Open to researchers in various fields and disciplines, these fellowships offer financial and research support for residencies at the National Library.

Up to 7 funded National Library Fellowships are available for 2027. Of these, 4 are for research on any subject, and 3 are for identified fields of research.

• Any subject: 3 Fellowships supported by the Stokes Family; one supported by the Alan Ives Bequest
• Asian studies: one Fellowship in memory of Cheng King Law; one supported by the Harold S. Williams Trust
• Australian literature: one Fellowship supported by the Ray Mathew and Eva Kollsman Trust

What Fellows receive

• $35,000 to support sustained research at the Library
  • Funding is based on 12 weeks onsite at the Library but Fellows are welcome to extend their research period as required without additional funding. Fellows have 24 months to complete their research.
• Supported access to our collections
• Use of the Petherick Reading Room
• Increased borrowing privileges to maximise access to the collection
• A Copies Direct allowance of $1,500 for high resolution digital copies of collection materials for publication or other public uses (subject to copyright, licensing and access conditions)

Who can apply

National Library of Australia Fellowships are open to experienced researchers for projects at any stage of development, as well as those undertaking research which forms part of a larger project.

National Library of Australia Fellowships are open to:

• Australian residents, and international residents eligible to apply for a visa to Australia.
  • International residents will be responsible for securing their own visas
• individuals only.
  • If your research is contributing to a collaborative project, you must demonstrate your own research component
• researchers who are able to demonstrate their experience and ability to undertake advanced research with clear, planned public outcomes.

You must be able to undertake your residency in Canberra between 18 January 2027 and 8 December 2028.

You cannot apply if:

• you are currently undertaking PhD studies.
  • Your PhD must be conferred before 7th April 2026 to be eligible to apply. Proof of completion may be requested.
• you have received a research Fellowship or Scholarship from the Library within the last 5 years, i.e. funding was received in one of the Library's 2022-2026 program rounds
• your research supports writing a literary work or creating an artistic work.
  • These projects are supported through the National Library of Australia Creative Arts Fellowships.

• Phone: +61 2 2020 1099
• Email: fellowships@nla.gov.au