Check Out the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2027–2028: €3,500 Monthly Stipend for Scholars, Journalists, Writers and Artists at Risk
Scholars, researchers, journalists, writers and artists whose professional work has been disrupted by conflict, war or restrictions on freedom of expression can apply for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2027–2028 in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS), based in Amsterdam, offers selected fellows a five-month placement where they can continue their research, writing, journalism or artistic work in a supportive academic environment.
Successful applicants receive a monthly stipend of €3,500, access to research facilities and office space, and support with travel and accommodation arrangements. The programme offers up to three fellowships per semester.
NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2027–2028: At-Risk Scholars, Journalists and Artists Can Receive €3,500 Monthly
Applications for the first semester of the 2027–2028 academic year close on 14 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Central European Time (CET).
The opportunity is intended for established professionals whose ability to continue their work has been seriously affected by conflict, war or restrictions imposed by state or non-state actors. It is not a general scholarship or an entry-level opportunity for students.
NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2027–2028: Opportunity Details
- Programme: NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship
- Host institution: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS)
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Fellowship duration: Five months
- Monthly stipend: €3,500
- Available places: Up to three fellows per semester
- Eligible professional groups: Scholars, researchers, journalists, writers and artists at risk
- Working language: English
- Application method: Online
- Application deadline: 14 December 2026 at 12:00 noon CET
The programme provides temporary relocation and professional support for people whose work has been restricted or obstructed because of conflict or war.
What Is the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship?
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship is an international protection and research initiative for accomplished professionals who cannot continue their work freely because of difficult political, security or conflict-related circumstances.
The programme gives selected fellows an opportunity to relocate temporarily to Amsterdam and continue their professional activities in a supportive intellectual environment.
It is organised by NIAS, with the University of Amsterdam, Maastricht University and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) serving as official partners.
Unlike conventional academic fellowships, the Safe Haven programme has a specific protection purpose. It supports professionals whose academic freedom, journalistic work, literary activities or artistic practice has been severely affected.
The fellowship is not limited to people employed by universities. However, applicants must demonstrate an established record of professional work and meet the relevant academic or experience requirements.
NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
Selected fellows receive financial and institutional support during the five-month placement.
1. Monthly Stipend of €3,500
Successful applicants receive a stipend of €3,500 per month for the duration of the fellowship.
The five-month placement therefore provides financial support while fellows continue their professional work at NIAS.
The fellowship is not an employment contract. NIAS does not make social insurance, pension or unemployment insurance contributions for fellows.
2. Research Facilities and Office Space
Fellows receive access to an office and research facilities at the institute.
They also become part of the NIAS professional and academic community, allowing them to exchange ideas and participate in intellectual activities.
3. Accommodation Support
NIAS provides subsidised accommodation in Amsterdam or reimbursement of eligible commuting costs.
The exact arrangement depends on the practical circumstances of the selected fellow.
4. Travel Reimbursement
NIAS reimburses travel to and from Amsterdam. Fellows are generally expected to organise and undertake their own journeys.
Where a fellow cannot travel independently because of political, legal or other restrictions, NIAS may try to assist with travel arrangements.
5. Visa and Work Permit Support
Selected fellows receive an official invitation letter from NIAS.
Where a work permit is required, NIAS applies for it. Fellows remain responsible for arranging their visa application through the relevant Dutch embassy.
Local travel costs to and from the embassy may be submitted for reimbursement under the programme’s arrangements.
6. Professional Networking and Academic Engagement
Fellows become part of the NIAS community and can participate in its intellectual activities.
The programme includes weekday communal lunches, seminars and opportunities to engage with other researchers and professionals.
Who Can Apply for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship?
The fellowship is intended for accomplished professionals whose academic, journalistic, literary or artistic work has been restricted or obstructed because of conflict or war.
Eligible professional groups include:
- Researchers and academics.
- Scholars from different academic disciplines.
- Journalists and media professionals.
- Writers and literary professionals.
- Artists and cultural practitioners.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong record of relevant professional work. The programme also welcomes applicants who work outside traditional academic institutions, provided they meet its research and professional requirements.
There are different qualification and experience requirements depending on the type of proposal submitted.
Academic Requirements for Scholars and Researchers
Applicants submitting a scholarly research proposal must meet two main requirements:
- Hold a PhD qualification.
- Have at least three years of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application.
Candidates should demonstrate an established record of academic research and professional achievements.
The proposed research should be relevant to the applicant’s professional background and explain how the NIAS environment will support the continuation of their work.
Requirements for Journalists, Writers and Artists
Applicants submitting a literary, journalistic or artistic proposal must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or university of applied sciences.
- Have at least seven years of professional experience in their respective field.
- Demonstrate an established record of professional work through their CV and supporting information.
The programme is therefore aimed at experienced professionals rather than beginners seeking their first opportunity in journalism, writing or the arts.
English Language Requirements
English is the working language at NIAS.
Applicants must demonstrate full English proficiency at academic level, equivalent to C1.
This is necessary because fellows are expected to participate in discussions, seminars and professional exchanges and to receive feedback on their work.
Who Is Particularly Encouraged to Apply?
The fellowship is intended for professionals whose ability to work freely has been affected by conflict, war or restrictions on academic and creative freedom.
This may include:
- Researchers whose academic freedom has been severely restricted.
- Journalists who cannot continue reporting freely.
- Writers whose literary work has been obstructed.
- Artists whose creative activities have been restricted.
- Professionals whose work has been affected by state or non-state actors.
Applicants must explain their circumstances and demonstrate how the restrictions have affected their ability to continue their professional activities.
The programme is selective and does not make exceptions to its stated eligibility requirements.
Documents Required for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship
Applicants must prepare four main documents. All application materials must be written in English and comply with the official fellowship regulations.
1. Research or Professional Work Proposal
Applicants must submit a proposal explaining the work they intend to continue during the fellowship.
The proposal should describe the subject, objectives and planned activities. It should also explain why the NIAS environment is suitable for continuing the work.
2. Curriculum Vitae
An updated CV must demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications, professional background and achievements.
Scholars should provide evidence of academic research and postdoctoral experience, while journalists, writers and artists should demonstrate their professional experience and record of work.
3. Motivation Statement
The motivation statement should explain why the applicant wants to join the Safe Haven Fellowship and how the placement will help them continue their professional activities.
Applicants should connect their circumstances and objectives to the purpose of the programme.
4. Risk Statement
The risk statement is an important part of the application.
Applicants must explain the circumstances that have restricted or obstructed their work and why they need the support of the Safe Haven Fellowship.
The statement should clearly describe how conflict, war or other relevant restrictions have affected their professional activities.
Applicants should consult the official regulations for detailed document requirements before submitting their applications.
How to Apply for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2027–2028
Applications are submitted online through the official NIAS application system. Applications sent by email are not accepted.
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship webpage.
- Read the selection regulations carefully.
- Confirm that you meet the academic, professional and other eligibility requirements.
- Prepare your proposal, CV, motivation statement and risk statement in English.
- Open the official online application form.
- Complete all required sections and upload the supporting documents.
- Review the application to ensure that the information is accurate and complete.
- Submit the application through the online system.
- Check your email for the automated registration confirmation.
- Confirm your registration within 48 hours of receiving the confirmation email.
Important: Applications that are incomplete or do not meet the formal requirements are ineligible. Applicants cannot change their submissions after they have been submitted. Failure to confirm registration within 48 hours causes the application to expire.
How Does the NIAS Fellowship Selection Process Work?
NIAS follows a structured assessment process to identify applicants who meet the programme’s professional and protection objectives.
The selection process includes:
- Eligibility screening: NIAS checks applications against the official fellowship regulations.
- Eligibility notification: Applicants are informed whether their applications meet the formal requirements.
- External assessment: Each eligible application is sent to two external referees from the NIAS panel.
- Proposal evaluation: Referees assess the proposed work, using the applicant’s CV as background information.
- Advisory Committee review: The ten highest-scoring scholarly applications and the ten highest-scoring literary, journalistic or artistic applications proceed to the Fellowship Advisory Committee.
- Final decision: The committee ranks the candidates and advises the NIAS Director, who makes the final selection.
All candidates are informed of the outcome in writing.
Fellowship Duration and Academic Year
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship lasts five months.
The programme operates during two periods:
- September to the end of January.
- February to the end of June.
For applicants targeting the first semester of the 2027–2028 academic year, the deadline is 14 December 2026 at 12:00 noon CET.
NIAS offers up to three Safe Haven Fellowships per semester.
Can South Africans Apply?
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship is not restricted to applicants from a particular nationality. South African scholars, journalists, writers and artists may therefore consider applying if they meet the programme’s professional, academic and risk-related requirements.
However, being a South African citizen or working in the creative or academic sector does not automatically make someone eligible.
Applicants must demonstrate that their work has been restricted or obstructed because of conflict, war or relevant threats to professional freedom.
South African applicants should also consider the practical arrangements involved in temporarily relocating to the Netherlands, including visa requirements and the full-time commitment.
Important Limitations of the Fellowship
Applicants should understand what the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship does and does not provide.
- It is a temporary five-month fellowship, not permanent relocation.
- It does not provide long-term residence in the Netherlands.
- It is not a general student scholarship or PhD programme.
- It does not provide study opportunities for people seeking to begin or resume their education.
- It is not an emergency evacuation or refugee assistance programme.
- It does not provide asylum assistance or counselling.
- Selection is competitive, and meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an award.
Fellows are expected to treat the placement as a full-time commitment and be present at the institute four days each week. They must also participate in the introductory period during the first two weeks and the weekly seminar on Thursdays.
Application Deadline
Applications for the first semester of the 2027–2028 academic year close on:
Monday, 14 December 2026 at 12:00 noon Central European Time (CET).
Applicants should submit their materials early enough to complete the registration confirmation process. The application is not considered fully registered until the required confirmation has been completed.
Where to Apply for the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship
Interested professionals should use the official NIAS website to access the application form and selection regulations.
Official fellowship information: https://nias.knaw.nl/fellowships/safe-haven-fellowship-for-scholars-at-risk/
Online application form: https://nias.knaw.nl/application-form-safe-haven-fellowship/
Host institution: Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS)
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Monthly stipend: €3,500
Duration: Five months
Application deadline: 14 December 2026 at 12:00 noon CET
Enquiries: partners@nias.knaw.nl
Applicants should direct questions about eligibility, documents, the application process and practical arrangements to NIAS rather than sending applications to third-party opportunity websites.
Why the NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship Matters
Conflict and restrictions on professional freedom can prevent experienced researchers, journalists, writers and artists from continuing work that contributes to public knowledge, cultural expression and academic debate.
The NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship provides a temporary opportunity for selected professionals to continue their work in a supportive environment while receiving financial and institutional assistance.
For eligible South African and other international professionals, the programme offers a route to continue established research or creative work in Amsterdam. However, it is specifically intended for people whose professional activities have been affected by serious restrictions, not for anyone seeking a general international fellowship.
Applicants should carefully review the official requirements, prepare all four application documents and complete the online registration before the December deadline.
Sources and Verification
- NIAS – Official Safe Haven Fellowship Information
- NIAS – Official Safe Haven Fellowship Application Form
- NIAS – Safe Haven Fellowship Selection Regulations
- Global South Opportunities – NIAS Safe Haven Fellowship 2027–2028
Editorial note: The stipend, duration, professional eligibility requirements, application documents, selection procedure and deadline are based on NIAS’s official Safe Haven Fellowship information. The programme offers temporary support to professionals at risk; it is not a general scholarship, employment contract, emergency evacuation service or route to permanent residence.
This content was checked and verified by professional auditors and Admin Staff
