The Munich International Youth Fellowships 2027 offer an excellent research opportunity for international researchers, graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD holders, and authors working in the field of children’s and young adult literature, illustration, and related areas.
The fellowship is hosted by the International Youth Library (IYL) in Munich, Germany. Selected fellows can spend between 6 weeks and 3 months conducting research using the library’s extensive international collection. Successful applicants receive a €1,300 monthly scholarship to help cover living expenses in Munich.
For the 2027 research period, the application deadline is 30 September 2026.
Munich International Youth Fellowships 2027 – Overview
| Fellowship | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | International Youth Library (IYL) |
| Location | Munich, Germany |
| Programme | International Youth Library Fellowship Programme |
| Research Period | 6 weeks to 3 months |
| Monthly Stipend | €1,300 |
| Target Applicants | Graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD holders and eligible authors/researchers |
| Citizenship | Non-German citizens |
| Language | German and/or English |
| Research Areas | Children’s and young adult literature, illustration and related research |
| Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Research Year | 2027 |
The information above is based on the current official fellowship announcement from the International Youth Library.
What Is the Munich International Youth Fellowship?
The International Youth Library Fellowship Programme is a specialized research programme supporting international research in children’s and young adult literature and illustration.
The programme has been running for more than 60 years and welcomes researchers from Europe and other parts of the world. Fellows are able to work with the International Youth Library’s large collection of children’s, youth and specialist literature.
The library is located at Blutenburg Castle in Munich, Germany, providing fellows with a dedicated academic environment for their research.
The programme is particularly suitable for applicants whose research requires access to international children’s and young adult literature that may not be readily available in their home countries.
Benefits of the Munich International Youth Fellowships 2027
Successful fellows can receive several forms of support during their research stay.
€1,300 Monthly Stipend
Selected fellows receive a monthly scholarship instalment of €1,300 intended to support living expenses in Munich.
Research Stay in Munich
The fellowship supports a research stay lasting from a minimum of 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months. The final duration is determined by the jury according to the proposed project and work schedule.
Access to a Major International Collection
Fellows receive a workplace in the scientific reading room and access to the library’s extensive collection of approximately 650,000 books in 260 languages.
Expert Academic Support
Researchers can benefit from the expertise of librarians and children’s book specialists while working on their projects.
Accommodation Assistance
The International Youth Library provides support in finding suitable accommodation for the duration of the research stay.
Research Presentation
Fellows can participate in a poster session where they present the current stage of their research.
Important Cost Information
Applicants should note that the fellowship does not cover travel expenses, and researchers must arrange their own health insurance.
Therefore, applicants should prepare a realistic budget before accepting the fellowship.
Who Can Apply?
The Munich International Youth Fellowship is aimed at researchers with an established research project in the relevant field.
According to the official requirements, eligible applicants include:
- Graduates
- Doctoral candidates
- PhD holders
- Young researchers
- PhD students
- Authors who need to consult international works for a specific publication project
Applicants must also:
- Have non-German citizenship
- Have sufficient proficiency in German and/or English
- Have a research project related to the programme’s areas
- Have already completed some preliminary work on their research project
The fellowship is not a general scholarship for studying any subject in Germany. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a clear connection between their project and the International Youth Library’s collection.
What Research Areas Are Supported?
The fellowship is particularly relevant to research involving:
- Children’s literature
- Young adult literature
- Children’s books
- Picture books
- Illustration
- International literature
- Comparative literature
- Reading cultures
- Literary and cultural exchange
- Related research involving children’s and youth literature
Applicants should explain how the International Youth Library’s resources will contribute to their research.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the documents requested by the International Youth Library.
These include:
1. Online Application Form
Applicants must complete the official online application form.
2. Cover Letter
The cover letter should introduce the applicant and provide a convincing explanation of the proposed research project and why a research stay at the International Youth Library is important.
The official programme recommends a cover letter of approximately 1–2 pages.
3. Academic Publications and Activities
Applicants should provide a selection of relevant academic publications, projects and activities related to children’s literature or the proposed research field.
4. Conferences and Seminars
Applicants should provide relevant conferences, seminars or similar academic events in which they have participated as speakers or organizers.
5. Research Project Description
A detailed research project description is required.
The proposal should explain:
- The purpose of the research
- The research questions
- The current stage of the project
- Why the International Youth Library is important to the research
- Which materials at the library will be used
- What the applicant expects to accomplish during the fellowship
The official guidelines limit the detailed research project description to 3 pages.
How to Make Your Application Stronger
Because this is a specialized research fellowship, applicants should avoid submitting a general statement about wanting to study or visit Germany.
Instead, focus on the research project.
A strong application should clearly answer:
Why do you need the International Youth Library’s collection for your research?
Applicants should explore the library’s catalogue and identify relevant books or other materials they expect to consult during their stay.
Your proposal should also explain how the research stay will help you advance your existing project.
How to Apply for Munich International Youth Fellowships 2027
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you meet the fellowship requirements, including your academic status, citizenship and language ability.
Step 2: Prepare Your Research Project
Develop a clear research project connected to children’s or young adult literature, illustration or a related field.
Step 3: Explore the International Youth Library Collection
Search the library’s collection and identify relevant titles or materials that you plan to use.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your cover letter, research proposal, publication/activity list and conference/seminar information.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Submit the required information through the official International Youth Library application system.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
For the 2027 fellowship programme, applications must be submitted by:
30 September 2026
The International Youth Library states that the deadline is 30 September for research stays in the following year.
Application Deadline
Munich International Youth Fellowships 2027 Deadline: 30 September 2026
If you are interested in applying, it is recommended that you begin preparing your research proposal and supporting documents early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Munich International Youth Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides a €1,300 monthly scholarship for living expenses and several forms of research support. However, travel expenses are not covered, and fellows must arrange their own health insurance. Therefore, it should not be described as completely covering every expense.
How much is the monthly stipend?
Successful fellows receive €1,300 per month.
How long is the fellowship?
The research stay lasts between 6 weeks and 3 months, depending on the project and the jury’s decision.
Can international students apply?
The programme is intended for researchers, graduates, doctoral candidates, PhD holders and eligible authors. Applicants must be non-German citizens and should have a relevant research project.
Do I need to speak German?
Applicants need sufficient fluency in German and/or English.
Does the fellowship cover airfare?
No. The official programme states that travel expenses cannot be covered.
Does the fellowship provide accommodation?
The International Youth Library provides support in finding suitable accommodation, but applicants should carefully review the financial arrangements and budget for their stay.
What subjects are suitable?
The programme focuses primarily on research related to children’s and young adult literature, illustration and related areas.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2027 research fellowship is 30 September 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Munich International Youth Fellowships 2027 are a specialized opportunity for international researchers who want to advance research in children’s and young adult literature, illustration and related fields.
With a €1,300 monthly stipend, access to approximately 650,000 books in 260 languages, a research workplace, specialist support and assistance with accommodation, the programme can provide a valuable academic experience in Munich.
The most important part of the application is demonstrating a clear connection between your research project and the International Youth Library’s collection. Applicants should therefore take time to prepare a focused research proposal and identify specific materials they intend to use.
Official Application and Information
For the most accurate eligibility requirements, application instructions and deadline information, applicants should use the official International Youth Library website:
Official International Youth Library Fellowship Programme – Apply Here
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
Important: Fellowship conditions can change, so applicants should always verify the latest requirements and application instructions on the official IYL website before submitting an application.