The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) Fellowship 2026 offers a critical lifeline for scholars, researchers, and academics who are facing threats, persecution, conflict, violence, or other circumstances that prevent them from safely continuing their academic work in their home countries.
Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Scholar Rescue Fund provides fellowship support to qualified scholars whose academic careers and personal safety are at risk. Through this prestigious fellowship, scholars can continue their research, teaching, publishing, and other academic activities at host institutions in safe locations around the world.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with fellowships awarded quarterly.
Application Deadline
For consideration at the September 2026 Selection Committee meeting, applications must be submitted no later than July 26, 2026.
Although the program accepts applications on a rolling basis, applicants are encouraged to submit complete applications as early as possible.
What Is the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship?
The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship is designed to support scholars who are unable to continue their academic work due to threats, violence, political instability, armed conflict, persecution, or other dangerous circumstances in their home countries.
The fellowship enables qualified academics to:
- Continue their research activities.
- Pursue teaching opportunities.
- Publish scholarly work.
- Maintain academic productivity.
- Preserve academic freedom.
- Continue contributing to global knowledge and scholarship.
- Work safely at host institutions outside their home country.
The program recognizes the essential role scholars play in advancing education, innovation, research, and intellectual development worldwide.
Why the IIE-SRF Fellowship Matters
Across many regions of the world, scholars face significant challenges that threaten both their professional careers and personal safety. These challenges may include:
- Armed conflict and war.
- Political persecution.
- Restrictions on academic freedom.
- Targeted threats against researchers and educators.
- Harassment based on academic work.
- Institutional collapse due to crises.
- Human rights violations affecting academics.
- Security risks that make scholarly work impossible.
The IIE-SRF Fellowship helps preserve academic careers while ensuring that scholars can continue contributing valuable research and expertise to the global academic community.
Fellowship Application Process
Scholars can submit their applications directly to the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund by email.
In situations where an applicant cannot personally submit the materials, a third party may submit the application on the scholar’s behalf.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must prepare and submit several important documents to support their fellowship application.
1. Completed Application Form
Every applicant must complete and submit the official IIE-SRF application form.
2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
The CV or resume should be detailed and include comprehensive information about the applicant’s academic and professional background.
The CV must include:
Academic Degrees
Provide details for all earned degrees, including:
- Degree-granting institution.
- Academic field or discipline.
- Date the degree was awarded.
Current Academic Position
Include:
- Institution location.
- Employment dates.
- Professional title.
- Primary responsibilities and duties.
Previous Academic Positions
List all previous academic appointments in chronological order, including:
- Institution name.
- Location.
- Employment dates.
- Professional title.
- Key responsibilities.
Academic Publications
Applicants should provide a detailed publication record, including:
- Journal articles.
- Books.
- Book chapters.
- Research reports.
- Exhibitions.
- Other scholarly outputs.
Each publication should include:
- Full citation.
- Authors.
- Publication title.
- Publication date.
- Page numbers where applicable.
Additional Academic Contributions
Applicants should also include:
- Master’s thesis supervision.
- Ph.D. supervision.
- Conference presentations.
- Research grants.
- Honors and awards.
- Professional affiliations.
- Other significant academic achievements.
3. Academic Statement
Applicants must submit a thorough academic statement of at least one page.
The statement should explain:
- Academic background.
- Professional experience.
- Research interests.
- Areas of specialization.
- Academic accomplishments.
- Teaching experience.
- Research activities.
- Publishing activities.
- Proposed fellowship activities.
Applicants should clearly describe what they intend to accomplish during the fellowship period, including future research, teaching, publishing, or related scholarly activities.
4. Personal Statement
A personal statement of at least one page is required.
The statement should provide:
- Reasons for applying to IIE-SRF.
- Detailed explanation of threats faced.
- Description of risks and challenges.
- Circumstances preventing continued work in the home country.
- Need for fellowship support.
- Impact of current conditions on academic work and personal safety.
Applicants are encouraged to provide clear, detailed, and factual information that helps reviewers understand their circumstances.
Reference Letter Requirements
IIE-SRF requires a minimum of three original reference letters.
Additional letters may be requested when necessary.
Letters from colleagues both within and outside the applicant’s home country are preferred.
Academic and Professional Reference Letters
Applicants should provide academic or professional references from colleagues who can evaluate:
- Research quality.
- Publications.
- Teaching effectiveness.
- Academic achievements.
- Professional contributions.
- Specialized expertise.
These references should demonstrate the applicant’s scholarly qualifications and impact within their field.
Personal Reference Letters
Applicants should also submit personal references from individuals familiar with their situation.
These references should explain:
- Threats faced by the applicant.
- Personal circumstances.
- Security concerns.
- Reasons the applicant requires protection and support.
Important Reference Letter Guidelines
Reference letters should:
- Be original and individualized.
- Reflect the referee’s direct knowledge of the applicant.
- Avoid identical wording.
- Avoid AI-generated content.
- Be prepared on official letterhead whenever possible.
- Be sent directly to IIE-SRF when feasible.
Additional Supporting Documents
Applicants must also provide:
Copy of Highest Degree
Submit a copy of the Ph.D. degree or the highest academic degree earned.
Recent Research Publications
Provide samples of the most recent scholarly publications.
Host Institution Letter (Optional)
Applicants who have already secured a host institution may submit a letter confirming the institution’s intention to host the fellowship if awarded.
This document is optional and not required for application consideration.
Minimum Documents Needed for Initial Review
To begin evaluating an application, IIE-SRF must receive:
- Application Form.
- Current CV.
- Academic Statement.
- Personal Statement.
The remaining supporting documents may be submitted later.
Important Policy on Originality and AI-Generated Content
IIE-SRF places significant importance on authenticity and originality.
All application materials must:
- Be unique to the individual applicant.
- Reflect personal academic experiences.
- Reflect personal circumstances.
- Avoid copied content.
- Properly cite borrowed information.
The program strongly discourages the use of artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT, for preparing application materials or answering program-related questions.
According to IIE-SRF guidelines, suspected AI-generated language may negatively affect an application during the assessment process.
Applicants should therefore ensure that all submitted materials genuinely reflect their own experiences, academic achievements, and personal circumstances.
Special Guidance for Married Applicants
Spouses who both qualify for the fellowship and intend to apply should submit their applications simultaneously.
Applicants should note:
- Each spouse must submit a separate application.
- Each application must contain unique materials.
- Shared or duplicated application content is not permitted.
- Delayed submission by one spouse after the other has already received a fellowship award may affect consideration.
How Applications Are Reviewed
IIE-SRF conducts a comprehensive assessment of every application.
Reviewers evaluate:
- Academic qualifications.
- Research achievements.
- Scholarly contributions.
- Publication record.
- Professional accomplishments.
- Nature of the threats faced.
- Urgency of the applicant’s situation.
- Potential fellowship impact.
During the review process, IIE-SRF may:
- Contact references.
- Consult independent experts.
- Seek information about the applicant’s academic field.
- Request clarification from applicants.
- Verify details regarding reported threats and circumstances.
The organization states that identifying information will not be shared without the applicant’s permission.
Selection and Fellowship Awards
Fellowships are awarded quarterly through a formal selection process.
Because demand for support is extremely high, meeting eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee fellowship funding.
Applicants are encouraged to submit complete, compelling, and well-documented applications that clearly demonstrate both scholarly excellence and urgent need.
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Final Thoughts
The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship 2026 represents a unique opportunity for threatened scholars to continue their academic careers in safety while preserving their contributions to global research, teaching, and intellectual advancement. Scholars facing serious risks in their home countries are encouraged to prepare strong, original applications and submit them before the July 26, 2026 deadline for consideration in the September 2026 review cycle.
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