About the International and Comparative Law Research Center
The International and Comparative Law Research Center (ICLRC), a research organisation based in Moscow, Russia, has invited applications for its Scholarship for Young International Law Researchers for 2026–2027.
The programme supports young legal scholars who want to undertake independent research in public international law and related subjects.
Selected researchers will receive a monthly scholarship of 60,000 Russian rubles, with the possibility of an increase to 80,000 rubles in certain circumstances.
The scholarship is open to applicants from all countries, including India, provided they meet the academic and participation requirements.
The last date for submitting applications is November 14, 2026.
About the Scholarship Programme
The Scholarship for Young International Law Researchers is an initiative of the International and Comparative Law Research Center.
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Explore Our Services →Established in 2014, ICLRC conducts research on international law, international trade and investment, sustainable development, environmental law and other areas involving international legal relations.
The Center also organises academic programmes, conferences and research activities for legal professionals.
The scholarship programme is intended to encourage young researchers who have chosen an academic career in international law.
Successful applicants will be able to undertake their proposed research while using the resources of the ICLRC Library.
The programme requires participants to devote sufficient time to research and present their findings at the end of the scholarship period.
Number of Scholarships
The Center will select a maximum of three researchers for the 2026–2027 scholarship programme.
The number of available awards is therefore limited.
Candidates will be selected on the basis of their academic background, proposed research and performance during the selection process.
Scholarship Amount and Financial Benefits
Selected researchers will receive 60,000 Russian rubles per month, after applicable taxes and fees.
The scholarship may be increased to 80,000 rubles per month in certain cases, depending on the financial circumstances of the recipient.
Applicants who require the higher amount must explain their circumstances in the motivation letter.
The standard scholarship period is between three and six months.
At the regular rate, a three-month scholarship would provide 180,000 rubles, while a six-month scholarship would provide 360,000 rubles.
The programme also allows a one-time extension of up to three additional months.
However, an extension is not automatic.
The official announcement does not guarantee separate funding for international travel, accommodation or visa-related expenses.
Applicants from India should clarify these arrangements with the Center before accepting an offer.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is intended for legal researchers below the age of 35.
Applicants must ordinarily possess completed higher legal education at the level of a specialist degree or master’s degree.
Candidates currently enrolled in a master’s programme may also be considered if they demonstrate a strong interest in international law research and the ability to produce quality academic work.
The Center has not restricted the programme to Russian citizens.
Individuals may apply regardless of nationality or place of residence.
Indian legal researchers who meet the educational requirements are therefore eligible for consideration.
However, candidates holding only an undergraduate law qualification should verify whether their academic background satisfies the programme’s requirements.
The scholarship is particularly relevant for LL.M. students, postgraduate law graduates and researchers interested in international law.
Research Areas
The Center has identified several thematic areas for the 2026–2027 programme.
Applicants must propose research dealing with at least one of these subjects.
The available areas include sources of international law, non-legally binding agreements, international legal obligations, state immunity and international compensation.
Research proposals may also examine international environmental law, climate change, the law of the sea and international investment law.
Other recognised subjects include international organisations, outer space law, civil aviation law and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
The programme also welcomes research on the advisory functions of international courts and the relationship between national jurisdiction and international law.
Applicants should choose a subject that falls within the Center’s prescribed research areas.
Opportunities for Indian Legal Researchers
The scholarship may be relevant for Indian law graduates and researchers working on questions involving international legal obligations.
For example, a researcher studying international climate change law could examine the duties of states under international environmental agreements.
Similarly, researchers interested in investor-state dispute settlement may propose projects dealing with investment treaties or the development of international investment law.
Applicants interested in international courts may examine advisory opinions, jurisdictional questions or the role of judicial decisions in determining international legal rules.
These are examples of possible subjects. The final research proposal must correspond to one or more themes officially identified by ICLRC.
Research Requirements
Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal, described by the Center as an exposé.
The exposé must not exceed 12,000 characters, including spaces.
It should explain the proposed research, identify the questions the applicant intends to examine and describe the expected results.
The applicant must also indicate the thematic area or areas under which the research falls.
The proposal should demonstrate that the applicant understands the subject and has a realistic plan for completing meaningful research during the scholarship period.
The research project does not necessarily have to result in a completed academic article within the initial scholarship period.
The Center allows different forms of research output, depending on the work agreed upon with the recipient.
Library Attendance Requirement
One important condition is the requirement to attend the ICLRC Library in Moscow.
Scholarship recipients must spend at least 25% of the total calendar days of their scholarship period working at the Library.
This means that the scholarship cannot be completed entirely remotely.
However, the Center permits participants to discuss alternative schedules for fulfilling the attendance requirement.
For example, a scholar may arrange to conduct research at the Library during the first part of the scholarship and continue the remaining work remotely.
Failure to satisfy the attendance requirement may result in a reduction of the scholarship period.
International applicants should consider the practical requirements of travelling to and staying in Russia before applying.
Responsibilities of Selected Researchers
Selected scholars will undertake the research project described in their applications.
They will be expected to work towards agreed research outcomes and maintain progress during the scholarship period.
Depending on the project, these outcomes may include preparing an initial manuscript, completing a section of an academic paper or submitting research for publication.
The Center may also consider conference presentations and other academic outputs.
At the end of the programme, each recipient must present their research findings at the ICLRC.
The presentation may be delivered in Russian or English.
This requirement provides an opportunity for the scholars to discuss their work with researchers and legal professionals associated with the Center.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit an updated curriculum vitae containing their contact information.
They must also provide evidence of having completed a specialist or master’s law degree, or proof of current enrolment in a master’s programme.
A motivation letter is another compulsory document.
The letter must explain why the applicant wishes to participate in the programme and specify the proposed scholarship duration.
Candidates seeking an increased stipend must explain their financial circumstances in the motivation letter.
The application must also contain the research exposé of no more than 12,000 characters.
Applicants must provide two recommendation letters from specialists in international law who have previously interacted with them.
The letters should describe the referees’ knowledge of the applicant and their academic or professional abilities.
Candidates must also submit consent to the processing of personal data in the prescribed format.
Selection Process
The selection process begins with an assessment of the submitted documents.
The Center will review the candidates’ academic qualifications, motivation and proposed research.
Applicants who successfully clear the initial review will be invited for an interview.
The interview provides an opportunity to discuss the proposed research and the applicant’s suitability for the scholarship.
The Center has announced that final selection results will be published by December 14, 2026.
A maximum of three candidates will receive the scholarship.
How to Apply?
Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications by email.
The Center has provided a dedicated email address for scholarship applications.
Applicants should prepare their CV, academic qualification documents, motivation letter, research exposé, two recommendation letters and consent form.
The complete application must be sent to the official scholarship email address.
Candidates should ensure that their proposal clearly identifies the relevant research area and explains the intended academic outcomes.
Official Application Email: scholarship@iclrc.ru
Official Scholarship Announcement: https://iclrc.ru/en/projects/scholarship
Official Company Website: https://iclrc.ru/en
Official Address: International and Comparative Law Research Center, 14, Building 3, Kadashevskaya Embankment, Moscow, 119017, Russia.
Applicants can also access the Scholarship Programme Regulations and personal data consent form through the official scholarship page.
Application Deadline
The last date to submit applications is November 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM Moscow time (GMT+3).
The Center announced the scholarship programme on September 15, 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews after the initial assessment of applications.
The final selection results will be announced by December 14, 2026.
The scholarship will be awarded to a maximum of three international law researchers for a period of three to six months, with the possibility of a one-time extension.
Eligible candidates from India and other countries can submit their applications directly to scholarship@iclrc.ru before the deadline.
