Applications due July 27, 2025: Apply or Refer Now
There are more threatened and displaced scholars today than ever before. The Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) can help.
IIE-SRF encourages applications from professors and researchers facing threats to their lives or careers. Fellowships support temporary academic positions at universities and other higher education institutions anywhere in the world where the scholars can continue their academic work in safety.
Applications must be submitted no later than July 27, 2025 for possible consideration at IIE-SRF's Selection Committee meeting in September 2025.
IIE-SRF formalizes IIE's unwavering commitment to protect the lives, voices, and ideas of scholars around the globe. Since the program's founding in 2002, it has awarded fellowships to more than 1,100 scholars from 62 countries, arranging visiting academic positions at more than 500 partner institutions in 59 countries.
Who can apply:
Professors, researchers, and public intellectuals from any country, field, or discipline may apply. We encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their fields. Please refer eligible candidates and forward this announcement to academic colleagues who may be interested.
Preference is given to scholars who:
- Hold a Ph.D. or other highest degree in their field and have teaching and/or research experience at a university, college, or other institution of higher learning
- Have an established record of published research
- Are facing or have recently fled from direct and immediate threats to their lives and/or careers in their home countries
IIE-SRF typically cannot consider applications from:
- Students or professionals seeking to pursue academic studies, including Ph.D. study
- Individuals who have been displaced or resided outside their home country for more than two years
- Individuals who hold citizenship or permanent status in a safe second country
Because of high demand for IIE-SRF assistance, the IIE-SRF program is competitive, and we are able to grant fellowship support to only a small proportion of applicants who qualify.
Please visit the IIE-SRF website for more information on eligibility and the application requirements.
How IIE's Scholar Rescue Fund works:
IIE-SRF selects outstanding professors, researchers, and public intellectuals for fellowship support and arranges visiting academic positions with partnering universities, colleges, or research institutes outside their home countries. We provide up to US$25,000 for a one-year appointment, plus individual health insurance coverage, relocation funding, professional development and advising resources, and dedicated support from IIE-SRF and its partners – before, during, and after the fellowship. In most cases, host institutions contribute to the IIE-SRF fellowship package by providing salary/stipend support, housing, and/or other assistance.
Please read our FAQ page for more information about the IIE-SRF fellowship.
IIE-SRF accepts applications on a rolling basis, and fellowships are awarded quarterly. For a possible decision in September 2025, application materials must be submitted via email to srf@iie.org no later than July 27, 2025. All information related to IIE-SRF applications are treated confidentially.
Refer a scholar:
Contact SRF@iie.org to learn how to refer a threatened scholar in need of assistance.
Host an IIE-SRF fellow:
Visit our websiteto learn more about how to host an IIE-SRF fellow.
Apply:
Details on how to apply can be found here. Information on IIE-SRF is also available in Arabic, French, Turkish, Persian, and Spanish.
Support IIE-SRF:
Support IIE-SRF by donating here.