The International Youth Library's fellowship programme is one of the rare international research initiatives in the field of children's and young adult literature worldwide and has been running for more than 60 years. Every year, around 15 scholars from Europe and beyond visit the International Youth Library to use the library's large collection of international children's and youth literature for their research projects.
The programme is funded by the Bavarian Ministry for Science and Arts since 2025.
The scholarship programme serves to support research in the field of international children's and youth literature and illustration, to promote young academics, academic exchange and international cooperation, and to sustainably strengthen intercultural exchange.
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International Youth Library Fellowship Programme Fellowship
Aim and Benefits of International Youth Library Fellowship Programme Fellowship
- Duration: Minimum of 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months; the funding period is determined by a jury depending on the project and the work schedule.
- Monthly scholarship instalment of 1,300 Euros for living expenses in Munich
- Workplace in the scientific reading room of the special library for access to the extensive collection of children's, youth and specialist literature (approx. 650,000 books in 260 languages)
- Support through the expertise of the librarians and children's books specialists
- Support in finding suitable accommodation for the duration of the research stay
- Participation at a poster session to present the current state of research.
Researchers must arrange their own health insurance. Travel expenses cannot be covered.
Requirements for International Youth Library Fellowship Programme Fellowship Qualification
Requirements:
- Status: Graduates, Doctoral candidates, PhD holders
- Country of origin: Researchers with a non-German citizenship
- Sufficient fluency in German and/or English
- Young researchers, graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD students (as well as authors who would like to consult international works for their publication on a specific topic).
Documents Required for Application
The following documents are required for the application:
- Completed online-application form
- Cover letter (with photograph if possible) with an introduction as well as a convincing presentation of your research project in the field of children's and youth literature elaborating on the importance of your stay at the IYL (max. 1-2 pages)
- List containing a selection of your most relevant academic publications, projects, activities, etc. in the field of children's literature (e.g. articles of your research)
- List containing a selection of the most relevant conferences, seminars, etc. in which you have participated as speaker or which you have organized
- Detailed description of your research project in which you explain the relevance of the IYL's material for your work. Please give examples of the titles in stock at the IYL you plan to use during your stay. (max. 3 pages)
A jury of librarians and children's books specialists of the International Youth Library will decide on the applications.
Check also:
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027
Application Deadline
September 30, 2026How to Apply
Please contact the following address in case you have any questions:
Director's Assistant / Fellowship Programme
Rebecca Wilhelm
For more information, visit International Youth Library Fellowship webpage
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