Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS) Fellowships 2026-2028

Omran Aburayya
2 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

If you’re a postdoctoral or senior researcher eager to advance your work in a truly global, interdisciplinary environment, the Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS) at Aarhus University invites you to apply for its 2026–2028 fellowship opportunities. Through three distinguished fellowship schemes—AIAS-WASEDA Visiting Fellowship, AIAS-AUFF Fellowships, and AIAS-Riksbankens Jubileumsfond (RJ) Fellowship—AIAS offers international scholars the chance to immerse themselves in a collaborative, boundary-crossing academic setting at one of Europe’s top research universities.

Fellowships Summary

1). AIAS-WASEDA Visiting Fellowship

Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Host Institution: Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University, in partnership with Waseda University (Japan)
Level: Postdoctoral researchers and senior scholars
Target Group: Researchers affiliated with Waseda University or Waseda Institute of Advanced Study (WIAS)
Fields of Research: All disciplines
Value & Coverage:
- Office space, housing, access to lecture and meeting rooms
- Integration into AIAS academic and social community
- Administrative support for events and conferences
- One return travel ticket to Aarhus
- Relocation assistance
- Note: Fellowship is without salary—fellows bring salary from home institution
Duration: 1–2 months (excluding January, July, August) during 2026
Eligible To: PhD holders with at least 2 years postdoctoral experience, actively collaborating with Aarhus University
Application Deadline: October 7, 2025 (spring 2026 stay) / May 5, 2026 (fall 2026 stay)

2). AIAS-AUFF Fellowships

Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Host Institution: Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University, funded by Aarhus University Research Foundation (AUFF)
Level: Junior and senior postdoctoral researchers (2–10 years post-PhD)
Target Group: Outstanding international researchers from all disciplines
Fields of Research: Open to all research areas, with emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches
Value & Coverage:
- Full salary (regulated by Danish collective agreements)
- Relocation support, visa and residence permit assistance
- Travel costs covered
- Office space and access to AIAS facilities
- Research infrastructure, participation in seminars, workshops, training
Award Duration: 23 months (Sept 1, 2026 – July 31, 2028)
Eligible To: PhD holders worldwide with 2–10 years of postdoctoral experience; must not have resided or worked in Denmark for more than 12 months in the past 3 years
Application Deadline: October 28, 2025

3). AIAS-Riksbankens Jubileumsfond (RJ) Fellowship

Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Host Institution: Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), in collaboration with Sweden’s Riksbankens Jubileumsfond
Level: Mid-career scholars
Target Group: Tenured researchers employed at Swedish universities or research institutions
Fields of Study: Humanities and social sciences
Value & Coverage:
- Full salary (regulated by Danish collective agreements)
- Travel and relocation costs covered
- Moderate budget for research-related expenses
- Office space and integration into AIAS community
- Participation in AIAS academic and social events
Duration: 12 months (Sept 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2027)
Eligible To: Any nationality, but must hold a tenured position at a Swedish institution and have at least 4 years of post-PhD research experience
Application Deadline: November 18, 2025

🧭 Fellowships at a Glance

AIAS fellowships are designed to foster international, interdisciplinary, and curiosity-driven research. Fellows are expected to actively participate in AIAS’s thriving community through seminars, collaborative workshops, and interdisciplinary discussions. With fellows coming from across the globe and all disciplines, AIAS provides a unique platform for developing innovative research ideas, strengthening global networks, and engaging with Aarhus University’s vibrant academic environment.

🧩 Structure, Curriculum & Activities

Seminars & Workshops: Regular interdisciplinary exchanges among fellows
Community Integration: Access to both social and academic activities at AIAS
Collaborative Research: Opportunities to establish long-term partnerships with Aarhus University researchers
Support Services: Administrative and relocation assistance, mentoring, and infrastructure for hosting academic events

🎁 Benefits (General Across All Programs)

Access to a vibrant international and interdisciplinary academic community
Office space and facilities at AIAS
Integration into Aarhus University’s world-class research environment
Travel and relocation support (varies by fellowship)
Salary coverage for AUFF and RJ fellows; WASEDA fellows must retain home salary
Opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and leadership in global research

📝 Application Procedures

Application Platform: All applications must be submitted via the online GrantOne system - Access here
Documents Typically Required:
- CV (max 5 pages, with selected publications)
- PhD diploma
- Research proposal or project description
- Motivation letter (up to 2 pages)
- Letter of support (for WASEDA Visiting Fellowship, from Aarhus University collaborator)
- Proof of academic position (RJ Fellowship)
- Confirmation of eligibility (AUFF mobility requirement, RJ tenured post requirement)
Selection Process: Applications are peer-reviewed by AIAS review boards and assessed for academic excellence, interdisciplinarity, and potential impact

💡 Extra Tips for Applicants

Contact a potential collaborator at Aarhus University early to strengthen your application (particularly crucial for WASEDA fellows)
For AUFF applicants, highlight how your research crosses disciplinary boundaries and meets the mobility requirement
For RJ fellows, emphasize how your research will enhance Swedish-Danish collaboration
Prepare well-structured, concise applications that align with AIAS’s mission of fostering interdisciplinary innovation