Scholarship Program for Visiting Fellows from Abroad
1. General Information
The Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law offers a limited number of research scholarships for foreign scholars. The scholarships are funded by the Max Planck Society and are intended to support research stays at the Institute. Usually, the duration of such scholarships is 2 to 4 months.
Priority is given to candidates whose work may advance the research interests of the Institute. Projects eligible for the scholarship program include participation in Institute research projects, joint projects of Institute Associates and Visiting Fellows, and individual projects of Visiting Fellows which fall within the Institute's Research Focus. Topics readily compatible with existing fields of research at the Institute are encouraged. Information about the Institute and its Research Focus can be obtained from our website: http://www.mpipriv.de/ww/en/pub/research/research_profile/research_focus/the_current.cfm
In addition, the Visiting Fellows' Program is aimed at the general goal of establishing and deepening contacts with representatives of foreign legal systems.
The Visiting Fellows’ Program wishes to emphasize its commitment to gender equality in academic career development and encourages applications from female candidates.
2. Who is eligible for the Scholarship Program?
Scholarships are available for
- foreign doctoral students
- foreign post-doctoral candidates and other early-stage researchers
- foreign professors or other senior researchers with equivalent academic achievements
who plan to undertake research at the Institute within the scope of the Institute’s areas of research.
3. Language proficiency
The required level of German language proficiency primarily depends on the planned research project. In any case, a working knowledge of German (or English and/or French) is expected in order to facilitate integration into the Institute’s community.
4. Application
Applications for scholarships must be submitted by an application form. You will find it at the very bottom of this page.
In addition to the application form, your application must be accompanied by the following documents:
- curriculum vitae, particularly professional education, past academic activity and employment, and a detailed description of your current position(s)
- list of your publications
- detailed information on the proposed research project, particularly subject and description of the project and working plan
- two (2) letters of recommendation.
Your application must be signed. Please, submit your application via regular mail. We do not accept applications submitted via e-mail.
5. Application deadline
Applications for a scholarship can be submitted until 31 March or 30 September
| Application until | Entrance / Beginning of Scholarship |
| 31 March |
- in the 2nd half-year of the year of application |
| 30 September | - in the course of the whole year following the year of application |
Applicants will be informed about the Institute's decision ca. 8 - 10 weeks after the application deadline.
6. Amount of the Scholarship
The scholarship amounts to
€ 1.100,00/ month (doctoral students)
€ 1.500,00/ month (post-docs)
€ 2.000,00/ month (professors).
There are no additional payments for a spouse or for children accompanying the Visiting Scholar.
(Amounts as of 1 May 2008; subject to change)
7. Travel expenses, other expenses
Costs of travel to and from Hamburg are not included in the grant. The Institute does not reimburse travel expenses. There is also no allowance for or reimbursement of other expenses.
8. Accommodation
Upon request, we can provide a list of budget-priced accommodations and rental agencies offering housing. You are kindly asked to secure your own accommodations. The Institute is not in the position to book your accommodation or to act as your agent.
9. Health Insurance
Visiting Fellows are not insured by the Max Planck Institute. It is recommended either to extend your current insurance coverage or to acquire special coverage. Special coverage from a German insurer may be acquired upon your arrival at the Institute.
10. Funding by third parties
Any grant or funding you receive from a third party for your research stay at the Institute must be disclosed to the Institute’s administration and will be deducted from the grant of the Max Planck Society.
11. Further questions?
For further inquiries on the scholarship program, please contact:
stipendien@mpipriv.de
Application Form (34.0 KB)