International Youth Library Fellowship Programme 2026 in Germany
The International Youth Library Fellowship Programme offers researchers, doctoral candidates, authors, and scholars an opportunity to conduct research at one of the world's largest collections of children's and young adult literature. Hosted by the International Youth Library, the fellowship supports research projects related to children's literature, illustration, publishing history, reading culture, and international literary exchange.
Selected fellows will spend between six weeks and three months in Munich, Germany, where they will have access to extensive library resources and receive a monthly stipend to support their research stay.
Fellowship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: International Youth Library
- Fellowship Location: Munich
- Fellowship Name: International Youth Library Fellowship Programme
- Fellowship Type: Fully Funded Research Fellowship
- Duration: 6 Weeks to 3 Months
- Monthly Stipend: €1,300
- Eligible Nationalities: International Applicants (Non-German Citizens)
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
About the International Youth Library Fellowship Programme
The International Youth Library Fellowship Programme is designed for researchers who require access to the library's unique collection of approximately 650,000 books in around 260 languages. The programme encourages international research collaboration and supports projects focusing on children's and young adult literature, illustration, translation, publishing, and reading cultures.
The fellowship is funded by the Bavarian Ministry for Science and Arts and provides an excellent opportunity for scholars to work in a specialized research environment with guidance from experienced librarians and children's literature experts.
Degree Level
The fellowship is open to:
- Graduates
- Master's Graduates
- Doctoral Candidates
- PhD Students
- PhD Holders
- Early-Career Researchers
- Authors
Available Subjects
Applicants conducting research in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Children's Literature
- Young Adult Literature
- Comparative Literature
- Illustration Studies
- Literary Translation
- Reading Culture
- Publishing Studies
- International Literature
- Book History
- Cultural Studies
- Intercultural Storytelling
- Education
- Library and Information Science
Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Monthly stipend of €1,300
- Access to one of the world's largest children's literature collections
- Dedicated workspace in the scientific reading room
- Guidance from expert librarians and researchers
- Assistance in finding accommodation
- Opportunity to present research during a poster session
- International academic networking opportunities
Please Note:
The fellowship does not cover:
- International travel expenses
- Health insurance
- Personal expenses beyond the monthly stipend
Eligible Nationalities
The fellowship is open to:
- International applicants from all countries except Germany
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold non-German citizenship
- Be conducting research related to children's or young adult literature
- Have a clearly defined research project
- Demonstrate why the International Youth Library's collection is essential for their research
- Possess good proficiency in English and/or German
- Have relevant academic or professional experience in the proposed research area
Applicants should have completed preliminary work on their research topic before applying.
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- Completed online application form
- Cover letter introducing themselves and their research project
- Research proposal (maximum three pages)
- List of academic publications, research projects, or professional activities
- List of conferences, seminars, or academic events attended or presented
- Examples of library materials relevant to the proposed research
- Recent photograph (optional)
Application Process
To apply for the International Youth Library Fellowship Programme, follow these steps:
- Complete the online application form.
- Prepare a detailed research proposal explaining your project.
- Demonstrate why the International Youth Library's collection is essential for your research.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Applications will be evaluated by a panel of librarians and children's literature specialists.
Why Apply for the International Youth Library Fellowship Programme?
The fellowship provides researchers with access to an internationally renowned collection of children's and youth literature while offering financial support for an extended research stay in Germany. Fellows benefit from expert academic guidance, valuable networking opportunities, and the chance to develop high-quality research in an inspiring international environment.
