The International Youth Library Fellowship is a unique research opportunity for scholars in children’s and young adult literature. This fully funded program supports international researchers to conduct their projects at the world’s largest library for international children’s books in Munich, Germany.
The International Youth Library (IYL) in Munich is a renowned institution dedicated to children’s and youth literature worldwide. Founded in 1949, it houses over 650,000 books in 260 languages and has been running its fellowship programme for more than 60 years, funded by the Bavarian Ministry for Science and Arts.
International Youth Library Fellowship Benefits
- Duration: Minimum of 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months
- Monthly scholarship instalment of 1,300 Euros for living expenses in Munich
- Workplace in the scientific reading room of the special library for access to the extensive collection of children’s, youth and specialist literature (approx. 650,000 books in 260 languages)
- Support through the expertise of the librarians and children’s books specialists
- Support in finding suitable accommodation for the duration of the research stay
- Participation at a poster session to present the current state of research
International Youth Library Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Status: Graduates, Doctoral candidates, PhD holders
- Country of origin: Researchers with a non-German citizenship
- Sufficient fluency in German and/or English
- Young researchers, graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD students (as well as authors who would like to consult international works for their publication on a specific topic)
How to Apply for International Youth Library Fellowship
- Complete the online-application form
- Submit a cover letter (with photograph if possible) with an introduction as well as a convincing presentation of your research project in the field of children’s and youth literature elaborating on the importance of your stay at the IYL (max. 1-2 pages)
- Provide a list containing a selection of your most relevant academic publications, projects, activities, etc. in the field of children’s literature
- Provide a list containing a selection of the most relevant conferences, seminars, etc. in which you have participated as speaker or which you have organized
- Submit a detailed description of your research project in which you explain the relevance of the IYL’s material for your work. Please give examples of the titles in stock at the IYL you plan to use during your stay (max. 3 pages)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the International Youth Library Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the International Youth Library Fellowship?
The International Youth Library Fellowship is a fully funded research program for international scholars in children’s and young adult literature. It provides a monthly stipend of 1,300 Euros, a workplace at the library, and access to over 650,000 books in 260 languages.
Who can apply for the fellowship?
Graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD holders, and authors with non-German citizenship are eligible. Applicants must have sufficient fluency in German or English and a research project in the field of children’s or youth literature.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship lasts a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 3 months. The exact funding period is determined by a jury based on the project and work schedule.
What are the benefits of the fellowship?
Benefits include a monthly scholarship of 1,300 Euros for living expenses, a workplace in the scientific reading room, support from librarians and specialists, help finding accommodation, and participation in a poster session.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 30 September for research stays in the following year. For example, applications submitted by 30 September 2025 are for stays in 2026.
What documents are required for the application?
You need a completed online application form, a cover letter (max. 1-2 pages), a list of academic publications and activities, a list of conferences you participated in or organized, and a detailed research project description (max. 3 pages).
Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the fellowship is fully funded. It covers a monthly stipend of 1,300 Euros and provides access to library resources. However, researchers must arrange their own health insurance, and travel expenses are not covered.
How are applications evaluated?
A jury of librarians and children’s books specialists at the International Youth Library decides on the applications. They assess the project’s relevance, the applicant’s qualifications, and the importance of using the IYL’s collection.
Can authors apply for the fellowship?
Yes, authors who would like to consult international works for their publication on a specific topic are eligible to apply, provided they meet the other requirements such as non-German citizenship and sufficient language fluency.
How can I contact the fellowship team?
For any questions, you can contact Rebecca Wilhelm, Director’s Assistant / Fellowship Programme, at +49 (0)89 89 12 11-42 or via email at [email protected].
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