Fellowships and scholarships

Explore opportunities

Three men and one woman standing in front og the National Library building

National Library of Australia Fellowships

Financial and research support for experienced researchers in various fields and disciplines.

Person in a colourful shawl and large hat laughing

Creative Arts Fellowship

For creative writers researching a new body of work inspired or informed by the Libary's collections.

Five people standing in front of the Main Reading Room

National Library of Australia Scholarships

For PhD students who require access to our collections to assist their postgraduate research.

Group of men and women, standing and sitting together on the National Library podium

National Library Fellows and Scholars, March 2024

Fellowships and Scholarships FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions about Fellowships and Scholarships.

Our purpose

We support innovative research and artistic endeavours by helping researchers immerse themselves in our unique collections. Our programs aim to stimulate scholarly, literary, and artistic endeavours while fostering community engagement.

How you benefit

As a scholar or fellow, you will have time and space to explore our collections. You will also receive expert staff support, financial assistance, and have unique opportunities to share your work.

Who should apply

Our programs support researchers, artists, writers and PhD students across diverse disciplines, backgrounds, and career stages. We welcome applications from culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with a disability and First Nations people.

Latest news and blogs

Woman with dark hair, Suprawee (Earn) Asanasak, standing in the stacks of the Library smiling and holding a book

2024 Asia Study Grant recipient Miss Suprawee (Earn) Asanasak

Painting a picture of 19th and 20th century Thai law

Hear about Suprawee (Earn) Asanasak 2024 Asia Study Grant research.

Natasha Naidu standing at a desk behind a stack of books holding one open and smiling at the camera

Beyond the agreement: The regulation of Indian indentured labour in Fiji

Learn about National Library of Australia Scholar Natasha Naidu's research into the regulation of Indian indentured labour in Fiji, 1879–1916.

Hand drawn costume designs of characters for The Girls of Gottenberg

Album of costume designs for a production of Carmen up to data, ca. 1892, nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn1906313 and Costume designs for The Girls of Gottenberg, c. 1910, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-133118274

Announcing the recipients of the 2026 National Library of Australia Fellowships, Scholarships and Creative Arts Fellowship

Congratulations to the 17 recipients of National Library of Australia Fellowships, Scholarships and Creative Arts Fellowship in 2026. 

Research presentations

Sepia photograph of four men and a woman having a conversation in business attire.

Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A6180, 28/8/72/59.

International students and the Australian community

Dr Anna Kent discussed her recent Fellowship research focused on Australia's international education history.

Professor Matthew Spriggs is standing in front wooden bookshelves filled with books. He is wearing glasses, a red short-sleeve shirt patterned with yellow bananas and a black hat.

Prof Matthew Spriggs

Recovering Vanuatu's indigenous literature

Prof Matthew Spriggs talked about his recent Fellowship research focused on the indigenous languages of Vanuatu.

A black and white image of Chinese students crowded outside a theatre for a meeting in 1949

The Southbound Mobilization Meeting held in Shanghai on June 21st, 1949 at the Tianchan Theatre, nla.cat-vn8490

Revolutionary Youth in China, 1949-1950 with Dr Sanjiao Tang

2025 National Library of Australia Fellow, Dr Sanjiao Tang, discussed his recent Fellowship research focused on the history of the Chinese Communist Party and its new regime.

Browse more from our Fellows

2023. Madeleine Pugin, National Library of Australia 2022 Scholarship recipient, standing behind the Boab100 work by artists from Waringarri Aboriginal Arts.

Support curious minds to create new knowledge

Our Fellowship and Scholarship programs enables outstanding academic researchers, younger scholars, and creative practitioners to immerse themselves in our unique collections.

These opportunities depend entirely on donors like you.

Find out more