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IJB Fellowship Program in Germany

The International Youth Library (IYL), Munich, invites applicants for its IJB Fellowship Program, funded by the Bavarian Ministry for Science and Arts. This prestigious fellowship supports international research in children’s and young adult literature and promotes intercultural academic exchange.

Eligibility for the IYL Fellowship Program is open to graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD holders, and authors from outside Germany who are engaged in research related to children’s and young adult literature. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient fluency in German and/or English and should have already conducted some preliminary work on their research project before applying.

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The International Youth Library (IYL), Munich is the world’s largest library dedicated to international children’s and young adult literature. Founded in 1949, it houses a unique collection of over 650,000 books in more than 260 languages, along with journals, research materials, and archives. The library serves as a global center for research, cultural exchange, and literary events, promoting understanding and appreciation of children’s literature across cultures.

Application Deadline: September 30 

 

Brief Description

  • University or Organization: International Youth Library (IYL)

  • Department: NA

  • Course Level: Research

  • Award: €1,300 monthly allowance and research support

  • Access Mode: Online application submission

  • Number of Awards: Approximately 15 fellowships awarded annually

  • Nationality: Non-German citizenship applicants only

  • The award can be taken in: Germany

Eligibility

  • Eligible Countries: Open to all countries except Germany (non-German citizenship required)

  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The fellowship is awarded for research in children’s and young adult literature and illustration.

  • Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

    • Be graduates, doctoral candidates, or PhD holders (authors are also welcome if they consult international works for their projects).

    • Demonstrate sufficient fluency in German and/or English.

    • Have already conducted preliminary work on their research topic.

    • Submit all required documents by the deadline (September 30, 2025).

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following documents online:

  1. Completed online application form

  2. Cover letter (with photo) outlining their research project and the relevance of the IYL stay (1–2 pages)

  3. List of relevant publications, projects, etc.

  4. List of conferences, seminars, or workshops participated in/organized

  5. Detailed description of the research project explaining the significance of the IYL collection for the study

A jury of librarians and children’s literature specialists from the International Youth Library will evaluate applications.

Benefits

  • Fellowship duration: 6 weeks to 3 months (depending on project needs, determined by the jury)

  • Monthly stipend of €1,300 for living expenses in Munich

  • Workplace and access to the IYL’s extensive collection (650,000 books in 260 languages)

  • Support from expert librarians and children’s literature specialists

  • Assistance in finding accommodation in Munich

  • Opportunity to present research at a poster session

  • (Note: Health insurance and travel expenses must be covered by the fellows themselves.)

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