The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) Fellowship 2026–2027 is an international program designed to protect academics whose lives or careers are threatened in their home countries. Through this initiative, scholars receive temporary academic appointments at universities worldwide, allowing them to continue their research and teaching in a secure environment.
The fellowship is administered by the Institute of International Education, a global organization committed to defending academic freedom and preserving scholarly knowledge.
📌 Program Snapshot
Program: IIE Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship
Organizer: Institute of International Education (IIE)
Host Locations: Universities and research institutions worldwide
Duration: Approximately one year, with the possibility of renewal
The fellowship ensures that scholars facing political repression, conflict, or violence can maintain their academic work while temporarily relocating to a safe host institution.
💸 Funding Support
The fellowship provides financial and institutional support such as:
- Grants of up to $30,000
- Health insurance coverage
- Relocation assistance
- Academic mentoring and professional development resources
Additional institutional support may be provided by host universities.
👩🎓 Who Can Apply?
The program is intended for:
- University professors
- Researchers and academic scholars
- Public intellectuals facing persecution or threats
Applicants usually have a strong academic background, including a PhD and research publications, and must demonstrate that they cannot safely continue their work in their home country.
The fellowship is not designed for students or those seeking funding for degree programs.
📄 Application Materials
Applicants generally need to submit:
- Fellowship application form
- Academic CV
- Personal statement outlining academic work and risks faced
- Letters of reference
- Evidence of scholarly achievements
These documents help assess both the academic merit and the urgency of the applicant’s circumstances.
🧾 How to Apply
- Gather all required documents.
- Submit the application to the IIE-SRF office.
- Applications undergo confidential review by experts.
- Selected fellows are matched with host universities worldwide.
Fellowships support visiting academic positions where scholars can continue teaching and research.
⏱️ Deadline
Applications are accepted year-round, with fellowship decisions typically issued several times each year.
🌍 Why This Fellowship Matters
The IIE-SRF fellowship:
- Protects academic freedom and intellectual contributions
- Provides a safe environment for threatened scholars
- Preserves knowledge and research during global crises
- Strengthens international academic collaboration
Through partnerships with hundreds of institutions worldwide, the program has helped displaced academics continue their work and contribute to global research communities.
