraries and scholarly databases.
- Participation in academic seminars, events, and networking activities.
Visa Support: A formal letter of invitation will be issued to help facilitate your visa process. Note: You are responsible for applying for and securing your visa.
Community and Well-being: Communal lunches and regular social and intellectual gatherings designed to foster community and well-being among fellows.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the online application module available on the NIAS website. You will need to prepare the following documents:

Detailed Project Proposal (max. 1,000 words)
Short Motivation Statement (max. 150 words)

Description of Risk or Conflict (if applicable)
Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
Additional Documentation (if requested by NIAS)

Note: The application deadline for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2025 is 31st December 2025 at 23:59 CET. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure timely processing and consideration.

After submission, applicants will be contacted via email regarding the status of their application. If selected, further documents such as a valid passport and financial statements may be required for visa processing.

If your freedom to work, write, or create has been threatened, this fellowship is your chance to find refuge, regain momentum, and re-engage with your work in a peaceful, supportive environment.