The UNIDROIT 2026 Scholarship Programme In Rome: Incredible Opportunity For Legal Scholars

About the UNIDROIT 2026 Scholarship Programme

The UNIDROIT 2026 Scholarship Programme is an initiative of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT). It is designed to support legal scholars and professionals who are pursuing advanced legal research in areas aligned with UNIDROIT’s mandate.

Each year, the Programme selects a number of qualified candidates to undertake legal research using the UNIDROIT Library and resources in Rome. The research stay typically lasts two months, though some exceptional candidates may be offered a three-month residency.

In addition to access to extensive legal materials, participants may have the opportunity to present a seminar on their research findings and submit their final papers for publication in the Uniform Law Review, a peer-reviewed journal published by Oxford University Press.

Importantly, applicants who are not selected for a funded position may still be considered for an unfunded research residency at UNIDROIT.

Are you a legal scholar, doctoral student, academic, or legal practitioner passionate about private and international law? Here’s an amazing opportunity to deepen your research and expand your global legal perspective.

The UNIDROIT 2026 Scholarship Programme is now accepting applications. Hosted in the heart of Italy—Rome—this fully in-person research opportunity is open to outstanding candidates across the globe, particularly those from developing countries. Read on to explore all the details and how to apply.

Eligible Fields

Applicants must propose research that aligns with one or more of UNIDROIT’s key research areas or thematic priorities. The eligible fields include, but are not limited to:

Private International Law
International Commercial Contracts
Access to Credit and Secured Transactions
Agricultural and Rural Development Law
Law and Technology
Financial Market Law and Insolvency
Transnational Civil Procedure
Cultural Property Law
Sustainable Development and Corporate Governance

These fields are critical to UNIDROIT’s ongoing efforts to harmonize and modernize private and commercial law across jurisdictions.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the UNIDROIT 2026 Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic or Professional Background: Candidates must have a strong foundation in law, particularly in private or international law. This includes doctoral students, university lecturers, practicing lawyers, and government officials.
Research Proposal: Applicants must submit a clear, original, and feasible research proposal that fits into UNIDROIT’s mandate and strategic focus areas.
Language Proficiency: Fluency in either English or French (written and spoken) is mandatory, as these are the working languages of the Institute.
Nationality: While the programme is open to all nationalities, special preference is given to candidates from developing countries or underrepresented regions in the global legal academic community.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are selected based on the following criteria:

Relevance and originality of the proposed research
Academic and professional qualifications
Language fluency
Potential contribution to international legal knowledge
Alignment with UNIDROIT’s current thematic areas and research priorities

Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for a follow-up interview or request for clarification on their application materials.

Eligible Countries

The UNIDROIT 2026 Scholarship Programme is open to applicants worldwide. However, priority is given to applicants from:

Developing countries
Low- and middle-income economies
Countries or regions underrepresented in international legal research

This inclusive policy ensures diverse perspectives and encourages global collaboration in private law development.

Documents Required

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents in a single PDF or Word file through the official application portal:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Mandatory
Cover Letter – Mandatory
Research Proposal – Mandatory
Letters of Reference – Optional but strongly recommended

The research proposal should outline:

The objective and importance of the research
Its relevance to UNIDROIT’s work
Expected outcomes
Timeline for completion

Incomplete applications or those that do not follow the submission format will not be considered.

Benefits of the UNIDROIT 2026 Scholarship Programme

Selected scholars will enjoy the following benefits:

Monthly Stipend: €1,500 per month for a 2-month stay (extendable to 3 months in special cases)
Access to UNIDROIT Library: One of the most comprehensive private law libraries in the world
Mentorship and Networking: Opportunities to interact with legal experts, scholars, and international professionals
Publication Opportunity: Submission of research for publication in the Uniform Law Review
Presentation Platform: Option to present a seminar during your residency at UNIDROIT

Note: The scholarship is primarily meant to support living expenses in Rome. Selected candidates will be required to self-finance travel, accommodation, and health insurance during their stay.

How to Apply

To apply for the UNIDROIT 2026 Scholarship Programme, follow the steps below:

Visit the Official UNIDROIT Website
Prepare Your Documents
Combine all required documents (CV, Cover Letter, Research Proposal, Reference Letters) into one single PDF or Word file.
Complete the Online Form
Fill out the scholarship application form carefully, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
Submit Before the Deadline
The application deadline is 7 September 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Final Thoughts

The UNIDROIT 2026 Scholarship Programme is more than just a research grant—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in legal scholarship at a world-class institution in Rome. Whether you’re exploring cutting-edge issues like digital assets and civil liability, or delving into traditional areas like commercial contracts and secured transactions, this programme provides the resources, recognition, and platform to amplify your impact.

If you are passionate about legal harmonization, committed to academic excellence, and eager to contribute to global legal discourse, this could be your chance to shine. Don’t miss out—start preparing your application today and take the first step toward a transformative legal research experience.