The NUS Asia Research Institute (ARI) Research Fellowships for FY 2026/27 might be the chance you’ve been waiting for. At its heart, this fellowship is about giving post-PhD researchers with humanities and social sciences expertise the space and support to advance bold, Asia-focused research. It’s not just a stipend; it’s a doorway into a community that values cross-disciplinary work, collaboration, and global impact. You’re not just writing, you’re joining dynamic conversations and shaping research paths.
Program Snapshot:
- Program: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Coverage: Fully Funded (stipend + research support)
- Nationality: International & Singaporean
- Degree Level: Postdoctoral (PhD holders)
- Duration: Typically 12 months (with possible renewal)
- University: National University of Singapore (Asia Research Institute)
- Host Country: Singapore
Eligibility
Here’s where your background matters—and fits:
- You must hold a PhD in humanities or social sciences from a recognized institution.
- You’re expected to have at least two years of post-doctoral experience.
- You’ve got a solid publication record and some scholarly visibility.
- Your research proposal needs to bring something new—build on your PhD, feed into ARI’s themes, and lay out a two-year publication plan.
- You’ll pick up to two relevant ARI research clusters for your application.
In short: if you’ve hit the post-PhD air with ideas to explore Asia’s changing narratives and your CV shows it, this is your moment.
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Fellowship Benefits
Let’s talk about what you actually get—because that’s what makes it real:
- Stipend $6,250 per month, which includes both your living and housing allowance.
- Travel assistance if you need to head somewhere for fieldwork—or a conference.
- Research funds to support your fieldwork or conference trips, once approved.
- If you’re a Singapore citizen or PR, there are also contributions to your provident fund.
- And beyond money, you get rich access to ARI’s intellectual ecosystem: workshops, seminars, campus events—where ideas spread.
Just note: university housing isn’t included—so you find your own spot in Singapore. But hey, you’re in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, so there’s that.
Fields of Study / Research Areas
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all. ARI encourages research that aligns with any of its key clusters, such as:
- Asian Migration
- Asian Urbanism
- Inter-Asia Engagements
- Science, Technology & Society
- Religion & Globalisation
- Asian Population & Health
There’s more if you dig in, but those give a sense of the scope. You’re free to bring something fresh, as long as it connects back to those themes and sparking broader understanding of Asia.
Application Process
Here’s how to get in:
- Head to the NUS Online Application Portal. Make sure you’re on the right track—whether you’re internal or external.
- Prepare your documents:
- CV (max 3 pages)
- Research Proposal (max 2 pages): link it to your PhD, show how it fits ARI, and outline what you’re planning to publish in the next two years
- Published work sample (preferably in English)
- Referees: at least two names and contact details
- Submit them all before the September 30, 2025 deadline. Seriously—plan ahead. No late entries, no extensions.
Once your application lands, it gets reviewed and scored based on your academic strength, fit with ARI themes, and your research proposal’s clarity and ambition.
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Deadlines
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025.
That date isn’t flexible. If you’re thinking, “Oh, I’ll do it tomorrow,”—tomorrow stacks fast. Get moving now—polish your proposal, ask for those referee contacts, start that CV update.
Why This Fellowship Deserves a Shot
Here’s why it’s one of those game-changing opportunities:
- You’re in Singapore, at NUS—a top global university—not just doing research, but in the thick of Asia’s academic heartbeat.
- The stipend lets you breathe—covering living and housing means less stress, more focus on ideas.
- Travel and research funds? That’s runner-up support right there, especially if your work needs global or regional presence.
- You get plugged into a community, not just a department—a network of thinkers, events, and conversations that stretch beyond your desk.
It’s not just about the postdoc title—it’s about shaping your future as a researcher.
Final Thoughts
So here’s the thing: if you’ve got a solid PhD, a couple of years of postdoc work under your belt, and research ideas that want to dive into any corner of Asia’s complex story—in humanities or social sciences—this is your shot. It’s intuitive, competitive, but genuinely structured to help you bloom.
Official link: NUS Asia Research Institute Research Fellowships FY2026/27
You’ve already taken the first step by reading this. Now, go ahead—draft that proposal, gather your materials, and hit submit. Take that step. You belong in this, and your research deserves this. Wishing you all the clarity, courage, and a bit of that quiet confidence to make it happen—go for it!