The International Academic Forum (IAFOR) > IAFOR Global Fellowship Programme

IAFOR Global Fellowship Programme

global-scholarship

Introducing IAFOR Global Fellows

IAFOR is pleased to announce The IAFOR Global Fellowship Programme. The programme will invite early and mid-career professionals and scholars who are making a difference in their own countries to harness the IAFOR network. Through this network, selected fellows can expand their scope and horizons, and bring their work to wider attention in a process of iterative growth and shared learning that will benefit from and contribute to the IAFOR community, and to international, intercultural, and interdisciplinary dialogue at large. Scholars and professionals will be selected on this key criterion, but may come from any field, in keeping with IAFOR’s mission.

Under the 2024/2025 theme of "independent voices", the fellowship will be driven by the focus and desires of the individual fellow to craft a project that will contribute to and benefit from the IAFOR network and its events, and contribute to collaborative work, with an expectation of engaging in mentoring in a way that emphasises dialogue reflexivity and mutual growth.

Fellows will be expected to contribute to the work of the forum in the form of presentations, publications, and public communication.

The programme will initially focus on scholars and professionals from East Asia. If the pilot is successful, we anticipate expanding it to include our wider networks globally.

Concept

As a Japan-based organisation, IAFOR hopes to encourage an interconnected Asia, whose common future is best built on the foundations of inclusiveness and cooperation. To that end, it is committed to nurturing and contributing to a community within an open and engaged Asian region, which focuses on seeking out those elements that connect people irrespective of their social and political contexts from across different cultures and backgrounds, and that are conducive to creating a shared and common future.

IAFOR is committed to developing a professional fellowship programme, building on and harnessing our extensive academic network of higher education individuals and institutions across Asia, Europe, and the US to provide opportunities for cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing among Asian scholars and mid-career professionals.

Fellows selected for the IAFOR Global Fellowship programme will be able to pursue their individual research and creative interests in collaboration with IAFOR’s communities and mentors across various Asian countries, thereby engaging in the sharing and exchange of ideas and experiences.

"Independent Voices"

International, intercultural and interdisciplinary exchange is a hallmark of IAFOR, and we welcome proposals that would take full advantage of our uniquely diverse intellectual community by engaging across boundaries of nation, culture, and discipline with the theme of “Independent Voices” that will recognise work bringing new and fresh perspectives to IAFOR.

We envision the yearly hosting of up to six research or visiting fellows or in-residence artists.

Applicants will be able to choose from one of three fellowship courses:

Course 1: Fellowship Programme (Japan Based)
This program provides support for researchers and practitioners from Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao to conduct research activities as a paid research fellow at the International Academic Forum offices in Nagoya, Japan. In addition to being able to pursue their own research and scholarly interests, fellows will take part in a residential programme, research conferences, and contribute to IAFOR’s research and/or scholarly output.
– More information
Course 2: Fellowship Programme (International)
This programme provides support for researchers, scholars, and practitioners from Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao to conduct scholarly or creative activities in East Asia. At least half of the fellowship tenure period must be spent in Japan. In addition to being able to pursue their own research, scholarly, or creative interests, fellows will take part in a residential programme, research conferences, and contribute to IAFOR’s research and/or scholarly output.
– More information
Course 3: Student Fellowship Programme
This programme provides financial support for students from China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao to study in Japan, and for Japanese students to study in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, or Macao. As well as being able to pursue their own scholarly or creative interests, student fellows will take part in a residential programme, research conferences, and contribute to IAFOR’s research output.
– More information

How to Apply

Application Deadline: March 15, 2024 (17:00 JST)
Notification of Results: March 31, 2024
Apply Online Here

Application Guidelines and Instructions

Before applying, please read carefully through the following application guidelines and instructions, and make sure that your application includes all the components required.

The IAFOR Global Fellowship Programme is currently only open to applicants from Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao. All courses require at least a Bachelor's degree.

The application requires the submission of:

  • a curriculum vitae
  • a project proposal (for Courses 1 & 2)
  • the contact information of two references for letters of recommendation
  • a letter of support (optional, but encouraged)

All submitted materials must be in English. Any application documents submitted in a language other than English will not be considered.

Applicants should prepare responses to the following questions:

  • Why are you applying for this fellowship?
  • What experience working across barriers of nation, culture, and discipline do you have and can you demonstrate?
  • Timeline of proposed fellowship
  • For how long and what is your intended plan for the fellowship period?
  • Significance of the fellowship for you
  • What do you hope to get out of this fellowship? How will the fellowship impact your professional or academic trajectory?

Supporting Documentation

Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Your curriculum vitae (CV) should include your full name, a photo taken within the past six months, educational background, work experience, and any academic achievements (awards, published papers or books, and conference presentations).

The format of the CV is up to the applicant. It is possible to generate a CV based on your LinkedIn profile.

Project Proposal (required for courses 1 & 2)
Your project proposal should contain no more than 1,250 words, beginning with a 250 word abstract summarising the proposed project to be included in the total word count. The abstract must be comprehensible to a person in any discipline as the selection committee will come from a variety of academic fields.

Your proposal should describe the project, explaining the significance of the topic, placing the work in the context of your field, and indicating how the project would contribute to you, to your field/discipline/society, and to IAFOR.

The recommended format for the abstract is:

  • Basic introduction to the field (1-2 sentences)
  • A clear description of the project being pursued (1-2 sentences)
  • A description of the material/sources/archives to be used (1 sentence)
  • Providing a perspective (2-3 sentences) of how the project will contribute to your personal and professional growth, to your field/discipline/society, and to IAFOR.

Include information about theories and methodologies. Indicate the status of any project already in progress.

All applicants should write for an informed, but broad disciplinary audience. Please note that all proposals will be evaluated by experts in the relevant field while finalists will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee.

Letter of Support
A Letter of Support is optional, but strongly encouraged.

An Institutional Letter of Support can be written on behalf of the applicant’s institution by the chair, dean, division director, or another senior official who can best communicate the institution’s commitment to the applicant and the applicant’s fit within the institution’s plans and ambitions. The Institutional Letter of Support is NOT a blind/confidential letter and should be uploaded at the time of the application.

Letters of Recommendation
Applications require two blind letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s qualifications. At the time of application, you will need to supply the contact information of two individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s qualifications. The references will be contacted by the Selection Committee, via email, to upload letters of recommendation in support of your application. Recommendation letters are CONFIDENTIAL and will not be shared with candidates.

Detailed Course Information

Course 1: Fellowship Programme (Japan Based)

More Information
This program provides support for researchers and practitioners from Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao to conduct research activities as a paid research fellow at the International Academic Forum offices in Nagoya, Japan. In addition to being able to pursue their own research and scholarly interests, fellows will take part in a residential programme, research conferences, and contribute to IAFOR’s research and/or scholarly output.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Open to candidates in Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao who meet all the following requirements are eligible to submit application documents.
  • Applicants must hold either a PhD (Doctoral degree) or a Master’s degree and have a minimum of three years research experience
  • Applicants must have sufficient English ability

Research Fields
Fields of research should fall in line with IAFOR’s thematic spheres of Aging, Psychology, Education, International Development, Cultural Studies, or Creative Practices. Research Projects are evaluated on their relevance and foreseeable contribution(s) to IAFOR’s Mission.

Fellowship Period
3-9 months. Fellowships must begin between April 1 and December 31, 2024.

Number of Fellowship Recipients
Up to six

Host Institution
The International Academic Forum (IAFOR), Nagoya, Japan

Monthly Allowance
A monthly allowance of up to 3,000 USD is provided to cover expenses for research activities (including materials), travel, and living expenses. Receipts are required for reimbursement.

Monthly Salary
A monthly salary of up to 2,000 USD*1

Round-trip Air Transportation
Round-trip economy class airfare is provided between the nearest international airport from a grantee’s domicile and Nagoya, Japan.

Fellowship Residential Programme
To facilitate an interdisciplinary dialogue alongside each fellow’s individual research, participants will take part in a week-long programme, where they can introduce themselves and their research, and propose ideas on joint research themes. Participants will then take part in an interdisciplinary panel or round-table discussions at one of IAFOR’s conferences in Japan.

Commitment to Activities/Project
Fellows are expected to devote themselves exclusively to the fellowship activities during the period of the Fellowship.

Research Output
Fellows are required to submit two reports to IAFOR: an interim report on the progress of their research at the halfway point of the fellowship period, and a final report summarising the results of their activities within two months of the end of the fellowship period.

Fellows will also be invited to contribute one or more of the following:

  • Paper in an IAFOR journal special issue
  • Conference Report
  • Think Magazine Op-ed Article

Selection Method
The selection of recommended candidates will be made through document screening and online interviews conducted by the Selection Committee. The successful candidates will be decided taking into consideration all aspects of the application.

Notices Concerning Fellowship Conditions

  • The fellowship will be granted only within the period specified in the grant letter, which cannot be extended or shortened.
  • Fellows may not receive any other scholarship or fellowship covering expenses for travel and accommodation concurrently with this Fellowship. Fellows must choose either this Fellowship or the other scholarship/fellowship for the overlapping period. If you wish to withdraw your application because you have received another fellowship or scholarship, please notify IAFOR as soon as possible.
  • Only the individual specified in the scholarship letter is eligible for the scholarship. IAFOR will not be involved in any way with regard to the immigration procedures for family members, companions, etc. of the selected applicant.
  • Fellows are responsible for obtaining the necessary visa for their project. IAFOR shall provide supporting documents (either in English or Japanese) for the visa application but will not cover the cost of obtaining the visa.

    • * Paid in Japanese Yen. Withholding Tax to be deducted from salary at source. If your stay in Japan is less than 12 months, the salary will be taxed at 20%. Social Contributions and Health Insurance to be arranged and covered by the researcher.

    Apply Online Here

Course 2: Research or Creative Fellowship Programme (International)

More Information
This program provides support for researchers, scholars, and practitioners from Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao to conduct scholarly or creative activities in East Asia. At least half of the fellowship tenure period must be spent in Japan. In addition to being able to pursue their own research, scholarly or creative interests, fellows will take part in a residential programme, research conferences, and contribute to IAFOR’s research and/or scholarly output.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Open to candidates in Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao who meet all the following requirements are eligible to submit application documents.
  • Applicants must hold either a PhD (Doctoral degree) or a Master’s degree and have a minimum of 3 years research experience, or have at least 5 years research experience in a relevant field.
  • Non-research professionals must have a total of seven or more years of work professional experience in a field related to their proposed research.
  • Applicants must have sufficient English ability.
  • Applicants must have an occupation in their home countries, return there upon completing their fellowship tenure, and should contribute to the development of their own country.

Research or Creative Fields
Fields of research should fall in line with IAFOR’s thematic spheres of Aging, Psychology, Education, International Development, Cultural Studies, or Creative Practices. Research Projects are evaluated on their relevance and foreseeable contribution(s) to IAFOR’s communities and Mission.

Fellowship Period
3-9 months. Must begin between April 1 and December 31, 2024.

The Fellowship tenure period may be divided into two or three blocks, if necessary, but must be completed within 15 months of the start of the fellowship. At least half of the fellowship tenure period must be in Japan.

Number of Fellowship Recipients
Up to six

Host Institution
Applicants are free to choose host institutions (universities or equivalent facilities in the private sector) to carry out their studies.
Please be sure to obtain a letter of acceptance from the host institution prior to application.
IAFOR is not in a position to give advice or recommendations to applicants regarding host institutions in Japan. IAFOR is unable to sponsor long stay visas to Japan for participants on this programme.

Monthly Allowance
A monthly allowance of up to 5,000 USD is provided to cover expenses for research activities (including materials), host institution costs, travel, and living expenses. Receipts are required for reimbursement.

Round-trip Air Transportation
Round-trip economy class airfare is provided between the nearest international airport from a grantee’s domicile and Nagoya, Japan.

Fellows Residential Programme
To facilitate an interdisciplinary dialogue alongside each fellow’s individual research, participants will take part in a week-long programme, where they can introduce themselves and their research, and propose ideas on joint research themes. Participants then will take part in an interdisciplinary panel or round-table discussions at one of IAFOR’s conferences in Japan.

Commitment to Activities/Project
Fellows are expected to devote themselves exclusively to the fellowship activities during the period of the Fellowship.

Research Output
Fellows are required to submit two reports to IAFOR: an interim report on the progress of their research at the halfway point of the fellowship period, and a final report summarising the results of their activities within two months of the end of the fellowship period.

Fellows will also be invited to contribute one or more of the following:

  • Paper in an IAFOR journal special issue
  • Conference Report
  • Think Magazine Op-ed Article

Selection Method
The selection of recommended candidates will be made through document screening and online interviews conducted by the Selection Committee. The successful candidates will be decided taking into consideration all aspects of the application.

Notices Concerning Fellowship Conditions

  • The scholarship will be granted only within the period specified in the scholarship letter, which cannot be extended or shortened.
  • Fellows are required to have a host institution(s) or local collaborator(s) for each country in which they will stay. Please note the status of these arrangements on the application form (already confirmed, under negotiation, etc.). Fellows are responsible for making the arrangements for local collaborators and/or host institutions in their destination countries.
  • Fellows may not receive any other scholarship or fellowship covering expenses for travel and accommodation concurrently with this Fellowship. Fellows must choose either this Fellowship or the other scholarship/fellowship for the overlapping period. If you wish to withdraw your application because you have received another fellowship or scholarship, please notify IAFOR as soon as possible.
  • Only the individual specified in the scholarship letter is eligible for the scholarship. IAFOR will not be involved in any way with regard to the immigration procedures for family members, companions, etc. of the selected applicant.
  • Fellows are responsible for obtaining all necessary visa(s) for their project. IAFOR shall provide supporting documents (either in English or Japanese) for the visa application but will not cover the cost of obtaining the visa(s). Please check the requirements for each relevant country and allow sufficient time for the application process(es).
Apply Online Here

Course 3: Student Fellowship Programme

More Information
This program provides financial support for students from China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao to study in Japan, and for Japanese students to study in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, or Macao. As well as being able to pursue their own scholarly or creative interests, student fellows will take part in a residential programme, research conferences, and contribute to IAFOR’s research output.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Open to candidates from Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macao who meet all the following requirements are eligible to submit application documents
  • Applicants must obtain an acceptance letter from a host institution within the programme’s selected countries prior to application
  • Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree
  • Applicants must have sufficient English or Japanese language ability
  • Applicants must return and work in his/her home country for at least two years after completion of studies under the Programme in order to contribute to its development

Study Fields
Language study or a field of study that falls in line with IAFOR’s thematic spheres of Aging, Psychology, Education, International Development, Cultural Studies, or Creative Practices.

Scholarship Period
3-12 months. Must begin between April 1 and December 31, 2024.

Number of Scholarship Recipients
Up to six

Host Institution

  • Applicants are free to choose a host institution (universities or equivalent facilities in the private sector) to carry out their studies.
  • Please be sure to obtain a letter of acceptance from the host institution prior to application.
  • IAFOR is not in a position to give advice or recommendations to applicants regarding host institutions.

Monthly Allowance
A monthly allowance of up to 4,000 USD *2 is provided to cover expenses for tuition fees (including materials) and living expenses. Receipts are required for reimbursement.

Optional Employment *1

  • For students selected to study in Japan: in principle, employment of up to 28 hours per week may be possible. Additional visa permission is required for optional employment after arrival in Japan.
  • For Japanese students selected to study abroad: optional employment may be possible. Please consult your host institution or the immigration office of your host country for more information.

Other Support

  • IAFOR Support staff can provide daily living support and consultations about life and studying in Japan.
  • For Japanese students selected to study abroad, IAFOR Support staff can provide support and consultations about life and studying in the host country.

Round-trip Air Transportation
Round-trip economy class airfare is provided between the nearest international airport from a grantee’s domicile and the nearest international airport to the host institution.

Scholars Residential Programme & Conference Presentation
To facilitate an interdisciplinary dialogue alongside each fellow’s individual research, participants will take part in a week-long programme, where they can introduce themselves and their research, and propose ideas on joint research themes. Participants will then take part in an interdisciplinary panel or round-table discussions at one of IAFOR’s conferences in Japan.

Research Output
Scholars are required to submit two reports to IAFOR: an interim report on the progress of their activities at the halfway point of the scholarship period, and a final report summarising the results of their activities within two months of the end of the scholarship period.

Scholars will also be invited to contribute one or more of the following:

  • Paper in an IAFOR journal special issue
  • Conference Report
  • Think Magazine Op-ed Article

Selection Method
The selection of recommended candidates will be made through document screening and online interviews conducted by the Selection Committee. The successful candidates will be decided taking into consideration all aspects of the application.

Notices Concerning Scholarship Conditions

  • The scholarship will be granted only within the period specified in the scholarship letter, which cannot be extended or shortened.
  • Fellows are required to have a host institution(s) to carry out their studies.
  • Fellows are responsible for obtaining the necessary visa for their project. IAFOR shall provide supporting documents (either in English or Japanese) for the visa application but will not cover the cost of obtaining the visa.
  • Fellows may not receive any other scholarship or fellowship covering expenses for travel and accommodation concurrently with this Fellowship. Fellows must choose either this Fellowship or the other scholarship/fellowship for the overlapping period.
  • If you wish to withdraw your application because you have received another fellowship or scholarship, please notify IAFOR as soon as possible.
  • Only the individual specified in the scholarship letter is eligible for the scholarship. IAFOR will not be involved in any way with regard to the immigration procedures for family members, companions, etc. of the selected applicant.

*1 Paid in Japanese Yen. Withholding Tax to be deducted from salary at source. If your stay in Japan is less than 12 months the salary will be taxed at 20%. Social Contributions and Health Insurance to be arranged and covered by researcher
*2 Allowance limits for tuition, housing, and daily food allowance are in place.

Apply Online Here