Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Research Fellowship 2026
The Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature is calling for applications for a three-month research fellowship at the State Library of Victoria, Australia, to be undertaken before 30 June 2027.
The focus area of the fellowship aims to amplify Melbourne’s role as a UNESCO City of Literature and strengthen Victoria’s creative and knowledge ecosystems by driving interdisciplinary creative practice and new research. It fosters exchange between Melbourne and other Cities of Literature and showcases State Library Victoria and its collections to a worldwide audience.
All fellowships must deliver a mid-term work-in-progress presentation or written report and a final public-facing outcome aligned to the purpose of the stream. Final outcomes could be a talk or public presentation, performance, article, digital piece or written report.
The fellowship can be completed as one continuous block or broken up over the year.
Eligibility
Research Fellowships support mid-career and established researchers with strong track records to undertake academic research in identified focus areas, drawing on the Library’s collections. Applicants based in other UNESCO Cities of Literature across the world can apply.
Support
- 15,000 AUD funding, based on approximately 3 months of work at the Library
- Dedicated desk space at the Library for 12 months, regardless of how the fellowship or residency period is structured
- Access to State Library Victoria’s collections, staff expertise and research support
- Return economy flights to and from Melbourne
Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Research Fellowship 2026 application guidelines
Deadline: 7 April 2026