Step 1: Preparation of your Application Documents
Application for a scholarship is made through our online portal. You will need to have a number of different documents available for uploading onto the portal. In terms of what is needed, we recommend that you print and follow the document checklist that we have prepared for this purpose.
Please be advised that submitted documents should be in German or English. In exceptional cases documents in French may also be accepted.
Document A: Statement of Purpose (maximum of one page)
Please state why you are applying for a research scholarship at the Institute. What goals and expectations are connected to a research stay at the Institute? Where do you see the links between your research topic and our current or previous academic work? Who could serve as possible dialogue partners at the Institute? (It is not required that you have already established contact with such individuals.) Would it be possible to proceed with your research project at another research institute? Please sign your statement of purpose.
Document B: Curriculum Vitae
Please submit an up-to-date CV that describes in particular your professional training, your past academic activities and employment, and your current job situation.
Document C: Research Proposal (maximum of two pages)
Please present the research project that you would like to work on in connection with the scholarship. You are asked not to submit your proposal in simple outline form. Be advised that the research proposal is the most important part of your application. It should not only generally describe your topic of research but also identify the central problems and challenges associated with the project. Additionally, the proposal should be formulated so as to be understandable for legal researchers having other areas of specialisation. You are not required to submit a timetable and work plan.
Document D: Updated List of Publications
Bitte reichen Sie eine aktuelle Publikationsliste ein, die einen vollständigen Überblick zu Ihren wissenschaftlichen Veröffentlichungen gibt.
Document E: Letters of Recommendation
Doctoral and post-doctoral candidates (up to five years after receipt of their doctoral award) are required to submit two letters of recommendation. It is strongly recommended that submitted letters of recommendation be printed on official letterhead and bear the signature of the author. As regards doctoral candidates it is expected that one of the provided letters of reference will be from the supervisor of the doctoral project. If this is not possible, you should in addition to the two required letters of reference include an official confirmation of your status as a doctoral candidate. If your referee chooses to send the letter of recommendation directly to the Institute, please ensure that this occurs within the relevant application period. For applicants other than those specified above, the submission of letters of recommendation is optional. Please note that a letter of recommendation will be considered most informative, if written by someone who knows you and your research well.
Document F: Proof of Doctoral Degree
Applicants who have already obtained their doctoral degree should upload their doctoral diploma or some other official confirmation onto the application portal. If you have not yet completed your doctoral project and are not in possession of a letter of reference from your doctoral supervisor, please provide us with an official confirmation of your status as a doctoral candidate.
Information: Scholarship Period
Please indicate in your online application the desired time frame for your scholarship stay. The number of months requested does not have any impact on your chances of approval. It is possible, however, that you will be offered a scholarship for a period shorter than applied for. The minimum scholarship period is one month.