UNIDROIT Research Scholarship Programme 2027

The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) is an independent intergovernmental organisation based in Rome that studies the harmonisation and modernisation of private and commercial law across jurisdictions. Through its Research Scholarship Programme, UNIDROIT invites outstanding researchers to spend a period of intensive study at its headquarters, drawing on the resources of the UNIDROIT library and the guidance of its legal officers.

A limited number of research scholarships are granted for the 2027 cycle. Each scholarship carries a stipend of EUR 1,500 per month and normally covers two months of research undertaken in person at the UNIDROIT library in Rome. In exceptional cases a scholarship may be extended to three months.

With the support of the UNIDROIT Asian Transnational Law Centre, additional scholarships are offered in 2027 to applicants from the Asia Pacific region. Scholars from India and other Asian jurisdictions are eligible to apply on the same terms as applicants worldwide.

The programme is open to post-graduate (doctoral) law students, lawyers and members of the legal profession, university academics and government officials. There are no nationality restrictions; researchers from any jurisdiction may apply.

• Access to credit and financial innovation
• International commercial contracts
• Private law and agricultural development
• Law and technology, including digital assets
• Capital markets and financial law
• Transnational civil procedure
• Cultural property and heritage law
• Sustainable development and global governance

Applications are made through the online scholarship application form. Candidates must submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a research proposal and reference letters. The application deadline is 4 September 2026. Short-listing takes place in October and November, and candidates are informed of the outcome by the end of December.