The Max Planck Institute Scholarship 2027 offers an excellent research opportunity for international legal scholars who wish to conduct advanced research at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law in Hamburg, Germany.

The scholarship is designed for doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, professors, and experienced legal researchers whose work connects with the Institute’s research areas, including comparative law, private law, and international private law.

This opportunity is not a degree program, employment position, or full-time study scholarship. Instead, selected researchers receive support for a short-term research stay of one to three months at one of Germany’s most respected legal research institutions.

Applications for the 2027 scholarship cycle are currently open. Interested applicants should note that there will be only one application round for 2027, with the deadline on August 15, 2026.

Max Planck Institute Scholarship 2027 Overview

• Host Country: Germany
• Host Institution: Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law
• Funded By: Max Planck Society
• Program Type: Research Scholarship
• Research Duration: 1–3 Months
• Eligible Applicants: PhD Candidates, Postdoctoral Researchers, and Legal Scholars
• Eligible Nationalities: International Researchers Living Outside Germany
• Funding Type: Research Scholarship Support
• Application Deadline: August 15, 2026
• Application Method: Online Application

Available Research Fields

The Max Planck Institute Scholarship is open to researchers working in areas related to comparative and international private law.

Applicants can submit research proposals in the following fields:

Comparative Law

Research focusing on the comparison of different legal systems, legal traditions, and approaches to solving legal issues.

International Private Law

Projects related to cross-border legal relationships, international legal conflicts, and private international regulations.

Private Law and Civil Law

Research involving contract law, property law, commercial law, civil obligations, and other private law disciplines.

Comparative Legal Studies

Interdisciplinary legal research that examines differences and similarities between national legal frameworks.

Applicants working in other legal fields may also be considered if they clearly demonstrate how their research connects with the Institute’s academic priorities.

Who Can Apply for the Max Planck Institute Scholarship?

The scholarship is available for researchers at different academic career stages, including:

Doctoral Candidates

PhD researchers who are actively working on advanced legal research projects can apply.

Postdoctoral Researchers

Researchers who have completed their doctorate and are developing independent research work are eligible.

Academic Professionals

The program also welcomes applications from:

• Assistant Professors
• Junior Research Group Leaders
• Independent Researchers
• Full Professors
• Institute Directors
• Academic Managers

Benefits of the Max Planck Institute Scholarship 2027

Selected researchers will receive several academic and professional benefits, including:

Research Funding Support

Successful applicants receive financial support through a Max Planck Society research scholarship. The exact award amount may vary depending on individual circumstances and funding decisions.

Access to Research Facilities

Scholars gain access to the Institute’s internationally recognized legal library and academic resources.

Academic Collaboration

Researchers can interact and collaborate with leading experts in comparative and international private law.

Professional Networking Opportunities

The research stay provides opportunities to build connections with international legal scholars and academic professionals.

Support for Research Stay in Germany

Selected scholars may receive a hosting agreement from the Institute, which can support the German visa application process where required.

Participation in Academic Activities

Researchers may participate in seminars, workshops, lectures, and other academic events organized by the Institute.

Important Funding Information

The Max Planck Institute has not announced a fixed scholarship amount for the 2027 program.

Applicants should carefully review their award notification because expenses such as:

• Travel costs
• Accommodation expenses
• Visa fees
• Health insurance

may not automatically be covered unless specifically mentioned in the scholarship agreement.

Researchers are responsible for ensuring they have valid health insurance during their stay in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria for Max Planck Institute Scholarship 2027

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

International Residence Requirement

Applicants must have their primary residence outside Germany at the time of application.

Nationality does not determine eligibility. Researchers from any country can apply if they currently live outside Germany.

Academic Background

Applicants must belong to an eligible academic category, such as:

• Doctoral researcher
• Postdoctoral researcher
• Professor
• Independent legal scholar

Research Relevance

The proposed research project must relate to comparative law, private law, international private law, or a closely connected legal field.

Advanced Research Project

Applicants should have a well-developed research project rather than an early-stage research idea.

Language Requirements

Applicants should have sufficient knowledge of English, German, or French to successfully complete their research activities.

Independent Scholar Requirement

Applicants applying as independent scholars should normally have completed their doctorate within the previous 12 years.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants need to prepare the following documents:

Online Application Form

A completed application form submitted through the official scholarship portal.

Statement of Purpose

A signed statement explaining the applicant’s research goals and motivation. The statement should not exceed one page.

Curriculum Vitae

An updated CV with academic background, research experience, and professional achievements. The recommended length is two pages.

Research Proposal

A detailed research proposal of maximum two pages explaining:

• Research objectives
• Methodology
• Importance of the project
• Connection with the Institute’s research areas

Publication Record

An updated list of academic publications.

Academic Proof

Applicants should provide proof of doctoral enrollment or evidence of completed doctoral studies.

Recommendation Letters

Two recommendation letters are required for doctoral candidates and recent postdoctoral researchers.

Additional documents may be requested during the evaluation process.

How to Apply for the Max Planck Institute Scholarship 2027

Applicants can follow these steps to submit their application:

Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements

Review all eligibility conditions before preparing the application.

Step 2: Prepare Research Documents

Develop a strong research proposal that clearly matches the Institute’s academic focus.

Step 3: Complete Online Application

Fill out the online application form and provide accurate academic information.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Submit all required files, including CV, proposal, publications list, and supporting documents.

Step 5: Submit Before Deadline

Complete the application process before August 15, 2026.

Applicants can expect evaluation results approximately eight to ten weeks after the deadline.

Selection Criteria for Max Planck Institute Scholarship

The selection committee evaluates applications based on several factors:

Research Proposal Quality

The originality, clarity, and academic value of the proposed research project are major evaluation factors.

Research Alignment

Projects that strongly connect with the Institute’s research priorities have a higher chance of selection.

Academic Achievements

The committee considers:

• Previous research experience
• Academic qualifications
• Publication record
• Professional achievements

Research Need and Suitability

Applicants should explain why conducting research at the Max Planck Institute is important for completing their project successfully.

Why International Researchers Should Apply

The Max Planck Institute Scholarship provides legal researchers with a valuable opportunity to work in one of Europe’s leading research environments.

A short-term research stay in Hamburg allows scholars to access exceptional legal resources, exchange ideas with international experts, and strengthen their academic networks.

For PhD candidates and experienced researchers in law, this scholarship can significantly support the development of high-quality research projects and future academic careers.