Max Planck Institute Scholarships 2027 in Germany | Research Scholarships for International Legal Researchers
The Max Planck Institute Scholarships 2027 provide an excellent opportunity for international legal researchers to conduct short-term research at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law in Hamburg, Germany. The scholarship program is designed for doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and experienced legal scholars whose research aligns with the Institute's academic focus.
This is not a degree program or employment opportunity. Instead, it offers selected researchers a one to three-month research stay at one of Germany's leading legal research institutes. Applications are now open, and there will be no second application round for 2027.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institute: Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law
- Funded By: Max Planck Society
- Program Type: Research Scholarship
- Research Duration: 1–3 Months
- Degree Level: Doctoral, Postdoctoral, and Research Scholars
- Eligible Nationalities: International Applicants (Primary residence must be outside Germany)
- Scholarship Coverage: Scholarship Support (Award Amount Varies)
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Deadline: August 15, 2026
Degree Level
The scholarship is available for:
- Doctoral Candidates (PhD)
- Postdoctoral Researchers
- Assistant Professors
- Junior Research Group Leaders
- Independent Researchers
- Full Professors
- Institute Directors and Academic Managers
Available Subjects
Research proposals should relate to one or more of the following fields:
- Comparative Law
- International Private Law
- Foreign Private Law
- Civil Law
- Private Law
- Legal Research
- Comparative Legal Studies
Projects in other legal fields may be considered if applicants clearly explain their relevance to the Institute's research.
Benefits
Selected scholars will receive:
- Financial support through a Max Planck Society research scholarship
- Opportunity to conduct research at one of Germany's leading legal institutes
- Access to the Institute's internationally recognized legal library
- Academic collaboration with leading legal researchers
- Professional networking opportunities
- Hosting agreement to support the German visa application (where applicable)
- Access to seminars, workshops, and academic activities
Note: The Institute has not announced a fixed scholarship amount for 2027. Health insurance is mandatory, and applicants should not assume that travel, accommodation, visa fees, or insurance are automatically covered unless specified in their award letter.
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is open to researchers from all countries who:
- Have their primary residence outside Germany.
- Meet the academic and research eligibility requirements.
Nationality alone does not determine eligibility; applicants must currently live outside Germany.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have their primary residence outside Germany.
- Be conducting research related to comparative law or private law.
- Demonstrate that their project aligns with the Institute's research priorities.
- Have an advanced research project rather than an early-stage idea.
- Possess sufficient English, German, or French language skills for research activities.
- Meet the academic qualifications for their career stage.
- Submit all required application documents before the deadline.
Researchers applying under the independent scholar category should normally have completed their doctorate within the last 12 years.
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- Completed online application form
- Signed statement of purpose (maximum one page)
- Current Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
- Research proposal (maximum two pages)
- Updated publication list
- Proof of doctoral enrollment or completed doctorate
- Two recommendation letters (required for doctoral candidates and recent postdoctoral researchers)
- Additional supporting documents if requested
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official Max Planck Institute scholarship portal.
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Prepare a research proposal that clearly matches the Institute's research areas.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit your application before August 15, 2026.
- Wait for the evaluation results, which are expected approximately eight to ten weeks after the application deadline.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Quality and originality of the research proposal
- Relevance of the project to the Institute's research focus
- Academic achievements and publication record
- Research experience
- Overall suitability for the Institute's academic environment
The research proposal is considered the most important part of the application and should clearly explain why the project requires research at the Max Planck Institute.
Why Apply for the Max Planck Institute Scholarship?
The scholarship provides legal researchers with access to one of the world's leading research institutes in comparative and international private law. Scholars benefit from exceptional library resources, expert academic guidance, and opportunities to collaborate with internationally recognized legal researchers while advancing their research projects in Germany.
