Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship 2025-2026

📖 About the Fellowship

The Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) is the only global program that arranges, funds, and supports fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars at partnering higher education institutions worldwide.

• Duration: Year-long fellowships with the possibility of renewal for a second and final year.
• Impact: Since its inception, IIE-SRF has awarded fellowships to 1,166 scholars from 62 countries, placing them at 522 host institutions in 59 countries.

🎁 Benefits

The IIE-SRF fellowship package includes:

• Yearlong research and/or teaching appointment at a higher education institution in a safe location worldwide.
• Fellowship grant of up to $25,000 (most awards are eligible for renewal for a second year).
• Individual health insurance coverage.
• Funding for relocation to the host institution.
• Professional development support, including:
  • Resource guides and access to academic networks.
  • CV and cover letter review.
  • Letters of reference.
  • Career mentorship and advising on post-fellowship opportunities.
  • Financial support for conference attendance and language training (in some cases).
• Opportunities to share or promote academic work through events, media, or other venues.
• Dedicated support from IIE-SRF and its partners before, during, and after the fellowship.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to:

• Professors, researchers, and public intellectuals who face threats and cannot continue their work in their home countries.
• Scholars from any country and in any academic field or discipline.

Assessment Criteria:

• Academic qualifications and experience.
• Quality and/or potential of their work.
• Urgency of the threats faced.

Preference is given to scholars who:

• Hold a Ph.D. or highest degree in their field with significant teaching and/or research experience.
• Have an established record of published research.
• Demonstrate superior academic accomplishment or promise.
• Are facing or have recently fled from immediate, targeted threats to their lives or careers.
• Will benefit their home and/or host academic communities.

🗓️ Application Deadline

• Deadline: July 27, 2025
  Applications must be submitted by this date for consideration at IIE-SRF’s Selection Committee meeting in September 2025.

📝 Application Process

How to Apply:

Scholars can apply by sending the required application materials to srf@iie.org. If a scholar is unable to submit the application, a third party may send the materials on their behalf.

• Rolling Applications: IIE-SRF accepts applications on a rolling basis, and fellowships are awarded quarterly.

Required Application Materials:

1. Application Form: Download here.
2. Current CV or Resume:
   • Include academic degrees, current and previous positions, publications, and other relevant academic work.
3. Academic Statement:
   • A detailed statement of academic and professional background, research interests, and planned activities during the fellowship.
   • Minimum of one page.
4. Personal Statement:
   • A detailed account of the threats faced and reasons for seeking support.
   • Minimum of one page.
5. Reference Letters:
   • At least three (3) letters, including:
     • Two (2) academic/professional references.
     • Two (2) personal references describing the threats faced.
6. Copy of Ph.D. or highest degree.
7. Samples of most current research publications.
8. Host Institution Letter (if applicable):
   • A letter from the host institution indicating their intent to host, if awarded.

Submission Details:

• Email: Submit all materials to srf@iie.org.
• Fax: +1-212-205-6425.
• Mail:
  Scholar Rescue Fund
  Institute of International Education
  One World Trade Center, 36th Floor
  New York, New York 10007, USA.

🔍 Application Review

IIE-SRF conducts a thorough review of each application to assess:

• Academic experience and quality of scholarly work.
• Nature and urgency of the threat in the applicant’s home country.

Additional Notes:

• IIE-SRF may contact references or independent experts for further information.
• Due to high demand, not all eligible applicants may receive fellowship support.

🌟 Contact Information

For inquiries or to submit your application, contact:

• Email: srf@iie.org
• Fax: +1-212-205-6425
• Mail:
  Scholar Rescue Fund
  Institute of International Education
  One World Trade Center, 36th Floor
  New York, New York 10007, USA.

🔗 Additional Resources

• Eligibility Criteria
• Instructions and Application Materials
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Alternative Resources

• A yearlong research and/or teaching appointment at a higher education institution in a safe location anywhere in the world;
• A fellowship grant of up to $25,000 (most awards are eligible for renewal for a second and final year);
• Individual health insurance coverage;
• Funding for relocation to the host institution;
• Professional development support through resource guides and access to academic networks; CV and cover letter review; letters of reference; career mentorship and advising on post-fellowship opportunities; and (in some cases) financial support for conference attendance and language training;
• Opportunities through IIE-SRF or partner events, media, or other venues to share or promote the fellow's academic work and/or speak about their home country;
• Dedicated support from IIE-SRF and its partners - before, during, and after the fellowship.