The Royal Society for Asian Affairs Travel Awards support practical projects and research that have the potential to contribute to advances in scholarly or other public knowledge including, but not limited to, post-graduate degrees, journalism and travel writing.

Applicants must be aged 21-28 at the time of application. Applicants may be of any nationality but should be normally resident in the UK.  The awards are intended to support individual travel and may not be used for commercial purposes or to fund participation in activities arranged by another organisation.

The RSAA’s focus is on contemporary Asia and its recent history.  Travel Award applications may relate to any aspect of this remit.  In the current round, the Society will particularly welcome applications relating to:

Colonialism and its Legacies – the study of the cultural, political, and economic experiences and legacies of colonialism and imperialism in Asia.

Exploration – the geographical, environmental, cultural, or historical exploration of countries, regions, or peoples of post-1900 Asia.

Technology and the State – studies of technological advancement and its applications in infrastructure, surveillance and communication (including social media) in contemporary Asia.

Awards may be up to £2,000 and include two-years’ membership of the Society, giving access to the Society’s network, events and publications.

Successful applicants are expected to make a presentation to a Society meeting or to submit an article to the Society’s journal, Asian Affairs, drawing on their research, within twelve months of taking up the award.

Applications can be made using the online form below or by downloading and returning a completed printable version.

The Society aims to make awards on the basis of written submissions alone, but may in some cases, invite candidates to an interview.  Decisions will be based on the originality and coherence of the project and the degree to which it is likely to contribute to advances in scholarly or other public knowledge.

Applications must be received by the RSAA no later than 31 January 2024.  The Society expects to inform candidates of the outcome of their applications by 28 February 2024.