International Youth Library Fellowship Programme in Germany 2027

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The International Youth Library Fellowship Programme 2027 is an excellent opportunity for international researchers working in the field of children’s and young adult literature. The fellowship allows scholars from around the world to conduct research at the International Youth Library (IYL) in Munich, Germany, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of children’s and youth literature. Each year, around 15 researchers are selected to spend between six weeks and three months at the library while working on their research projects.

Funded by the Bavarian Ministry for Science and Arts, the fellowship has supported international academic research for more than 60 years. It aims to promote research on children’s literature and illustration, encourage international academic collaboration, and strengthen intercultural exchange. Researchers receive a monthly stipend, access to the library’s extensive collections, and support from experienced librarians and children’s literature specialists throughout their stay.

The German fellowship is open to graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD students, PhD holders, and authors with a research project related to international children’s and young adult literature. Applicants must be non-German citizens and demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English or German. Those planning to conduct research using the International Youth Library’s unique resources should consider applying before the annual application deadline.

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International Youth Library Fellowship Programme 2027 Details

Host Country: Germany
Host City: Munich
Host Institution: International Youth Library (Internationale Jugendbibliothek)
Funded By: Bavarian Ministry for Science and Arts
Programme Duration: 6 weeks to 3 months
Number of Fellows: Around 15 researchers each year
Eligible Applicants: International researchers, graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD students, PhD holders, and authors
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026 (for research stays in 2027)

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Benefits of the International Youth Library Fellowship 2027

Successful applicants will receive several benefits during their research stay in Germany, including:

Monthly scholarship of €1,300 to cover living expenses.
Research stay lasting between 6 weeks and 3 months.
Dedicated workspace in the International Youth Library’s scientific reading room.
Access to approximately 650,000 books in more than 260 languages.
Guidance and research support from librarians and children’s literature specialists.
Assistance in finding accommodation in Munich.
Opportunity to present research findings during a fellowship poster session.

Note: Travel expenses and health insurance are not covered. Fellows are responsible for arranging their own health insurance before arriving in Germany.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the International Youth Library Fellowship Programme 2027, applicants must:

Be a non-German citizen.
Be a graduate, doctoral candidate, PhD student, PhD holder, researcher, or author.
Have sufficient proficiency in English and/or German.
Be conducting research related to international children’s and young adult literature or illustration.
Have already completed preliminary work on their proposed research project.
Demonstrate why the International Youth Library’s collection is essential for their research.

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Required Documents for International Youth Library Fellowship Programme 2027

Applicants must submit the following documents:

Completed online application form.
Cover letter (1 to 2 pages) introducing themselves and explaining their research project.
List of relevant academic publications, research projects, or professional activities.
List of conferences, seminars, or workshops attended or organized.
Detailed research proposal (maximum 3 pages) explaining:
- The research topic.
- The importance of the project.
- Why the International Youth Library’s collection is necessary.
- Examples of books or materials from the library that will be consulted.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a jury consisting of librarians and children’s literature specialists from the International Youth Library. The selection committee evaluates the academic quality of the proposed research, its relevance to children’s and young adult literature, and the applicant’s need to use the library’s unique collections.

How to Apply for the International Youth Library Fellowship Programme 2027?

Applicants must complete the online application and upload all required documents before the deadline. Since the research proposal is an important part of the application, candidates should clearly explain how the International Youth Library’s collections will contribute to their project.