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.
Application Deadline:
- 30 September 2026 (for research stays in 2027)
Tell Me About the Award Programme:
The International Youth Library Fellowship Programme in Munich offers international researchers the chance to conduct focused research in children’s and young adult literature. Fellows gain access to one of the world’s largest collections of children’s books, housed at Blutenburg Castle, with over 650,000 titles in 260 languages. The programme promotes academic exchange, intercultural cooperation, and young researcher development.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Research areas include:
- Children’s Literature
- Young Adult Fiction
- Illustration Studies
- Reading Cultures
- Publishing Histories
- Intercultural Storytelling
Type:
- International Research Fellowship | Children’s & Youth Literature | Munich, Germany
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be non‑German citizens.
- Be graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD students, PhD holders, or authors with defined projects in children’s/young adult literature.
- Demonstrate fluency in German and/or English.
- Show evidence of preliminary work on the proposed research project.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Quality and relevance of the research project.
- Clear justification for using the International Youth Library’s collection.
- Academic publications, conference contributions, or related activities.
- Jury evaluation by librarians and children’s literature specialists.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- All countries worldwide (except Germany).
Where is the Award Taken?
- International Youth Library, Blutenburg Castle, Munich, Germany.
How Many Awards?
- Around 15 fellows selected annually.
What is the Benefit of the Award Programme?
- Monthly stipend of €1,300 for living expenses.
- Research stay of 6 weeks to 3 months.
- Workplace in the scientific reading room.
- Access to specialist support and extensive collections.
- Assistance in finding accommodation.
- Opportunity to present research at a poster session.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- 6 weeks to 3 months (duration determined by jury).
Required Documents:
- Completed online application form.
- Cover letter (1–2 pages) introducing applicant and project.
- Selected list of academic publications/projects.
- List of conferences/seminars participated in.
- Detailed research project description (max 3 pages) with examples of titles from the library collection.
How to Apply:
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit a cover letter, publication list, conference list, and project description.
- Deadline: 30 September 2026.
- Applications were reviewed by a jury of librarians and children’s literature experts.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
