NLU Delhi Global Scholars-in-Residence Programme

At National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi), our ambition is to cultivate a truly interconnected academic community. We are driven by the conviction that meaningful collaboration, spanning both global and local contexts, is key to advancing legal scholarship and preparing our students for a complex world. We believe that by fostering strong connections and welcoming diverse perspectives, we can significantly enrich the academic journey for our students, researchers, and faculty, empowering them to tackle pressing societal challenges. Our aim is to bring together diverse minds – students, researchers, and faculty – to share insights and co-create knowledge.
To champion this ethos, NLU Delhi has launched the Global Scholars-in-Residence Programme, a fully funded initiative covering travel, accommodation, and honorarium, designed to welcome scholars from leading institutions worldwide, as well as accomplished professionals and practitioners, facilitating dynamic interactions, joint research, and a powerful exchange of ideas. As a fully funded opportunity, the programme seeks to remove financial barriers for exceptional individuals wishing to contribute to and benefit from NLU Delhi’s academic ecosystem.
Through these engagements, we aim to strengthen our position as a leading global university, renowned for excellence in research, transformative learning, and an unwavering commitment to intellectual collaboration.

Objectives of the programme

The programme is designed to enrich the academic and research ecosystem at NLU Delhi through interactions with outstanding international scholars.

In particular, the programme will:

• Offer opportunities to international scholars and practitioners to develop their research and explore innovative ways of engaging with NLU Delhi faculty and students in a vibrant and learning environment.
• Promote greater academic and research links with institutions and individuals across the globe.
• Provide opportunity to NLU Delhi faculty and students to benefit and learn from scholars and practitioners working on a wide range of research interests.
• Explore possibilities of joint ventures and collaborative projects.

Potential avenues for engagement

Scholars are expected to engage in one or more of the following activities during their time at NLU Delhi, depending on their academic focus, availability, and mutual interest:

Research engagement

• With faculty members and relevant research centres at NLU Delhi to build on the scholar’s academic work and research interests.
• Short-term research collaboration with faculty members/ research centres at NLU Delhi.

Academic engagement

• Faculty seminars for presenting their work.
• Seminar courses (typically 25 – 30 contact hours) or short-term courses (typically 10 -14 contact hours).(Seminar courses are typically credit-bearing, while short-term courses may be offered as intensive modules or non-credit engagements.)
• Special lectures in compulsory courses that are part of the B.A., LL.B (Hons.), LL.M or doctoral programmes.

Participation in events/ workshops/ training programmes at NLU Delhi.

These activities may be pursued based on the scholar’s expertise and areas of interest. At the end of their visit, scholars are encouraged to share the outcomes of their engagement at NLU Delhi in the form of a public lecture, a faculty seminar, or a short-written piece to be published in NLUD Journal.

Facilities provided to scholars

The following facilities would be provided to accepted international scholars under this fully funded programme:

• Accommodation in the University Guest House for the duration of the visit
• Office space with necessary IT infrastructure and administrative support.
• Full access to the library, databases and e-resources subscribed by the University along with remote access for the duration of the visit.
• Each visiting scholar will be assigned a faculty coordinator or linkage with a relevant research centre to facilitate meaningful academic engagement and integration into the university’s research environment.
• NLU Delhi will provide necessary administrative assistance to facilitate smooth onboarding, including visa support and orientation.

Application Process

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year; however, applicants are encouraged to apply at least 3–4 months in advance of their intended visit to ensure adequate processing time and alignment with academic schedules.
• Individuals who wish to apply for the Global Scholars-in-Residence Programme must complete the application form. In order to be eligible for the programme, the visit must be for a minimum of two weeks.
• Application Requirements
  Academicians
  • CV (with academic publications as a necessary part).
  • A statement of purpose (no more than 2000 words) that includes a research and engagement plan for the proposed duration at NLU Delhi.
  • Full text of the three latest academic publications in peer reviewed journals or book/ chapters in an edited volume with reputed academic publishers.
  • A letter of support from the head of the institution confirming that the applicant is a full-time member or employee (or equivalent) associated with the institution, and that the proposed visit has their full support.

  Professionals

  • CV (clearly indicating relevant professional experience and achievements).
  • A statement of purpose (no more than 2000 words) that includes a research and engagement plan for the proposed duration at NLU Delhi.
  • Materials as outlined above must clearly indicate a strong track record of engagement with the law either from a legal or interdisciplinary perspective.
  • Publication submission is not required.
  • A letter of support from the head of the institution confirming that the applicant is a full-time member or employee (or equivalent) associated with the institution, and that the proposed visit has their full support. In case of independent professionals, a self-declaration supported by two professional references may be submitted in lieu of institutional endorsement.
• Application does not guarantee acceptance. The completed form and supporting documents would be considered by a committee constituted by the Vice Chancellor, NLU Delhi. All applications would be reviewed on a wide range of considerations including scholarly merit, practical value, engagement with contemporary or interdisciplinary concerns, uniqueness of the contribution and relevance to University’s teaching and research.
• Preference will be given to applicants whose proposed work aligns closely with the University’s ongoing projects, research priorities, and academic strengths.
• A decision on the application would normally be communicated within 6 weeks of making the application. A formal invitation would be extended to successful applicants along with relevant information regarding the visit (category, duration, allowed activities, etc) and a general scholar agreement.
• The University is not in a position to provide detailed feedback on unsuccessful applications.

FAQ’s

NLU Delhi Global Scholars-in-Residence Programme

Note: The responses provided in this FAQ are indicative and for general guidance only. For complete and authoritative information, please refer to the full policy document of the Global Scholars-in-Residence Programme.