The Bohdan Winiarski Scholarships are prestigious research awards designed to support academics and researchers undertaking work in the field of international law. The scholarships are funded by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in the United Kingdom and administered through the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law at the University of Cambridge.
Named after the distinguished Polish judge and international lawyer Bohdan Winiarski, the programme provides financial assistance for researchers wishing to spend eight weeks conducting research at the Lauterpacht Centre.
Two scholarships are available, with one reserved for nationals of Visegrad Group and Western Balkans countries and the other for nationals of Eastern Partnership countries.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
Each Bohdan Winiarski Scholarship is worth £3,250 and is intended to contribute towards the costs associated with an eight-week research visit.
The funding may be used to support expenses such as:
- Travel costs
- Visa expenses
- Accommodation
- Health and personal accident insurance
- Living expenses during the research stay
- Centre fees
In addition to financial support, successful scholars become part of the Lauterpacht Centre’s international academic community.
Scholars benefit from:
- Access to the Centre’s specialist international law library
- Opportunities to engage with leading researchers and academics
- Participation in Friday lectures and research seminars
- Access to the University Library and Squire Law Library through application
- Networking opportunities with international law experts
Eligible Countries
Applications are open to nationals of the following countries:
Visegrad Group and Western Balkans States
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Poland
- Slovakia
- North Macedonia
- Montenegro
- Serbia
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Kosovo
Eastern Partnership States
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Georgia
- Moldova
- Ukraine
Applicants must clearly indicate their nationality when submitting their application.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Bohdan Winiarski Scholarships, candidates must:
- Be a national of an eligible country
- Demonstrate fluency in English
- Be a PhD candidate, PhD holder or academic researcher
- Propose a research project in public or private international law
- Be able to undertake an eight-week research visit
- Submit all required application documents before the deadline
Preference is given to applicants who hold a permanent position at a university or recognised institution specialising in international law within their home country.
Research Project Requirements
Applicants must propose a clearly defined research project related to public or private international law.
The project should demonstrate academic relevance and explain how the proposed research will benefit from access to the Lauterpacht Centre’s resources and scholarly environment.
At the conclusion of the research visit, scholars are required to submit a written report outlining the work completed during their stay.
Any future publication resulting from the research must acknowledge support received through the Bohdan Winiarski Scholarship programme.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- A completed scholarship application form
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- An outline of the proposed research project
- Two reference letters
Reference letters must be sent directly by referees from their institutional email addresses.
All documents must:
- Be prepared in English
- Be submitted in PDF format
- Be free from password protection
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
Applications are assessed based on:
- Academic qualifications
- Research experience
- Quality and relevance of the proposed research project
- Professional achievements in international law
- Potential contribution to the scholarly activities of the Lauterpacht Centre
Only successful applicants will be contacted following the selection process.
Research Facilities Available
Successful scholars receive access to a range of academic resources during their stay.
These include:
- Dedicated workspace
- Computer access
- Lauterpacht Centre Library
- Introduction to the University Library
- Access to the Squire Law Library
Scholars are encouraged to participate actively in the Centre’s lectures, seminars and research events throughout their visit.
Application Deadline
6 July 2026
APPLY HERE
Bohdan Winiarski Scholarships Application Portal
Applications and supporting documents should be submitted according to the instructions provided by the Lauterpacht Centre for International Law.
The Bohdan Winiarski Scholarships provide a valuable opportunity for researchers and academics in international law to undertake advanced research at one of the world’s leading centres for legal scholarship. Through financial support, access to extensive academic resources and engagement with a global research community, the programme helps scholars strengthen their expertise and contribute to the development of international law.