Application Deadline:
30 September 2025
About Organisation
The International Youth Library, founded in 1949 by Jella Lepman, is the world’s largest library dedicated to international children’s and youth literature. Over the years, it has become a globally recognized centre for preserving, documenting, and sharing literature for young readers. The library’s mission is rooted in the belief that books for children and young adults play a crucial role in the cultural life of any society. It actively promotes intercultural understanding and educational exchange by offering access to diverse literary resources in numerous languages. The library’s collection includes approximately 650,000 books in over 260 languages, making it a unique hub for researchers, educators, and authors. With its focus on supporting cultural exchange, the International Youth Library collaborates with organizations and governments to promote the importance of literature in child development. By facilitating academic research, fostering collaborations, and providing access to one of the richest collections of youth literature, the organization serves as a key institution in supporting literary scholarship, promoting cultural education, and enhancing understanding between different cultures through the universal language of books.
About the Grant
The International Youth Library Fellowship is a prestigious research initiative that supports scholars working in the field of children’s and youth literature. Operating for more than 60 years, the fellowship provides researchers with the opportunity to explore the library’s extensive collection and conduct in-depth studies. Funded by the Bavarian Ministry for Science and Arts since 2025, the program aims to encourage academic exchange, promote cooperation across borders, and support young researchers in their studies. Each year, approximately 15 fellows from Europe and other regions are selected to access the library’s resources and benefit from the expertise of librarians and specialists in children’s literature. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of €1,300 to support living expenses in Munich, along with workspace access, research assistance, and participation in academic sessions. The program emphasizes projects that promote intercultural dialogue and knowledge sharing. Researchers are expected to present their ongoing work and explore how the library’s vast collection can enrich their research. The fellowship is designed to offer both practical and intellectual support to scholars while advancing global understanding through children’s literature.
Who can Apply?
The International Youth Library Fellowship is open to young researchers, graduates, doctoral candidates, and PhD students, as well as authors who wish to consult international works for their publications. Applicants should have a strong academic background and a specific research project in the field of children’s and youth literature. The program welcomes individuals from across the globe, particularly those who are early in their research careers and eager to build knowledge networks. Candidates must be prepared to use the library’s resources for meaningful research and collaborate with the library’s experts. The fellowship focuses on projects that promote cultural exchange, academic cooperation, and innovative approaches to literature. Applicants must submit a completed application form, a cover letter introducing their research interests, a list of publications and projects, a record of relevant academic engagements, and a detailed research proposal explaining how access to the library will benefit their work. Researchers are responsible for arranging their own health insurance, and travel expenses are not covered. The fellowship is ideal for those seeking support in building academic expertise while working with one of the largest collections of children’s literature.
How to Apply?
To apply for the fellowship, complete the online application form by the deadline. Submit a cover letter with a photo, detailing your research and its relevance to the library. Include lists of publications, projects, and academic engagements, along with a detailed description of your proposed research. Applications must clearly explain how the library’s resources will contribute to your work in children’s and youth literature.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the International Youth Library Fellowship is 30 September 2025. All required documents, including research proposals and academic records, must be submitted before this date to be considered.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
