Partial Sponsorship to Attend PDWL 2026 in Perth, Australia

The Maldives Library Association (MLA) invites applications from local students of Library and Information Science/Services (LIS) for partial sponsorship to participate in the Professional Development Workshop on Library and Information Services (PDWL) 2026.

PDWL is organised by the Maldives National University (MNU), Faculty of Arts, for their LIS students as a voluntary self-funded initiative and offers additional placements for the Maldives library sector in collaboration with MLA.

This fellowship initiative recognises that most LIS students are in-service librarians with limited access to international professional development opportunities. This initiative also recognises that while exposure to the Australian LIS sector is projected to provide valuable opportunities, PDWL 2026 is relatively an expensive venture for in-service librarians and LIS students.

This fellowship seeks to broaden international exposure, strengthen professional capacity, and enable participants to bring back new knowledge to enrich their libraries and communities.

This call is an extension of MLA’s earlier Fellowship offering of Stream 1 and Stream 2, advertised in December 2025.

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Dates: 9 to 19 September 2026 (inclusive of travel dates Male’, Maldives to Perth and return)

Why This Fellowship Matters

Objectives of this Fellowship

  1. Motivate and empower LIS students to engage in international professional learning spaces; and
  2. Strengthen their capacity to act as catalysts of positive change within their libraries and wider communities.

Sponsorship Streams Available

Stream 3: Partial Sponsorship (One Participant)
Approximate value: MVR 28,000, covering:

  • International airfare (valued at approx MVR 22,500)
  • PDWL 2026 workshop fee (valued at MVR 2,500)
  • Programmed local transport
  • Partial accommodation cover

Note: All payments will be based on documented expenses only.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be currently a Registered student of Diploma of Library & Information Services course or the Bachelor of Library & Information Management course or any other LIS courses in the Maldives at MQF Level 5 and above.
  • Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a library & information service centre
  • Demonstrate commitment to professional growth and knowledge sharing
  • Hold a valid passport and be able to secure an Australian visa
    (Visa process in May 2026; fee approx. AUD 200 / MVR 2,000)

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. A completed application form
    👉 LIS Capacity Building Fellowship, MLA-PDWL (Financial support to participate in PDWL, Perth, Australia 9-19 Sept, 2026) [https://shorturl.at/r0L3U]
  2. A short video (maximum 2 minutes) explaining why the application should be considered
  3. One reference letter from a relevant authority figure from the participant’s workplace

Selection Process & Timeline

  • Applications will be reviewed jointly by the PDWL 2026 partner teams (international + local team)
  • Selection will be based on:
    • Motivation and potential impact
    • Commitment to librarianship and professional growth
    • Ability to share outcomes with peers after the event
    • Work experience in the LIS sector

Application deadline: Wednesday, 25 March 2026 (23:55 hrs)
Selection finalised by: Saturday, 28 March 2026
(Applications will be assessed individually by 1 international assessor, 2 MNU LIS faculty members, 2 MLA Council members and 2 MLA professional members appointed by MLA Council. The aggregate scores will be the final.)

Learn More About PDWL 2026

Access the PDWL 2026 information brochure:

Further Information

For queries or clarification, please contact the MLA Secretariat at:
info.malias@gmail.com

If you are a current LIS student and passionate about growing professionally and contributing back to your library community, this is your opportunity. Apply now and be part of PDWL 2026!