The Institute of International Education's Scholar Rescue Fund (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.
IIE-SRF accepts new applications on a rolling basis, and fellowships are awarded quarterly. There is no deadline for applications. Please note that IIE-SRF typically cannot consider new applications from individuals whose original applications were declined.
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.
Successful applicants to IIE-SRF typically:
- Hold a Ph.D. or other highest degree in their field
- Have teaching and/or research experience at a university 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
Unfortunately, IE-SRF cannot consider applications from:
- Previous applicants to IIE-SRF who have been declined
- 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
- Applicants who are seeking support because of a lack of resources or funds for research at their home institution
IIE-SRF strongly discourages the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT during the application process. Suspected use of AI-generated language will be a negative factor during IIE-SRF’s assessment process.
Because of high demand for IIE-SRF assistance, the IIE-SRF program is competitive. 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 and process. Applications should be submitted to IIE-SRF via email to srf@iie.org.
How IIE's Scholar Rescue Fund works:
IIE-SRF formalizes IIE's unwavering commitment to protect the lives, voices, and ideas of scholars around the globe. The program selects outstanding professors, researchers, and public intellectuals for fellowship support and arranges visiting academic positions with partnering universities or other higher education institutions 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. Most IIE-SRF fellowships are renewable for a second year.
Since IIE-SRF’s founding in 2002, we have awarded fellowships to more than 1,100 scholars from 62 countries, arranging visiting academic positions at more than 500 partner institutions in 59 countries.
Please read our FAQ page for more information about the IIE-SRF fellowship.
All information related to IIE-SRF applications is 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.