Max Planck Scholarships in Germany 2026
Securing a Max Planck Scholarship for a research stay in Germany is a great opportunity.
The Institute offers two types of scholarships with different deadlines.
These are the general scholarship for international legal scholars and the Doucet Scholarship for young researchers.
The application for this scholarship is quite competitive. You need to present a strong case that your research is a good fit for the Max Planck Institute. The process requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Submitting a compelling application is key to success.
The Max Planck Institute offers a limited number of scholarships for legal scholars whose primary place of residence is outside of Germany.
- The scholarships are financed by the Max Planck Society.
- The Institute now accepts new scholarship applications for 2026.
- The scholarship duration is between 1 and a maximum of 3 months.
Details about Max Planck Scholarships in Germany:
1. Max Planck Scholarships for International Legal Scholars 2026
The Max Planck Institute offers a limited number of scholarships for legal scholars whose primary place of residence is outside of Germany. The scholarships are financed by the Max Planck Society.
The Institute now accepts new scholarship applications for 2026.
- The scholarship duration is between 1 and a maximum of 3 months.
- The application deadline is August 15, 2025.
The scholarship program is aimed at:
- Foreign doctoral candidates
- Postdocs
- Scientists with their own research profile whose doctorate was completed less than 12 years ago. They should hold a position as assistant professor or Junior Research Group Leader Or they can demonstrate several years of independent scientific work.
Applicants do not need to be proficient in German. However if you envision that your intended research will include an inquiry into German law, your research proposal should indicate how you will obtain the desired information from foreign-language sources. To ensure smooth and effective communication with Institute staff members and other guests, applicants should at a minimum have a strong command of either German or English.
Please take careful note of the application process guidelines. Applications which are incomplete will not be considered.
Research Topics at the Institute
Applicants applying for the current round of scholarship awards are advised that topics presently being researched at the Institute include the following:
- Theory and history of private international law
- Conflict of laws as a regulatory mechanism
- Decolonial comparative law
- Family law and succession law
- Law of personhood, privacy and private life
- ECHR and family law
- Partnership law
- Close corporations
- Company valuation law
- Company law in China
- International Private Law and comparative law
- Role of comparative law in Japan
2. Doucet Scholarship for Young Researchers
This scholarship is specifically for young researchers. It is for a stay at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory in Frankfurt. The program is designed to help scholars use the institute's valuable Doucet Collection. The scholarship period is from January 5 to March 31, 2026. This is a three-month research stay.
- Monthly scholarship of €1,365
- Airfare reimbursement of up to €1,500 for transatlantic flights
- Airfare reimbursement of up to €750 for flights within Europe
- Optional room rental in the institute's residences at a cost of approximately €680 per month
- The application deadline is September 15, 2025. It is crucial to submit all your documents on time.
Application Requirements and Necessary Documents for the Doucet Scholarship
To apply you must be a young researcher. This includes master's and PhD students. You must be currently enrolled in a university program. The scholarship is open to individuals from outside Frankfurt. Your research must be on legal history in early modern Hispanoamerica. The project must be directly related to the Doucet Collection. Your application should make this connection very clear.
The documents you need to prepare are:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): This should be concise and no longer than two pages.
- Detailed project description: This document is critical. It must clearly state your research topic, identify central problems, and outline how your project will contribute to the field. It must also explain how you will use the Doucet Collection.
- Motivation letter: This letter should explain why you are interested in the project. It should also explain what you expect to learn. It is your chance to stand out.
- Recommendation letters: The application portal may require letters from your referees. Be sure to give them enough time to prepare and submit these.
All application materials must be in English or Spanish. You must submit your application through the official online portal. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.
Application Requirements and Necessary Documents for this scholarship
To apply you must be a young researcher. This includes master's and PhD students. You must be currently enrolled in a university program. The scholarship is open to individuals from outside Frankfurt.
Your research must be on legal history in early modern Hispanoamerica. The project must be directly related to the Doucet Collection. Your application should make this connection very clear.
The documents you need to prepare are:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV):
This should be concise and no longer than two pages. - Detailed project description:
This document is critical. It must clearly state your research topic, identify central problems, and outline how your project will contribute to the field. It must also explain how you will use the Doucet Collection. - Motivation letter:
This letter should explain why you are interested in the project and what you expect to learn. It is your chance to stand out. - Recommendation letters:
The application portal may require letters from your referees. Be sure to give them enough time to prepare and submit these.
All application materials must be in English or Spanish. You must submit your application through the official online portal. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.
How to Write a Strong Application
Your application is your chance to stand out. The research proposal is the most important part of the application. It should not be a simple outline.
It should clearly state your research topic. It should identify the central problems and challenges. The proposal should be understandable to legal researchers outside your specific area.
The motivation letter is also critical. It should be concise and to the point. Tell a story and highlight only the most relevant points. Explain why you are interested in the project. Explain what you expect to learn.
Your CV should be no longer than two pages. It should give a quick overview of your academic and professional background. List your accomplishments and skills. Highlight any relevant extracurricular activities.
Programs and Research Focus
The Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory offers a wide range of research areas. The Doucet Scholarship, however, is specifically focused on a very niche topic. Your research proposal must be directly related to the Doucet Collection and its focus on legal history in early modern Hispanoamerica.
The research topics within this area can include:
- Colonial legal history
- Indigenous peoples' laws
- The significance of religion in law
- National constitutions and codifications in Latin America
- Legal pluralism in a historical context
The Doucet Collection itself includes monographs and source editions on the legal history of the entire Hispanic-American sphere, up to the time of independence. It contains over 4,800 titles on regions like New Spain, the River Plate, Peru and Alto Peru.
The Selection Process
The selection process for this scholarship is highly competitive. The admission committee will review your application based on your grades and the suitability of your project. They will assess your motivation and academic qualifications.
After the initial review, suitable candidates may be invited for an interview. This could be a video conference or an in-person meeting. The purpose is to further evaluate your motivation and suitability for the program.
Remember to follow all instructions carefully. The application portal is the only way to submit your documents. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Make sure your referees have enough time to submit their letters if they are required.
This scholarship provides an excellent opportunity to advance your academic career. It allows you to work with rare archival materials. You can also network with leading international researchers. Take your time to craft a thoughtful and complete application. It is a chance to conduct research at a world-class institute in Germany. The number of scholarships awarded annually for specific programs like the Doucet Scholarship is limited, making the selection process very competitive.
Important Links:
- General Scholarship Program:
https://www.mpipriv.de/institute-scholarship-program - Doucet Scholarship:
https://www.lhlt.mpg.de/doucet-en - Application portal:
https://application.mpipriv.de/login/index_scholarschip - Download Checklist for an application:
https://www.mpipriv.de/1664311/Checklist_english.pdf
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