Institute of International Education IIE-SRF Fellowships 2026 , USA
The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) is a global fellowship program administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) that provides critical support to professors, researchers, and public intellectuals facing threats in their home countries. The fellowship enables scholars to continue their academic work in safe host institutions abroad when conflict, persecution, or instability makes it impossible to remain at home.
IIE-SRF operates on humanitarian and academic principles, helping protect intellectual freedom and preserve global knowledge production.
Degree Level
- Postdoctoral and senior scholar fellowship
- Academic research and teaching fellowship
- Temporary visiting scholar appointment
(This is not a degree program and does not lead to a formal academic degree.)
Available Subjects
IIE-SRF is open to all academic fields and disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Medical and Health Sciences
- Law, Policy, and Public Affairs
- Arts and Cultural Studies
Scholars from any field may apply if they meet the eligibility and risk criteria.
Benefits
The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund provides tailored support, which may include:
- Financial fellowship support
- Placement assistance with a host university or research institution
- Support for temporary relocation
- Health insurance assistance (depending on placement)
- Professional continuity and academic protection
- Opportunity to continue research, teaching, and publishing in safety
The duration and structure of support depend on individual circumstances and host institution arrangements.
Eligible Nationalities
- Open to scholars from all countries
- No nationality restrictions
Applicants must be facing serious threats or risks that prevent them from continuing their academic work in their home country
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the IIE-SRF Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be a professor, researcher, or public intellectual
- Demonstrate a strong academic or scholarly background
- Be facing serious threats, persecution, or risks in their home country
- Be unable to continue academic work safely in their current location
- Provide original and independently written application materials
- Hold a PhD or highest degree relevant to their academic field
- There are no age limits and no restrictions on discipline or country of origin.
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit their materials directly via email. Applications may also be submitted by a third party if the scholar is unable to apply personally.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Complete the official IIE-SRF application form
- Prepare a detailed academic CV
- Write an academic statement (minimum one page)
- Write a personal statement explaining threats and circumstances (minimum one page)
- Submit reference letters:
- Academic and professional references
- Personal references familiar with the applicant’s situation
- Provide:
- Copy of PhD or highest degree
- Recent research publications
- Optional host institution invitation letter
To begin review, IIE-SRF must receive at minimum:
- Application form
- CV
- Academic statement
- Personal statement
Remaining documents may be submitted later.
Application Deadline
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
- Fellowships are awarded quarterly
- Specific cutoff dates may apply for consideration in upcoming selection rounds
- Deadlines may vary each year, so applicants should submit as early as possible
Application Review Process
IIE-SRF conducts a thorough and confidential review, assessing:
- Academic merit and scholarly contributions
- Quality of publications and research
- Nature, severity, and urgency of threats
- Applicant’s ability to benefit from fellowship placement
IIE-SRF may:
- Contact referees or independent experts
- Request additional documentation
- Follow up directly with applicants
- Due to high demand, not all eligible applicants can be funded.
Important Notes for Applicants
- All materials must be original and unique
- Identical or reused statements are not accepted
- Any cited material must be properly credited
- Use of AI-generated content is strongly discouraged and may negatively affect assessment
- Spouses applying simultaneously must submit separate, complete, and unique applications
Why Choose IIE Scholar Rescue Fund?
- One of the world’s most respected protection programs for at-risk scholars
- Operated by the Institute of International Education
- Global network of host universities and partners
- Protects academic freedom and intellectual independence
- Supports scholars regardless of field, nationality, or region
