Are you a scholar, journalist, or artist whose work is in the public interest? THE NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026: Safe Haven is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to extend or complete your work in a safe, conducive, fully funded academic environment in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Run by the world-famous Netherlands Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIAS), this fellowship offers a 5-month academic ‘breather’ for individuals threatened, censored, or persecuted because of their work. By providing them with the means, the physical possibilities to concentrate in peace on an uninterrupted scholarly endeavor, NIAS supports these endangered scholars to remain productive members in the world of ideas, culture, and critical thinking.
Program Details:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026 |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| City | Amsterdam |
| Host Institution | Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) |
| Duration | 5 Months |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Disciplines | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Degree Level Required | Minimum Postdoctoral (for scholars) or Professional Portfolio (for artists/journalists) |
| Working Language | English (IELTS not required) |
| Residency Requirement | 4 days/week in-person attendance at NIAS |
| Application Deadline | 31 December 2025 |
Fellows in the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026, will get full support of everything on the list below:
- Return flights to Amsterdam
- Fully furnished private accommodation
- A monthly stipend for food, transportation and personal needs
- Invitation letter for visa and paperwork
- A private work space in NIAS with Wi-Fi and office facilities
- Unlimited access to academic libraries and research databases
- Interdisciplinary and collaborative work with other academics
- A safe and politically non-biased workplace with no fear of work being interrupted.
The fellowship helps you to rebuild your life as a professional while being able to pursue your necessary research or creative work.
Eligibility Criteria:
The fellowship is specifically tailored to individuals facing risk due to their professional work. Here are the eligibility requirements:
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Open to All Nationalities
Anyone from any country who is professionally at risk may apply. -
Academic Background
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For Scholars: Minimum 3 years of postdoctoral research experience in humanities or social sciences.
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For Artists/Journalists: A PhD is not required. A portfolio or body of professional work is acceptable.
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Relevant Project Discipline
The proposed work must align with one or more disciplines in humanities or social sciences, such as:-
Political Science
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Sociology
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History
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Journalism
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Philosophy
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Cultural Studies
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Media and Communication
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Literature and Arts
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Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate fluency in English, both written and spoken. -
In-Person Commitment
Fellows must attend the NIAS facility at least 4 days per week for the full 5-month duration.
Required Documents
Prepare the following documents before applying:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)- Including academic qualifications and professional background
- Research Proposal / Project Description – Clearly stating objectives, relevance, and methodology (2–3 pages)
- Portfolio or Sample Work (for Artists/Journalists)- If not submitting academic research, submit published work or projects
- Proof of Risk (Optional but Recommended)- This could include news clippings, legal notices, or professional warnings indicating threats
- Reference Letters- Optional, but strengthens your application
- Language Proficiency Proof- Not mandatory if English fluency is demonstrated in your application
How to Apply:
Follow these steps to apply for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026:
- 1. Visit the Official Fellowship Page – NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship – Apply Here
- 2. Register and Complete the Online Form – Create an account, fill in personal and academic details.
- 3. Upload Required Documents – Submit all the documents listed above through the portal.
- 4. Review and Submit – Just make sure to check over the details before you submit it. All applications must be submitted by the deadline.
Note: Each application reviewed by NIAS is handled as a high security issue, in particular those involving threats or danger.
Application Deadlines:
- Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: Likely in Spring or Fall 2026 (Exact dates will be shared with selected applicants)
We recommend applying early to allow time for visa processing, document preparation, and accommodation arrangements.
Final Thoughts:
In the Netherlands, the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2026 is more than a fellowship — it’s something of a lifeline for scholars, journalists and artists laboring in risky or blighted venues.
By providing safety, funding, and scholarly resources NIAS makes it possible for you to pick up your voice again and share your knowledge with the world. If you’re feeling silenced, threatened or exiled on the job or in your profession, this fellowship could be your chance to make a new beginning and to speak out.