Safe Haven Fellowship 2026 – Fully Funded in the Netherlands

Are you a researcher artist writer or journalist whose work has been interrupted due to war persecution or political instability The Safe Haven Fellowship offers a five-month fully funded residency in the Netherlands designed to provide a safe space for intellectual and creative work in times of crisis

This opportunity is hosted by the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study also known as NIAS in Amsterdam

Safe Haven Fellowship Program Highlights

Feature	Description
Fellowship Type	Residential fully funded
Location	Amsterdam Netherlands
Duration	Five months
Monthly Stipend	2500 to 3500 euros
Travel Support	Round-trip airfare included
Housing	Subsidized or commuting allowance
Eligibility	Scholars artists journalists at risk
Deadline	31 December 2025

What Is the Safe Haven Fellowship

The Safe Haven Fellowship is a protective residency program for individuals whose ability to work is threatened due to conflict or repression It supports scholars in the humanities and social sciences as well as artists cultural workers and journalists

NIAS provides a peaceful environment in Amsterdam where selected fellows can focus on their project while being part of a diverse academic community

Who Can Apply

The fellowship is open to individuals from any country who

Work in humanities social sciences arts or journalism
Hold a PhD with at least three years of research experience or equivalent professional background
Have experienced disruption in their work due to war violence exile or censorship
Are not affiliated with institutions banned by Dutch foreign policy
Can demonstrate a clear reason why residency at NIAS is necessary for safety and productivity

Applicants do not need to be affiliated with any organization or university at the time of applying

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive a full support package that includes

Five-month residency in Amsterdam
Monthly stipend between 2500 and 3500 euros
Subsidized accommodation or support for commuting
Round-trip travel costs to and from the Netherlands
Office space and library access at NIAS
Participation in seminars training sessions and communal lunches
Mentorship opportunities and academic engagement

NIAS also provides a formal invitation letter for visa purposes although applicants are responsible for obtaining the visa

Duration and Schedule

The fellowship is offered in two cycles each year

September to January
February to June

The next application deadline for the 2025 cycle is 31 December 2025

Applications are reviewed two to three times a year so early submission is encouraged

Application Requirements

To apply candidates must prepare the following documents in English

Project proposal maximum 1000 words
Motivation letter maximum 150 words
Curriculum vitae up to two pages
Proof of disruption or risk such as documentation of political threat conflict or forced displacement

All documents must be submitted in PDF format through the NIAS application platform or sent via email to the fellowship office

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a panel of experts based on the following criteria

Relevance and clarity of the proposed project
Academic or creative excellence
Feasibility of completing the work during the fellowship period
Importance of NIAS as a safe space for the applicant’s personal and professional wellbeing
Contribution to the intellectual community at NIAS

Selected fellows will be notified after the review cycle with final decisions communicated directly by NIAS

Why You Should Apply

The Safe Haven Fellowship 2025 is not just a grant it is a lifeline for professionals whose work and voices are under threat It offers

A supportive and peaceful environment to continue your work
Access to an international academic and creative network
Financial and professional support for your research or artistic project
Time to reflect write create and connect without fear

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