Applications are now open for the International Youth Library Fellowship Programme 2026 in Germany, a prestigious fully funded research fellowship for researchers, PhD candidates, authors, translators, and scholars from around the world. Hosted by the International Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek) in Munich, Germany, the fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to conduct research using one of the world’s largest collections of children’s and young adult literature.
Funded by the Bavarian Ministry for Science and Arts, this fellowship is designed for researchers whose work requires access to the library’s extraordinary collection of more than 650,000 books in over 260 languages. The programme promotes international academic collaboration and supports innovative research in children’s literature, literary translation, illustration, publishing, reading culture, and cross-cultural literary studies.
Selected fellows will spend six weeks to three months in Munich, where they will receive a monthly stipend of €1,300, work in a dedicated research environment, and collaborate with leading librarians, researchers, and children’s literature experts. The fellowship offers an outstanding platform for academic research, professional networking, and international collaboration.
Fellowship Overview
Host Country: Germany
Host Institution: International Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek)
Funded By: Bavarian Ministry for Science and Arts
Programme Type: Research Fellowship
Duration: 6 Weeks to 3 Months
Eligible Applicants: International Researchers and Scholars
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
Degree Level
The fellowship is open to:
- Graduates
- Master’s Graduates
- Doctoral Candidates
- PhD Students
- PhD Holders
- Early-Career Researchers
- Authors
- Translators
- Independent Scholars
Available Subjects
Applicants conducting research in the following fields are encouraged to apply:
- Children’s Literature
- Young Adult Literature
- Comparative Literature
- Illustration Studies
- Literary Translation
- Publishing Studies
- Reading Culture
- International Literature
- Book History
- Cultural Studies
- Intercultural Storytelling
- Education
- Library and Information Science
- Literacy Studies
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Monthly stipend of €1,300 to support living expenses during the fellowship.
- Full access to one of the world’s largest collections of children’s and young adult literature.
- Dedicated workspace in the Scientific Reading Room.
- Academic guidance and research support from experienced librarians and children’s literature specialists.
- Assistance with finding suitable accommodation in Munich.
- Opportunity to present research findings during the fellowship poster session.
- International networking opportunities with scholars, researchers, authors, and literary professionals.
Please Note
The fellowship does not cover:
- International airfare or travel expenses.
- Health insurance costs.
- Personal expenses beyond the monthly stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a non-German citizen.
- Be conducting research related to children’s or young adult literature.
- Have a clearly defined and well-developed research project.
- Demonstrate why the International Youth Library’s unique collection is essential for their research.
- Have good proficiency in English and/or German.
- Possess relevant academic qualifications or professional experience in the proposed research field.
- Have completed preliminary research or preparatory work before submitting the application.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form.
- Cover letter introducing yourself and your research project.
- Research proposal (maximum three pages).
- List of academic publications, research projects, or professional activities.
- List of conferences, seminars, workshops, or academic events attended or presented.
- Examples or references to library materials relevant to the proposed research.
- Recent passport-size photograph (optional).
Application Process
To apply for the International Youth Library Fellowship Programme:
- Complete the official online application form.
- Prepare a detailed research proposal outlining your objectives and methodology.
- Explain why access to the International Youth Library’s collection is essential for your research.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Review your application carefully before submission.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Applications will be evaluated by a panel of experienced librarians and children’s literature specialists.
Application Deadline
30 September 2026
Apply Now
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the International Youth Library Fellowship Programme 2026 fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of €1,300, access to world-class research facilities, a dedicated workspace, research support, accommodation assistance, and international networking opportunities. However, international travel, health insurance, and personal expenses are not covered.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Researchers, doctoral candidates, PhD students, PhD holders, graduates, authors, translators, early-career researchers, and independent scholars from outside Germany are eligible to apply.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
Selected fellows will stay in Munich, Germany, for a period of six weeks to three months, depending on their research project.
What research areas are supported?
The fellowship supports research in children’s literature, young adult literature, literary translation, illustration studies, publishing history, reading culture, comparative literature, education, book history, cultural studies, and related disciplines.
Do I need to speak German?
No. Applicants should have good proficiency in English and/or German.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit an online application form, cover letter, research proposal, list of publications or professional activities, conference participation details, relevant library material references, and an optional recent photograph.
What expenses are not covered?
The fellowship does not cover:
- International airfare
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
- Personal expenses beyond the monthly stipend
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the International Youth Library Fellowship Programme 2026 is 30 September 2026.
