Max Planck Research Internship 2026 in Germany: Complete Guide

Looking for a fully funded research opportunity in Germany? The Max Planck Research Internship 2026 offers young researchers a three-month research internship at one of Europe’s leading legal history institutes. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the program, covering eligibility, application, benefits, costs, and expert tips for success.

Basic Information About the Scholarship

• Scholarship Name: Max Planck Doucet Scholarship 2026
• Host Institution: Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory
• Location: Frankfurt, Germany
• Duration: 3 months (January 5, 2026 – March 31, 2026)
• Type: Research internship, fully funded
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
• Target Group: Early-career researchers—especially from Latin America, but open to all nationalities.

University / Institution Details

Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory is part of the renowned Max Planck Society. Based in Frankfurt, it hosts one of the world’s most comprehensive collections for studying legal history, with a strong focus on early modern Hispanoamerica. The institute’s vibrant academic community bridges research in law, history, and social sciences, providing fellows with:

• Access to specialized archival resources (Doucet Collection)
• World-class academic mentorship and networking
• A collaborative, multicultural research environment.

Study Areas (Available Program Names)

The Doucet Scholarship supports projects focused on:

• History of colonial law
• Legal history of early modern Hispanoamerica
• Monographs and editions related to the Doucet Collection

Your proposed research must directly utilize the Doucet Collection at the Max Planck Institute. Topics should align with the legal and historical development of colonial law, with interdisciplinary perspectives encouraged where relevant.

Scholarship Benefits: Max Planck Doucet Internship 2026

This is a fully funded scholarship designed to eliminate financial barriers for international researchers:

Benefit	Details
Monthly Stipend	€1,365 per month
Airfare	Up to €1,500 for transatlantic; €750 within Europe
Accommodation	Optional institute residence (€680/month)
Application Fees	None
Academic Resources	Full access to Doucet Collection, mentorship

Additional benefits:

• Immersion in premier research networks
• Supportive, multicultural campus environment
• Opportunities for academic publication and collaboration.

Benefits Not Included

• Personal expenses beyond stipend
• Costs for accompanying dependents or family members
• Travel outside arrival/departure (other than pre-approved airfare)
• Outdoor or entertainment costs
• Health insurance coverage: not explicitly mentioned; students may need to arrange separately
• Visa fees: usually covered, but confirm for your case.

Eligibility Criteria: Max Planck Doucet Internship 2026

To be considered, you must:

• Be a young researcher (early-career, postgraduate, or postdoc)
• Reside outside Frankfurt; preference for candidates from Latin America
• Be enrolled at a university or be working on academic research
• Submit a research proposal focused on the legal history of early modern Hispanoamerica and the Doucet Collection
• Demonstrate proficiency in English or Spanish
• Submit all application documents (CV, project proposal, motivation letter) in English or Spanish
• Demonstrate motivation and academic merit.

All academic backgrounds are welcome, but legal history or related interdisciplinary studies are preferred.

Required Documents for Max Planck Doucet Internship 2026

Prepare the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Academic background, publications, research experience
• Project Description: Clearly describe your proposed research and its link to the Doucet Collection
• Motivation Letter: Explain why you are applying, your qualifications, and the expected impact of your work
• Proof of Enrollment (if applicable): University enrollment certificate or similar
• Letters of Recommendation: Not always required, but highly recommended for strengthening your application

All documents must be in English or Spanish.

Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

1: Check Eligibility

• Ensure you meet all criteria and that your project is relevant to the Doucet Collection.

2: Prepare Your Documents

• Collect your CV, draft the project description, and write a compelling motivation letter.

3: Online Application

• Submit all documents via the Max Planck Institute’s official application portal by September 15, 2025.

4: Review Process

• The selection committee evaluates proposals based on relevance, academic merit, and the strength of your motivation.

5: Decision & Acceptance

• If selected, you’ll receive an offer email and information on travel, accommodation, and research support.
• Arrange for your visa and travel according to institute instructions.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Focus Your Proposal: Ensure your research is directly linked to the Doucet Collection and legal history of Hispanoamerica.
• Showcase Motivation: Explain how the fellowship will benefit your career and home country.
• Select Strong References: Academic or professional referees who can vouch for your research capability.
• Proofread: Submit well-organized, error-free documents.
• Meet Deadlines: Start early to ensure no essential documents are missing.
• Be Concise & Clear: Selection panels appreciate well-structured, direct communication.
• Demonstrate Impact: Describe how your research will contribute to scholarship in your field.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)

Here’s an estimated monthly budget for students residing in Frankfurt:

Expense Type	Cost (USD)	Notes
Accommodation	$740–$750	Institute’s residence, incl. basic utilities
Food & Groceries	$270–$350	Varies by diet and cooking habits
Public Transport	$60–$100	Semester pass or monthly travel card
Health Insurance	$110–$140	For those not already covered
Personal/Misc	$100–$200	Cell, leisure, incidentals
Total	$1,280–$1,540	The stipend covers most essentials

Exchange estimated at €1 ≈ $1.10 as of July 2025. The scholarship stipend is designed to cover living and research costs for Frankfurt.

Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)

1. Fully Funded, Prestigious Program: Covers all research, travel, and basic living costs.
2. Access to Unique Resources: Work with the rare Doucet Collection and leading academics.
3. No Application Fees: Apply without financial barriers.
4. Boost Your Research Career: Enhance your academic profile, networking, and publication opportunities.
5. International Collaboration: Join a diverse, vibrant community in Germany’s most global-facing research institute.
6. Support for Early-Career Scholars: Tailored to young researchers eager to make global contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions: Max Planck Doucet Internship 2026

Q1: Is there an application fee?
A: No. You can apply without paying any fee.

Q2: Which fields of study are eligible?
A: Projects must relate to legal history in early modern Hispanoamerica and use the Doucet Collection. Interdisciplinary research in history, law, or the social sciences is welcome.

Q3: Can I apply if I’m not from Latin America?
A: Yes! While preference goes to candidates from Latin America, students from all countries are eligible.

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Q4: What is the scholarship amount?
A: €1,365/month stipend, plus airfare, with optional housing at €680/month in the institute’s residences.

Q5: Do I need to speak German?
A: No. You must submit your application in English or Spanish. The research and communication environment is international.

Q6: Can I bring my family?
A: The program does not fund dependents; you’ll need to arrange support and visas for family members independently.

Q7: Is health insurance included?
A: Not explicitly covered by the scholarship. You should arrange for adequate coverage before arrival.

Q8: When is the final deadline?
A: September 15, 2025.

Set your course for academic excellence in Germany! The Max Planck Doucet Internship 2026 is a premier fully funded fellowship, giving passionate researchers the chance to pursue frontier legal history research without financial worry. Start preparing your application today!

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