Bohdan Winiarski Scholarships 2027 | Eligibility and How to Apply

The Bohdan Winiarski Scholarships are a prestigious academic opportunity offered by the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law (LCIL) at the University of Cambridge, funded by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the United Kingdom. Named after the distinguished Polish judge and international lawyer Bohdan Winiarski, these scholarships support early-career and established researchers in international law with a funded research visit to one of the world’s most respected centres for international legal scholarship. Two scholarships are available, each worth £3,250.

This opportunity is specifically designed for PhD candidates, PhD holders, and other academics from a defined group of countries in Central Europe, the Western Balkans, and the Eastern Partnership region. It is a research-focused award rather than a degree program, making it ideal for scholars who want to deepen their research, access world-class legal resources, and connect with an international community of experts at Cambridge.

This post covers everything you need to know about the Bohdan Winiarski Scholarships, including full eligibility requirements, benefits, what documents you will need, how to apply step by step, and practical tips to help you put forward your best application.

Scholarship Overview

Eligibility

To be considered for a Bohdan Winiarski Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship: You must be a national of one of the eligible countries listed below. Two separate scholarships are awarded, one per country group, so your nationality determines which scholarship you are competing for.
• Academic qualifications: You must be a PhD candidate, a PhD holder, or another academic. The scholarship is designed for researchers at an advanced level in their academic career.
• Field of study: Your research must be relevant to international law, given that the host institution is the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law at Cambridge. 
• Other requirements: You must be intending to conduct a research visit of 8 weeks at the Lauterpacht Centre during 2027. 

Eligible Countries

There are two scholarships available, each reserved for nationals of a specific country group:

Scholarship 1 – Visegrad Group and Western Balkans States:

• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Poland
• Slovakia
• North Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Serbia
• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Kosovo

Scholarship 2 – Eastern Partnership States:

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Georgia
• Moldova
• Ukraine

Note: Each scholarship is dedicated to one of the two country groups above. Applicants from Visegrad and Western Balkans states compete for Scholarship 1, while applicants from Eastern Partnership states compete for Scholarship 2.

Eligible Fields of Study

This scholarship is specifically linked to a research visit at the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law. It is therefore intended for researchers working in international law and related legal disciplines.

If your research touches on public international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, treaty law, or related areas, this scholarship is directly relevant to your work.

Applicants from other fields should confirm with the Centre whether their research profile is suitable before applying. 

Benefits

Each Bohdan Winiarski Scholarship provides the following:

• Grant value: £3,250 per scholar, awarded as a contribution toward the costs of the research visit.
• Travel costs: Covered (in part) from the scholarship grant.
• Visa costs: Covered (in part) from the scholarship grant.
• Accommodation: Covered (in part) from the scholarship grant.
• Health and personal accident insurance: Covered (in part) from the scholarship grant.
• Costs of stay: General living and subsistence costs during the 8-week visit are intended to be partially covered.
• Centre Fee: The fee charged by the Lauterpacht Centre for hosting visiting scholars is included within the covered costs.
• Access to resources: Winiarski scholars receive automatic access to the Centre’s Library and can apply for access to the University Library and the Squire Law Library at the Faculty of Law.
• Community membership: Scholars are welcomed as full members of the visiting scholar community and are encouraged to participate in Friday lectures and internal work-in-progress seminars.

Important note: If your total expenses exceed £3,250, you are personally responsible for covering the difference. Plan your budget carefully before applying.

Required Documents

The official application form and guidance notes are available on the LCIL website. Based on the nature of this scholarship, applicants should typically prepare the following. Confirm the exact list using the official Application Form and Guidance Notes:

1. Completed application form (available at the official link below)
2. Valid passport or proof of nationality confirming citizenship of an eligible country
3. Academic CV or resume detailing your qualifications and research experience
4. Research proposal or statement outlining the work you intend to conduct during the 8-week visit
5. Proof of current academic status (e.g., confirmation of PhD enrollment or institutional affiliation)
6. Academic transcripts or highest qualification certificate

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Bohdan Winiarski Scholarship:

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility. Check that you are a national of one of the eligible countries listed above and that you are currently a PhD candidate, PhD holder, or another academic with a relevant research background.

Step 2: Visit the official scholarship page. Go to https://www.lcil.cam.ac.uk/bohdan-winiarski-scholarships to access the Application Form and Guidance Notes.

Step 3: Download and carefully read the Guidance Notes. These contain specific instructions for completing the application correctly. Do not skip this step, as missing instructions may result in a rejected application.

Step 4: Identify which scholarship you are applying for. Based on your nationality, determine whether you fall under the Visegrad Group and Western Balkans scholarship or the Eastern Partnership scholarship. Each group competes separately.

Step 5: Prepare your research proposal. Clearly outline the research you plan to undertake during your 8 weeks at the Lauterpacht Centre. Make a strong case for why a visit to Cambridge is necessary and valuable to your work.

Step 6: Gather all required documents. Assemble your CV, proof of academic status, passport copy, transcripts, and any other supporting materials listed in the Guidance Notes.

Step 7: Complete the official application form. Fill out every section carefully and accurately. Review your form before submission to ensure there are no errors or missing information.

Step 8: Submit your application before the deadline. The deadline is Monday, 6 July 2026. Submit well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Step 9: Keep a copy of your submitted application. Save a record of everything you submitted in case the Centre requires follow-up information.

Step 10: Await communication from the Lauterpacht Centre. You will be contacted regarding the outcome of your application. 

Key Dates and Timeline

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Bohdan Winiarski Scholarships is Monday, 6 July 2026.

Warning: Applications submitted after this date will NOT be accepted. Do not leave your submission to the last minute.

Selection Criteria

While full selection criteria are not detailed in the available information, the following factors are clearly relevant based on the nature and purpose of this scholarship:

• Academic standing: You are expected to demonstrate a strong academic record and credible research experience in international law or a closely related field.
• Quality of research proposal: The Centre will assess the relevance, clarity, and academic merit of the research you plan to undertake during the visit. A well-defined and well-argued proposal will carry significant weight.
• Relevance to the Centre’s work: Your research should align with the academic activities of the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law. Demonstrating how your work fits within the Centre’s focus areas will strengthen your application.
• Career stage and purpose: Preference may be given to scholars at a stage of their career where a Cambridge research visit would have a meaningful and demonstrable impact.

Important Tips

1. Read the Guidance Notes before anything else. The official guidance document will tell you exactly what the Centre expects. Treat it as your primary reference throughout the application process.
2. Write a focused and specific research proposal. Vague proposals are unlikely to impress the selection committee. Clearly explain what you will research, why you need to be at Cambridge to do it, and what outcomes you expect from the visit.
3. Apply early, not on the deadline day. Submit at least several days before 6 July 2026. Technical problems, document issues, or email delays can cost you the opportunity if you wait until the last moment.
4. Tailor your CV to highlight international law experience. Even if you have a broad academic background, make sure your CV clearly reflects your work in international law or closely related disciplines.
5. Be honest about your budget. The scholarship is worth £3,250 and is a contribution, not full coverage. Prepare a realistic cost breakdown and make it clear you can cover any shortfall. Showing financial planning maturity reflects well on your application.
6. Check library and resource access requirements in advance. The University Library access at Cambridge is by application, not automatic. If you need it for your research, factor this into your plan and mention it in your proposal.
7. Engage with the Centre’s activities in your proposal. Mention your intention to attend Friday lectures and internal seminars. This shows the selection committee that you will be an active and contributing member of the visiting scholar community.
8. Confirm your nationality documentation is up to date. You need to prove citizenship of an eligible country. Make sure your passport or national identity document is valid and clearly reflects your nationality before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am a citizen of both an eligible country and an ineligible country? 

The scholarship requires you to be a national of one of the listed eligible countries. If you hold dual citizenship that includes an eligible country, you should confirm with the Lauterpacht Centre whether you qualify using the relevant passport.

Are there two separate application processes for the two scholarships? 

Based on available information, there is one application process. 

Is this scholarship open to master’s students?

No. The scholarship is open to PhD candidates, PhD holders, and other academics. Master’s students are not listed as eligible.

What happens if my research visit costs more than £3,250?

 You will be responsible for covering any costs beyond the £3,250 scholarship value. It is important to plan your budget carefully before applying and to have a clear plan for how you will fund any shortfall.

Can I use the scholarship to cover costs for a visit shorter or longer than 8 weeks? 

The scholarship is specifically intended to support an 8-week research visit to the Lauterpacht Centre in 2027. Visits of a different duration may not qualify. 

Will I have access to Cambridge University libraries during my visit?

Winiarski scholars automatically receive access to the Centre’s own library. Access to the University Library and the Squire Law Library at the Faculty of Law is available by application and is not guaranteed. Plan accordingly.

When will I find out if I have been selected?

Check the official scholarship page or contact the Centre for guidance on when decisions will be communicated.

Who funded this scholarship and why does it carry the Winiarski name?

The scholarships are funded by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the United Kingdom. They are named after Bohdan Winiarski, a respected Polish judge and international lawyer, in recognition of his contributions to the field of international law.

Official Link

Application form and guidance notes: https://www.lcil.cam.ac.uk/bohdan-winiarski-scholarships

For further enquiries, contact the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law directly through the official website.

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