Herzog August Bibliothek Fellowship 2026

About the Herzog August Bibliothek Fellowship

The Herzog August Bibliothek fellowship supports short research stays for scholars who need to gather source material held by one of Europe’s notable research libraries. Each year the library opens its collections to visiting researchers, giving them focused time on site to consult rare holdings. If you work with primary sources and need direct access to them, this Herzog August Bibliothek fellowship offers a practical way to fund a concentrated visit.

The award targets scholars at every career stage, from early postdoctoral researchers through to emeriti. Because the visits are short, the programme suits a defined project rather than an open-ended residency.

Who Runs the Programme

The Herzog August Bibliothek hosts and funds these fellowships directly. The library is based in Germany and maintains extensive historical collections that draw researchers from many countries. As the host, it provides both the funding and the on-site access to source material that make the fellowship worthwhile.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

This is a postdoctoral-level opportunity. The library welcomes scholars from postdoc through to emeritus status, so there is no upper career limit. The eligible fields are not narrowly specified; instead, the fellowship is open to a broad range of scholars whose work depends on the library’s holdings. If your research draws on the collection, your discipline is likely within scope.

How Many Fellowships Are Offered

The exact number of fellowships awarded each year is not specified. The library states that it awards these short-term fellowships annually to a broad range of scholars, but it does not publish a fixed quota. For the current figure, check the official page before applying.

Who Can Apply

The fellowship is aimed at researchers who want to make a short visit to consult source material in person. It welcomes scholars of all career stages, which means:

• Postdoctoral researchers who have completed a doctorate
• Established academics at any career point
• Emeriti scholars who remain research-active

Because the programme centres on gathering source material, applicants should have a clear research purpose tied to the library’s collections. International scholars, including those applying from Africa, are among the broad group the library serves.

Funding and Benefits

The fellowship funds a short research stay in Germany. Applications can be made for visits of at least one month, and the award is designed to cover the cost of that on-site period so you can concentrate on the collection. The precise stipend amount and any travel or accommodation support are not detailed here, so confirm the current terms on the official listing before you plan your budget.

The core benefit is direct, funded access to source material that would otherwise require self-financed travel. For researchers whose projects hinge on specific holdings, that access is the main value of the award.

Eligibility Requirements

Based on the available information, applicants should meet these conditions:

• Hold at least a postdoctoral qualification, up to and including emeritus status
• Have a research project that requires consulting the library’s source material
• Be able to complete a short on-site stay, starting from one month in length

Because full eligibility details are not published here, review the official page for any nationality, language, or documentation requirements before you submit.

Application Process

The Herzog August Bibliothek fellowship runs on an annual cycle, and this article reports on the 2026 cycle; confirm the exact deadline on the official website before you apply, since the library sets its own dates each year. In general, you should prepare a clear description of your research project and explain which parts of the collection you need to consult and why a short visit is necessary.

To apply:

1. Read the current call on the official page to confirm the deadline and required documents.
2. Draft a project outline showing how the library’s source material supports your work.
3. State the length of stay you are requesting, starting from one month.
4. Submit your application through the channel named in the official listing.

Applying early gives you time to gather references and confirm any language or documentation requirements the library may set.

Official Website

For the current call, exact deadline, and full application details, visit the official listing here: Herzog August Bibliothek Short-term Fellowships.