Applications are now open for the International Youth Library Fellowship 2027 in Germany. This prestigious fully funded research fellowship is offered by the International Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek) in Munich, the world’s largest library dedicated to children’s and young adult literature.
The fellowship supports researchers, graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD students, and authors who are conducting research in international children’s and youth literature and illustration. Every year, around 15 fellows from around the world are selected to undertake research using the library’s unique collection of more than 650,000 books in over 260 languages.
Fellowship Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Germany |
| Host Institution | International Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek), Munich |
| Fellowship Type | Fully Funded Research Fellowship |
| Eligible Applicants | International Researchers, Graduates, Doctoral Candidates, PhD Students & Authors |
| Fellowship Duration | 6 Weeks to 3 Months |
| Monthly Stipend | €1,300 |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Monthly stipend of €1,300 to cover living expenses in Munich.
- A funded research stay lasting between 6 weeks and 3 months, depending on the approved project.
- A dedicated workspace in the library’s scientific reading room.
- Access to one of the world’s largest collections of children’s and youth literature, with approximately 650,000 books in more than 260 languages.
- Guidance and research support from experienced librarians and children’s literature specialists.
- Opportunities for academic exchange and international collaboration with researchers from around the world.
- A chance to strengthen intercultural dialogue through research in children’s and youth literature.
Note: The fellowship covers the monthly stipend only. Travel costs and health insurance are not provided and must be arranged by the fellow.
Fellowship Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support research in international children’s and youth literature and illustration.
- Promote young academics and emerging researchers.
- Encourage international academic cooperation.
- Foster intercultural exchange through literature.
- Strengthen global scholarship in children’s literature studies.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be an international applicant.
- Be one of the following:
- Graduate.
- Young researcher.
- Doctoral candidate or PhD student.
- Author requiring access to international children’s literature for a publication.
- Have a clearly defined research project related to children’s or young adult literature.
- Demonstrate that access to the International Youth Library’s collection is essential for completing the research.
- Possess a good command of English or German.
- Show strong academic motivation and research potential.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form.
- Cover letter (a photograph may be included if desired) introducing themselves and explaining the research project (maximum 1–2 pages).
- Detailed research proposal describing:
- The research topic.
- Objectives.
- Work plan.
- Why the International Youth Library’s collection is essential.
- Examples of relevant materials from the collection.
- List of academic publications, projects, and activities related to children’s literature.
- List of conferences, seminars, or academic events attended or organized.
- Any additional supporting documents requested during the application process.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic quality of the research proposal.
- Relevance and originality of the project.
- Feasibility of the proposed work plan.
- Applicant’s academic background and research experience.
- Demonstrated need to use the International Youth Library’s collection.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official International Youth Library Fellowship webpage.
- Complete the online application form.
- Prepare all required supporting documents.
- Upload your application materials.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the International Youth Library Fellowship 2027 is:
30 September 2026
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered for the 2027 fellowship cycle.
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Conclusion
The International Youth Library Fellowship 2027 is an exceptional opportunity for scholars, researchers, doctoral candidates, and authors interested in children’s and young adult literature. With a €1,300 monthly stipend, access to one of the world’s richest collections of children’s books, expert research support, and the chance to collaborate with an international community of scholars, this fellowship offers an ideal environment to advance meaningful research while contributing to global academic exchange.
