The KNAW Humanities Fund supports young humanities researchers in the Netherlands with grants of €2,000 to €10,000 for short-term research visits abroad.
The funding covers travel, accommodation, and basic living costs for visits lasting one to three months. Applications close on 13 May 2026, with results announced within three months of the deadline.
What Is the KNAW Humanities Fund?
The KNAW Humanities Fund is administered by the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences (KNAW).
It promotes academic research in the humanities by supporting international knowledge exchange and strengthening disciplinary development.
The fund also advances diversity and equal opportunity by encouraging applications from researchers who are underrepresented in academia.
Purpose of the Fund
The fund is designed to:
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Support early-career humanities scholars
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Enable short-term international research visits
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Strengthen academic networks and collaboration
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Promote international scholarly exchange
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Enhance disciplinary development in the humanities
Funding is intended for activities that cannot be financed by the applicant’s affiliated university or research institute.
Funding Details
Grant Amount
Funding ranges from €2,000 to €10,000.
Eligible Expenses
The grant may cover:
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One outgoing and one return journey
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Accommodation during the stay abroad
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Primary living expenses (if no salary or financial support is received)
Sustainable travel is strongly encouraged.
Travel by train is mandatory if the destination can be reached within eight hours.
Duration and Conditions of the Visit
The funded research visit must:
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Take place outside the Netherlands
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Be hosted by a university, research institute, library, museum, or related institution
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Last a minimum of one month
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Last a maximum of three consecutive months
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Begin within one year of the grant award
The visit must directly contribute to the applicant’s scholarly development.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is strictly defined.
Applicants must be:
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PhD candidates in the humanities
OR -
Researchers who obtained their PhD no more than four years before the calendar year of application
Extensions may apply under the Academy’s extension arrangement (e.g., career interruptions).
Additional requirements:
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Must be affiliated with a university or research institute in the Kingdom of the Netherlands during the funded activity
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The grant can only be received once per researcher
Fields Covered
The fund supports research within the humanities, including but not limited to:
The research activity must clearly contribute to the relevant discipline.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Identify a Host Institution Abroad
Secure a host at:
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University
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Research institute
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Library
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Museum
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Related academic institution
Ensure the visit aligns with your research objectives.
Step 2: Develop a Clear Activity Plan
Outline:
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Purpose of the visit
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Research activities
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Expected academic contribution
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Timeline (1–3 months)
Demonstrate scholarly value and feasibility.
Step 3: Prepare a Realistic Budget
Include:
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Travel costs (respecting sustainable travel rules)
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Accommodation expenses
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Living expenses (if applicable)
Ensure funding is not duplicating support from your home institution.
Step 4: Complete the Official Application Form
Applications must:
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Be submitted in Dutch or English
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Use the official KNAW application form
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Be sent via email before the deadline
Deadline: 13 May 2026
Step 5: Await Decision
Applicants will be informed of the outcome within three months after the deadline.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
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Quality of the proposed research activity
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Contribution to the relevant humanities discipline
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Feasibility of the plan and budget
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Consideration of diversity and equal opportunity (in cases of equal merit)
Strong applications clearly demonstrate academic impact and realistic planning.
Why This Fund Matters
International research exposure is critical for early-career humanities scholars.
The KNAW Humanities Fund:
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Enhances global academic collaboration
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Supports emerging scholars
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Strengthens Dutch humanities research
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Promotes diversity in academia
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Encourages sustainable travel practices
It provides targeted support for scholars whose institutions cannot fund international research visits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Proposing visits shorter than one month or longer than three months
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Failing to demonstrate clear academic benefit
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Submitting incomplete application forms
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Ignoring sustainable travel requirements
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Requesting funding for costs already covered by the home institution
Clear academic relevance and realistic budgeting are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding can I receive?
Between €2,000 and €10,000.
2. Who can apply?
PhD candidates and researchers in the humanities who earned their PhD within four years of the application year and are affiliated with a Dutch institution.
3. How long can the visit last?
Minimum one month and maximum three consecutive months.
4. Where must the visit take place?
At an academic or research institution outside the Netherlands.
5. Can I receive this grant more than once?
No. Each researcher may receive the grant only once.
6. Is salary covered?
Living expenses may be covered only if you do not receive a salary or other financial support during the visit.
7. When is the deadline?
Applications close on 13 May 2026.
Conclusion
The KNAW Humanities Fund 2026 provides essential financial support for early-career humanities scholars in the Netherlands to undertake short-term international research visits.
With grants ranging from €2,000 to €10,000, the programme strengthens disciplinary development, promotes international exchange, and supports diversity in academia.
Eligible researchers should secure a host institution, prepare a clear research plan, and submit their application before 13 May 2026.
For more information, visit KNAW.
