Institute Scholarship Program
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All countries (for scholars residing outside Germany)
Program Overview!
Are you a legal scholar dreaming of a focused, high-impact research stay at one of Europe’s top law institutes? The Max Planck Institute’s Institute Scholarship Program offers three compelling advantages: short-term funding to explore comparative and international private law in Hamburg, expert mentorship and access to one of the world’s most extensive legal libraries, and a chance for doctoral candidates, postdocs, and junior professors globally to engage directly with renowned scholars. If you’re ready to deepen your research in a vibrant academic environment while receiving financial support and professional exposure, this is your opportunity.
The Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law, located in Hamburg, is a globally respected research hub devoted to advancing private law scholarship. Its mission is to promote scientific excellence through rigorous comparative analysis, interdisciplinary dialogue, and international collaboration. Annually, it hosts around 1,000 guest researchers who benefit from its renowned library and active academic community. With a strong emphasis on cross-border legal understanding, the Institute cultivates scholarly exchange through fellowships, guest professorships, and various funded programs, fostering innovation in legal research worldwide.
This scholarship enables international legal researchers to spend 1 to 3 months at the Institute, conducting advanced research aligned with its core interests—comparative and international private law. Applicants must propose projects mirroring the Institute’s current research themes and outline connections with its staff. The program is tailored for doctoral candidates, postdocs, junior faculty, and experienced scholars seeking to deepen their research in a collaborative and resource-rich environment .
Read more-Â National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) | Apply Now
Benefits:
- Competitive monthly stipend funded by the Max Planck Society
- Full access to an extensive legal library and academic workspace
- Intellectual exchange with leading legal researchers and faculty
- Invitations to attend Institute seminars, workshops, and networking events
- Visa guidance and support from the Welcome Center
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must primarily reside outside Germany
- Open to foreign doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and academic staff within 12 years of completing their doctorate, including assistant professors/team leaders
- Full professors (W3) and institute directors are also eligible
- Proficiency in English, German, or French required to engage academically
- Research proposal must closely match the Institute’s thematic interests
Application Process
- Prepare your documents using the Institute’s checklist: CV, research proposal, degree certificates, letters of recommendation
- Register and upload all documents via the online portal (no email postal applications accepted)
- Submit letters of recommendation preferably through the portal; sealed postal letters accepted if arrive before the deadline
- Deadline: Applications for the 2026 round close 15 August 2025
- Decision notice: Applicants will be informed ~8–10 weeks after the deadline
About Institute Scholarship Program
The Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law, located in Hamburg, is a globally respected research hub devoted to advancing private law scholarship. Its mission is to promote scientific excellence through rigorous comparative analysis, interdisciplinary dialogue, and international collaboration. Annually, it hosts around 1,000 guest researchers who benefit from its renowned library and active academic community. With a strong emphasis on cross-border legal understanding, the Institute cultivates scholarly exchange through fellowships, guest professorships, and various funded programs, fostering innovation in legal research worldwide.
This scholarship enables international legal researchers to spend 1 to 3 months at the Institute, conducting advanced research aligned with its core interests—comparative and international private law. Applicants must propose projects mirroring the Institute’s current research themes and outline connections with its staff. The program is tailored for doctoral candidates, postdocs, junior faculty, and experienced scholars seeking to deepen their research in a collaborative and resource-rich environment .
Read more-Â Institute Scholarship Program