Apply for the Prestigious African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL) Visiting Fellowship Programme 2025

Apply by 7 May 2025

1 week ago

Apply for the Prestigious African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL) Visiting Fellowship Programme 2025

Are you an African scholar passionate about advancing research on Africa? Do you want access to world-class academic resources, networking opportunities, and time to write and publish your work in a vibrant intellectual environment? Then the ASCL Visiting Fellowship Programme could be your next big academic leap!

Welcome to Research Jobs Hub – your go-to platform for curated academic, consultancy, and research opportunities. Today, we’re spotlighting an incredible opportunity for scholars with a focus on Africa: the ASCL Visiting Fellowship Programme, hosted by the African Studies Centre Leiden in the Netherlands.

This post will break down everything you need to know about this prestigious fellowship: eligibility, benefits, tips to boost your application, and why you should apply – even if you’re unsure whether you qualify. Let’s dive in.

About the African Studies Centre Leiden (ASCL)

The African Studies Centre Leiden, part of Leiden University, is a leading academic research institute dedicated to the study of Africa. It brings together scholars from across disciplines, creating a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. The Centre is also home to one of the best Africa-focused libraries in Europe.

More than just a research space, ASCL is a vibrant hub for African knowledge production, hosting regular seminars, workshops, and academic collaborations. If you’ve ever wanted time to research, write, network, and gain international exposure – this is the place to be.

What Is the Visiting Fellowship Programme?

The ASCL Visiting Fellowship Programme provides scholars working on Africa-focused topics the opportunity to spend 3 months at the African Studies Centre in Leiden. Fellows can:

Use the renowned ASCL Library
Work in a shared office space with other visiting and resident scholars
Join academic seminars and workshops
Connect with researchers in their thematic group (CRG)
Focus on writing, publishing, or advancing a specific research project

And here’s the best part: the fellowship is fully funded.

✅ Fellowship Benefits – What You Get

Let’s unpack what’s covered if you’re selected as a visiting fellow:

1. Return Airfare

You’ll receive a round-trip economy-class ticket to the Netherlands from your home country.

2. Living Cost Support

Fellows are provided with a fixed stipend to cover daily expenses while in Leiden.

3. Accommodation

You’ll be offered a private single room with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. It’s quiet, well-suited for scholars, and close to the Centre.

🛑 Important Note: If you plan to travel with your family or partner, you’ll need to arrange and pay for your own accommodation. The ASCL does not cover this.

4. Insurance

The programme provides basic medical/liability insurance, though it doesn’t cover pre-existing medical conditions.

5. Access to Facilities

You’ll gain full access to:

The ASCL library
(Shared) Office spaces
Printing, internet, and more

🧑🏾‍🔬 Eligibility – Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the ASCL Visiting Fellowship, you must meet all of the following criteria:

✅ Hold a PhD (by the time of application)

✅ Have conducted research related to Africa (in your PhD or afterward)

✅ Be pursuing an active academic/research career

✅ Have recent peer-reviewed publications (books, chapters, or journal articles)

✅ Be able to return to your home/residence country after the fellowship (visa requirement)

💡 Who Gets Preference?

While the fellowship is open to scholars globally, preference is given to those based in Africa – and here’s what that means:

📌 “Based in Africa” means you must have lived in an African country for at least 2 of the last 4 years.

📌 “Africa” includes all African Union member states.

📝 What Do You Need to Apply?

Applications are currently open. To apply, you’ll need:

A completed application form (in English or French)
A strong research proposal aligned with a Collaborative Research Group (CRG)
Your CV
A list of your publications
Preferred CRG affiliation (you must choose one from the list)

You’ll find the forms and the call details via the official application link.

📅 Deadline: 7 May 2025
🔗 Apply Here

📚 The Collaborative Research Groups (CRGs)

Each applicant must select a CRG whose work aligns with their own research. CRGs are thematic clusters within ASCL. When applying, your proposal must fit within your chosen CRG’s focus. Only one candidate will be nominated per CRG.

The review committee will then select fellows based on thematic fit, gender and geographic balance, and overall programme goals.

🤔 Self-Funded Visitors – Another Option

Even if you don’t receive a funded fellowship, you can still apply as a self-funded visiting scholar. You’ll be provided with:

A shared desk (based on availability)
Full access to library facilities
A scholarly environment to work in

However, you must cover your own costs and arrange travel, accommodation, and visa independently.

To apply as a self-funded visitor, send your CV, research proposal, proof of financial means, and intended visit dates to:
📧 asclfellowshipprogramme@asc.leidenuniv.nl

🚀 Why You Qualify (Even If You’re Unsure)

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Many scholars, especially early-career researchers from Africa, hesitate to apply because they think:

“I don’t have enough publications.”
“My research isn’t advanced enough.”
“This programme is for elite academics.”

But here’s the truth: if you have a PhD, a clear Africa-focused project, and some publication record, you’re exactly the kind of scholar ASCL wants to support.

You do not need to be a professor or have 10 journal articles. The emphasis is on:

The quality and feasibility of your research proposal
Your commitment to academic growth
Your relevance to African Studies

So, if you’ve done solid PhD research, stayed active academically, and are excited to contribute to African scholarship, you belong here.

🔑 Application Tips – How to Strengthen Your Application

1. Align with a CRG Read about ASCL’s CRGs and choose one that genuinely fits your work. Tailor your proposal accordingly.

2. Be Clear and Concise Your research proposal should clearly state:

What you’re researching
Why it matters (especially for Africa)
What you plan to achieve in 3 months

3. Show Your Outputs Mention if you plan to finish a journal article, develop a book proposal, or present a paper. Show that your time in Leiden will be productive.

4. Get the Admin Right Ensure your CV and publication list are up to date. Make sure you complete all sections of the application form.

5. Mention Relevance If you’re working on issues like decolonization, gender in African studies, migration, or climate change – these are all hot topics at ASCL.

🧾 Important Links

🔗 Full Call for Applications
📅 Deadline: 7 May 2025
📍 Location: Leiden, The Netherlands
📱 Join Our WhatsApp for Instant Updates: Click to Join

🌐 Keep Checking ResearchJobsHub.com

We are always publishing new and fully-funded opportunities like this one. Bookmark researchjobshub.com and subscribe to updates. You’ll find:

UN and NGO consultancies
Research fellowships
Academic jobs
Remote roles
Early-career opportunities
Grants and internships

We make it easy for African scholars and researchers to stay in the loop.

🔚 Final Thoughts

The ASCL Visiting Fellowship Programme is more than just a research stay. It’s a chance to build international networks, access world-class resources, and advance your academic career – all while contributing to high-quality scholarship on Africa.

Remember: You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be committed, prepared, and passionate. If that’s you, submit your application before 7 May.

Let this be the year you take your research global.

📌 Disclaimer

This post is curated by ResearchJobsHub.com, an independent platform highlighting international research, policy, and consultancy opportunities. We are not affiliated with ASCL or any UN/NGO agency. Always refer to the official link for up-to-date application details.

APPLY

ASCL Visiting Fellowship 2025, African Studies Centre Leiden fellowship, Leiden University fellowship, research fellowships in Europe, opportunities for African scholars, PhD research Africa, academic jobs for Africans, postdoc fellowships 2025, Netherlands research fellowships, fully funded academic fellowships, Africa-focused research, Leiden fellowships for African researchers, UN fellowships, social science research Africa, ResearchJobsHub.com fellowships, call for researchers 2025, international opportunities for PhD holders, study in the Netherlands, academic writing fellowship