The IIE-SRF Fellowship is one of the most respected international support programs run by the Institute of International Education. Through its Scholar Rescue Fund, the institute arranges and finances year-long academic placements for professors, researchers, and public intellectuals who can no longer safely continue their work in their home countries. The program is not limited to a single field or nationality scholars from any discipline and any part of the world may be considered, and preference is generally given to applicants who hold a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field.

Since it was established in 2002 by IIE trustees, including Dr. Henry Jarecki, Dr. Henry Kaufman, and Mr. Thomas Russo, the IIE-SRF has placed well over a thousand scholars from dozens of countries at hundreds of partner universities worldwide. The IIE-SRF Fellowship covers a grant of up to USD $30,000 along with individual health insurance to support a visiting academic appointment of up to one year, and most fellows may also apply for a second and final year of support. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with awards decided quarterly by the Selection Committee, making the IIE-SRF Fellowship one of the most accessible fully funded opportunities for at-risk academics anywhere in the world.

IIE-SRF Fellowship Summary

Eligibility for IIE-SRF Fellowship

General Eligibility Criteria

The IIE-SRF Fellowship is open to professors, researchers, and public intellectuals who are facing direct threats and cannot continue their work safely in their home countries or countries of residence. Preference is given to scholars who hold a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field, have significant teaching or research experience at a higher education institution, maintain a strong record of published research, and are facing or have recently fled targeted threats to their lives or careers. Applicants should also be able to show that their work will benefit either their home academic community or the institution that hosts them.

Certain applicants typically cannot be considered, including those seeking only to complete a Ph.D. or another academic training program, individuals who have already been displaced outside their home country for more than two years, scholars holding citizenship or permanent residency in a safe second country, and those who have already completed two years of a comparable fellowship for threatened scholars.

Age and Academic Requirements

There is no fixed maximum age limit for the IIE-SRF Fellowship; instead, eligibility is judged by academic career stage rather than by a set age bracket. Applicants are expected to have an established academic career typically as a professor, researcher, or public intellectual rather than being early-stage students. A completed Ph.D. or the highest available degree in the applicant’s field is strongly preferred, along with demonstrated teaching or research experience and a track record of academic publication or comparable scholarly output.

Benefits of IIE-SRF Fellowship

Financial Benefits

Fellows receive a grant of up to USD $30,000 to support a year-long visiting academic appointment, and in most cases this support can be renewed for a second and final year. The fellowship package also includes individual health insurance for the duration of the placement, and in some circumstances additional funds may be available to help with costs such as conference attendance or language training.

Academic and Personal Benefits

Beyond the direct funding, fellows gain a safe academic environment where they can continue teaching or research at a partner institution anywhere in the world. IIE-SRF also offers support with CVs and cover letters, professional networking, and career guidance, along with opportunities to share or promote the fellow’s academic work through IIE-SRF and partner events. Fellows additionally benefit from ongoing assistance from IIE-SRF staff before, during, and after the fellowship period.

Documents Required for IIE-SRF Fellowship

• Completed IIE-SRF application form
• Detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter explaining the applicant’s situation and threat
• Letters of reference from academic or professional contacts
• Evidence of academic qualifications (degree certificates/transcripts)
• Documentation or explanation of the threat faced in the home country
• Sample publications or evidence of research/academic output, where available
• Valid passport or identification documents

How to Apply for IIE-SRF Fellowship

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the official IIE-SRF website and review the eligibility criteria carefully before starting.
2. Download or access the application instructions and required materials list from the “Instructions & Application” section.
3. Prepare your CV, cover letter, and a clear account of the threats you are facing.
4. Gather supporting documents, including degree certificates, publications, and reference letters.
5. Complete the official application form with accurate personal, academic, and professional details.
6. Submit the completed application along with all required documents before the relevant deadline.
7. Wait for IIE-SRF’s review process; applications are assessed on a rolling basis and decided quarterly by the Selection Committee.

Application Tips for IIE-SRF Fellowship

• Apply as early as possible, since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Clearly and specifically describe the threat you face rather than giving only general statements.
• Keep your CV updated and highlight teaching, research, and publication experience.
• Request reference letters from people who can speak directly to your academic work and situation.
• Proofread all documents carefully and follow the format instructions exactly as listed on the official site.

Deadline for the IIE-SRF Fellowship

The IIE-SRF Fellowship accepts applications on a rolling basis, with fellowships awarded quarterly. For consideration at the Selection Committee meeting in September 2026, applications must be submitted by July 26, 2027. Because review cycles continue on a rolling, quarterly basis, applicants should check the official IIE-SRF website regularly for the next upcoming submission deadline and plan to apply as early as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)