Sir Roy Goode Scholarship (UNIDROIT, Rome – different programme; research at UNIDROIT Secretariat)

Sir Roy Goode Scholarship at UNIDROIT

You get 1,500 EUR per month for a research stay of 6 to 9 months at the UNIDROIT headquarters in Rome. You also get a return economy flight from your home country and health insurance for the whole stay. UNIDROIT is an intergovernmental body in Rome that works on international private and commercial law. You research in its library and work directly with its Secretariat on current law-making projects. Only one person is chosen each year. The award started in 2020 and is named after Sir Roy Goode, a leading expert in commercial and private law.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have a postgraduate degree in law. For example, you are a doctoral student, lawyer, academic or government official.
• Grades: You have outstanding academic results, such as an honours degree or the equivalent.
• Field: You know and are interested in private international law or international commercial law.
• Languages: You speak and write English excellently. French or other languages are a plus, not a requirement.
• Nationality: Anyone worldwide can apply.
• Presence: You can be physically in Rome for at least 65% of the scholarship period.

How to apply

You submit one PDF with a short cover letter, your CV, reference letters and a sample of your academic writing. In the cover letter, name the UNIDROIT topics you want to research and your preferred 6 to 9 month period. The deadline for the 2027 round is 4 September 2026. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in late January or early February, and everyone hears the result by the end of February.

How realistic are your chances?

Only one person wins each year, so competition is strong. The pool narrows sharply, though. You need a postgraduate law degree, top grades and a clear research interest in international private or commercial law. If you fit that profile and propose research that is useful to UNIDROIT's own projects, you have a real shot.