Do I have to use National Library collection material? 

Yes. Fellowships and Scholarships are designed to support intensive research at the Library using our collections. 

Applicants should: 

• show clear knowledge of relevant collection items
• identify key primary materials via the catalogue 
• demonstrate awareness of any access conditions, rights considerations, or Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property issues.

Applications relying solely on widely available published or fully digitised material are unlikely to be competitive.  

Contact the Ask a Librarian service if you require assistance using the catalogue. 

How do I apply? 

All applications must be submitted online through SmartyGrants, via the 'Apply now' button on the relevant page. 

You can: 

• preview the form before starting 
• save and return to your draft at any time 
• submit once you are ready (no changes allowed after submission).

If you experience technical issues, contact fellowships@nla.gov.au. 

Can I submit a late application? 

No. Late applications or support material cannot be accepted. Please check closing dates carefully and allow extra time for time-zone differences or internet issues. 

How are applications assessed?  

Applications are assessed by the our Fellowships Advisory Committee (FAC). The FAC is chaired by the Library’s Director-General (or delegate) and representatives from: 

• 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 

Assessment is based on the published selection criteria and overall proposal quality. Independent expert advice may be sought. 

The Committee may choose not to award a Fellowship or Scholarship in any category or year. 

When will I find out if I was successful? 

This is dependent on the volume of applications received but you will be notified before the end of the calendar year. 

Successful applicants receive a Letter of Offer along with a Conditions of Appointment agreement that must be signed and returned. 

Recipients names and projects are published on the Library’s website.

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email and may request feedback. 

What is expected of a Fellow and Scholar? 

Fellows and Creative Arts Fellows

Fellows and Creative Arts Fellows must: 

• produce one public output for the Library (e.g., presentation, livestream, pre recorded talk, article, or blog) during the Fellowship 
• support donor relations activities during the Fellowship 
• acknowledge Library and donor support in all publications and presentations that result from the Fellowship and Scholarship research 
• assist with promotion, including media or social media where appropriate 
• provide a completion report within one month of finishing.

The Library does not expect the full project to be completed during the residency. Fellows must advise the Library of any resulting publications or research outputs. 

Scholars

Scholars must: 

• present one staff presentation or one Library website article or blog 
• support donor relations activities during the Scholarship 
• acknowledge the Library and Scholarship donor in all outputs 
• participate in promotional activities 
• provide a completion report within one month of finishing.

When will I receive funding?

Funding is paid directly to you—not to employers or universities.

• Fellows: first instalment during week 1; second instalment around week 7
• Scholars: full honorarium during week 1

Funding is not paid before your arrival in Canberra. As payments may affect your tax position, we recommend seeking professional financial advice.