Max Planck Institute Dissertation Writing-up Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded in Germany
Are you a PhD candidate approaching the final stages of your dissertation in the field of social anthropology or law? The Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology in Halle (Saale), Germany, is inviting applications for its 2026 Dissertation Writing-up Fellowships, offered through its Law & Anthropology Department. These fellowships are designed to support international doctoral students whose work aligns with the department’s research themes, providing them with time, resources, and mentorship to complete their dissertations in an intellectually stimulating environment.
About the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology
As one of the world’s leading research institutions in the field of social anthropology, the Max Planck Institute fosters comparative, cross-disciplinary research that bridges law, society, and culture. The Law & Anthropology Department is an innovative hub where anthropologists and legal scholars collaborate on research topics that address the plurality of legal systems, particularly in Europe. Fellows are encouraged to combine empirical ethnography with legal theory, making this an ideal opportunity for researchers focused on contemporary legal and social dynamics.
Dissertation Writing-up Fellowship 2026: Key Details
Program Objective
The fellowship aims to support doctoral researchers nearing the completion of their PhD who are conducting research aligned with legal anthropology. It provides a quiet, focused period of up to four months in which fellows can finalize their dissertation manuscripts while benefiting from the academic environment at the Max Planck Institute.
Duration and Timing
- Length: Up to 4 months
- Start Date: Spring or Fall 2026
Funding and Support
- Monthly living stipend (tax-free and exempt from social security contributions)
- Workspace and access to research resources at the Institute in Halle, Germany
- Engagement with seminars, peer discussions, and academic mentorship
Fellowship Expectations
Fellows are expected to:
- Actively participate in departmental seminars and discussions
- Submit a working paper that reflects their dissertation findings
- Present their research to the department during their fellowship
- Coordinate beforehand with their PhD supervisor and department director to ensure research synergy
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Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 Writing-up Fellowship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be currently enrolled in a PhD program and in the final phase of dissertation writing
- Conduct research closely related to the Law & Anthropology Department’s focus
- Have the support of their doctoral advisor, including a recommendation confirming the candidate’s ability to complete the dissertation during the fellowship period
- Required Documents
- A cover letter outlining your research interest and its relevance to the department
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- A writing sample, preferably a dissertation chapter
- A 1–2 page dissertation summary
- Copies of academic transcripts and degrees
- A recommendation letter from your supervisor (to be sent directly to: marencakova@eth.mpg.de)
Application Deadline
All application materials must be submitted by 15 September 2025. Applications should be uploaded via the official Max Planck online application portal under the ‘Vacancies’ section.
Why Apply to the Max Planck Institute in Germany?
This fellowship is more than just financial support—it’s an opportunity to complete your PhD research in one of the world’s most renowned centers for social anthropology. The Institute offers an inspiring, collaborative, and interdisciplinary environment, combining field expertise with access to cutting-edge academic resources.
- International exposure with leading researchers in law and anthropology
- Focused research time with minimal distractions
- Located in Halle (Saale), a vibrant academic city in Germany
- A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality
Contact for Questions
For inquiries related to the application or fellowship details, contact:
Carolin Klevenow
Human Resources Management
Email: klevenow@eth.mpg.de
