No. We do not accept late applications or support material. Make sure you check the closing dates for applications. You should allow for any time difference, and internet connection or submission issues.

National Library of Australia Scholarships are open to:

• Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia who have commenced PhD study at any university in Australia or overseas
• overseas students who have commenced PhD study at an Australian university
• individuals who have not received a Grant, Fellowship or Scholarship from the Library in the past five years, i.e. funding was received in one of the Library’s 2021-2025 program rounds.

In addition to the above:

• the National Library of Australia First Nations Scholarship supported by Ms Irene Kaspar and Mr Peter Boege is open only to Australian First Nations scholars
• the National Library of Australia Scholarship supported by a generous donor gives preference to Australian First Nations scholars. If no suitable applications are received from First Nations researchers, this Scholarship may be awarded to a non-Indigenous scholar.

Yes. Scholarships are provided to enable you to have the time to undertake research into our collections.

Your application should demonstrate knowledge of our collections that are relevant to your project.

Before you begin your application, research our collections to identify the primary collections you intend to use. This can be done using the catalogue. Our Ask a Librarian service may also provide some guidance to finding material on the catalogue if required. While your list is unlikely to be definitive at the time of application, applicants who do not show how our collections will support their proposed research will not be successful.

Your application should highlight how our collections can contribute to your research outcomes, with a focus on items accessible only onsite. Applications only listing collection items that are published works held by multiple libraries, or collection items that are digitised and readily available online, are not likely to be successful.

Applicants should demonstrate awareness of any access, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property or rights issues that may apply to identified collection items. Information about access conditions can be found in the catalogue record, and the Ask a Librarian service can be used if further assistance is required.

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria.

• An excellent research concept and an innovative approach, including the application of our Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols and ethical research principles where appropriate
• A clear explanation of research goals and expected progress during the Scholarship, including a timeline of when you plan to be working onsite at the Library
• The relevance and value of our unique, rare or comprehensive collections to support the research outcomes, along with an awareness of any access permissions that may be required for collection material
• The applicant’s academic potential and capacity for research

Your application will need to include:

• a project proposal, expected outcomes, and research plan with timeline
• a list of the collection materials you wish to access, provided in the format requested
• a short, biographical statement
• a CV (maximum two A4 pages)
• academic transcripts for both undergraduate and post-graduate studies
• example of recently completed piece of scholarly writing, such as a thesis chapter (maximum of 20 A4 pages).  This should be a sole written piece, not jointly authored, should ideally have been written in the last three years (relative to opportunity) and should be in a similar discipline to the proposed project
• proposed start and end dates for your research at the Library. Residencies may be scheduled between 19 January 2026 and 10 December 2027.  The duration and timing of your residency will be determined by you, based on your research plans and the Scholarship funding offered. Final dates will be negotiated and confirmed with successful applicants
• contact details of referees that can speak to your area of research or creative practice and put the proposed project into context. Referees must include at least one of your current PhD supervisors. Applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their application to their referees.  These can be downloaded or printed from SmartyGrants. Referees of shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the Library.

Your application should demonstrate awareness of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and protocols, and demonstrate how you will implement the ICIP protocols in your research. If you are planning to use collection material by or about Australian First Nations people, or your project has an Australian First Nations focus, a letter of support from appropriate First Nations organisations, communities or Elders would strengthen your application.

Information about access conditions, including ICIP, can be found in the catalogue record, and the Ask a Librarian service can be used if further assistance is required. 

You should only provide the supporting material requested in the application form. 

Applications are assessed by our Fellowships Advisory Committee (FAC). The FAC is chaired by the Library’s Director-General (or their delegate) and a representative from each of the following organisations.

•    Academy of the Humanities
•    Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia
•    Asian Studies Association of Australia
•    Australian Academy of Science
•    Australian Society of Authors
•    Independent Scholars Association of Australia
•    National Library of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research and Education Reference Group

All applications are assessed based on the selection criteria as specified above.  The FAC may also seek independent expert advice if required.

Library staff read and shortlist all applications against the eligibility criteria. The Fellowships Advisory Committee is then provided with the shortlisted applications as well as a complete list of all applications. Committee members can call into consideration any applications that are not included on the initial shortlist.

At its discretion, the Fellowships Advisory Committee may decide not to award a Scholarship in any given category or year.

Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer along with a Conditions of Appointment agreement that must be signed and returned. These documents outline the terms and conditions under which the Scholarship will proceed.  

Scholars will be required to:

• give a presentation to Library staff and invited guests at the end of their Scholarship on the progress of their research
• acknowledge the support of the Library and their Scholarship donor in forums, presentations and publications resulting from the Scholarship
• assist us in promoting the Scholarship program through media and public communications, including through contributions to social media
• provide a report within one month of the agreed end date of their Scholarship outlining their experience, which will inform Council and the Fellowships Advisory Committee
• support our donor relations activities during the Scholarship.

Funding will be paid directly to you for the purposes of supporting your Scholarship. Payments are made in one or more instalments over the period of your residency at the Library.

Funding will not be paid in advance of your arrival in Canberra.  The first payment will be made during the first week of your residency. Payment of a second or any subsequent instalment will be subject to the timing of your residency.

Any arrangements between you and your employer or university are your responsibility. We will not make payments to your employer or university.

As Scholarship funding is likely to have tax implications, it is recommended you seek professional financial advice which considers your personal circumstances.

You are responsible for clearing copyright of collection materials used if applicable and acknowledge and cite source materials appropriately.

All intellectual property rights (including Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property rights and copyright) in any work you undertake during a residency will vest in you on its creation.

At the start of a residency, successful applicants will meet with the our Rights Management team who can provide advice on many of these matters.

We will advise you of the outcome of your application by November 2025.

If you are successful, you will receive a Letter of Offer, and your name will be published on our website. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email and can seek feedback by contacting us.