IIE Scholar Rescue Fund 2026: Fully Supported Fellowships for Threatened Scholars Worldwide

The Institute of International Education Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) provides fellowship support to professors, researchers, and public intellectuals whose lives, academic careers, or ability to continue their work are threatened in their home countries or countries of residence.

Through the programme, threatened and displaced scholars can receive support to undertake temporary academic appointments at universities, colleges, research institutions, think tanks, museums, and other approved higher education or research institutions in safe locations around the world.

The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund is designed to protect academic freedom, preserve knowledge, and enable scholars to continue teaching, researching, publishing, and contributing to intellectual and public life despite serious threats.

Unlike conventional scholarships, the programme is not intended to finance students who want to begin or continue a degree. It is specifically focused on established scholars and public intellectuals who require urgent support to continue their academic or intellectual work in safety.

What Is the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund?

The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund is a global programme administered by the Institute of International Education. It arranges, funds, and supports fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars through partnerships with higher education and research institutions.

The programme was established to respond to situations in which academics and intellectuals are unable to continue their work because of persecution, repression, violence, censorship, imprisonment, intimidation, harassment, political instability, or other serious threats.

IIE-SRF seeks to provide more than short-term financial assistance. It helps scholars:

• Relocate or establish themselves in a safer academic environment.
• Continue research and teaching.
• Maintain professional and intellectual activity.
• Rebuild academic networks.
• Access professional development and career guidance.
• Contribute to host academic communities.
• Prepare for future academic or professional opportunities.

The programme accepts applications from scholars around the world and across academic disciplines. According to the official programme information, fellowships are awarded on a rolling basis, with selection decisions generally made quarterly.

IIE-SRF Fellowship 2026: Key Details

• Programme: IIE Scholar Rescue Fund
• Organising institution: Institute of International Education
• Opportunity type: Fellowship and temporary academic placement
• Eligible applicants: Threatened professors, researchers, and public intellectuals
• Nationality: Scholars from any country may qualify
• Academic disciplines: All academic fields and disciplines
• Fellowship duration: Typically 9–12 months
• Potential renewal: A second and final year may be possible in many cases
• Fellowship grant: Up to US$30,000
• Additional support: Health insurance, relocation assistance, professional development, and academic networking
• Application system: Rolling applications
• Important deadline: October 11, 2026, for possible consideration at the December 2026 Selection Committee meeting
• Application method: Email the required materials to srf@iie.org
• Programme location: Safe host institutions worldwide, subject to placement and programme approval

The official application page states that applications submitted by October 11, 2026 may be considered at the IIE-SRF Selection Committee meeting in December 2026. Because the programme accepts applications throughout the year, this is a consideration deadline rather than a permanent annual closing date.

What Does the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund Provide?

The IIE-SRF fellowship package is intended to support a scholar’s temporary academic placement and help them continue their work in a safe environment.

1. Temporary Academic Appointment

The programme supports a yearlong research and/or teaching appointment at a partnering higher education or research institution in a safe location.

Potential host institutions may include:

• Universities.
• Colleges.
• Research centres.
• Think tanks.
• Museums.
• Other approved institutions of higher learning or research.

The exact nature of the appointment depends on the scholar’s academic background, research interests, professional experience, host institution, and available placement opportunities.

The fellowship is designed to enable scholars to continue activities such as:

• Teaching university courses.
• Conducting academic research.
• Writing journal articles or books.
• Completing ongoing research projects.
• Publishing scholarly work.
• Supervising students, where appropriate.
• Participating in seminars and academic events.
• Contributing to research groups and institutional projects.

2. Fellowship Grant of Up to US$30,000

The IIE-SRF fellowship includes a grant of up to US$30,000 to support a temporary academic appointment of up to one year.

The final amount may depend on factors such as:

• The location of the host institution.
• The cost of living in the host country.
• The length and structure of the fellowship.
• Contributions from the host institution.
• Additional support available from other sources.

The grant is not necessarily paid as a single lump sum directly to the scholar. In many cases, funds are sent to the host institution, which disburses the support through a salary or stipend arrangement. In certain situations, IIE-SRF may provide funds directly to the scholar in instalments.

3. Health Insurance

The fellowship package includes individual health insurance coverage for the fellow.

This support is intended to help the scholar access necessary healthcare during the fellowship period. Applicants should review the specific insurance arrangements and conditions that apply to their placement.

4. Relocation Support

IIE-SRF provides funding for relocation to the host institution.

Relocation assistance may help address some of the costs associated with moving from a threatened or displaced situation to a new academic environment. The specific arrangements depend on the scholar’s circumstances, host location, and programme requirements.

5. Professional Development

The programme provides professional development support to help fellows sustain and advance their academic careers.

This may include:

• Resource guides.
• Access to academic networks.
• CV and cover-letter review.
• Career mentorship.
• Professional advising.
• Guidance on post-fellowship opportunities.
• In some cases, financial support for conference attendance.
• In some cases, support for language training.

These services are important because scholars may need assistance not only during their fellowship but also when transitioning to future academic or professional opportunities.

6. Academic Visibility and Networking

IIE-SRF and its partners may provide opportunities for fellows to share or promote their academic work.

These opportunities may include:

• Academic events.
• Partner activities.
• Media engagements.
• Public discussions.
• Scholarly presentations.
• Opportunities to speak about the scholar’s home country or area of expertise.

Such activities can help fellows maintain professional visibility, expand their networks, and contribute to discussions about academic freedom, displacement, conflict, and knowledge preservation.

7. Ongoing Support

IIE-SRF and its partners provide support before, during, and after the fellowship.

This may include assistance related to:

• Fellowship placement.
• Academic integration.
• Relocation.
• Professional development.
• Networking.
• Career planning.
• Transitioning after the fellowship.

The programme also works with host institutions to help fellows adjust to their academic and local environments.

Fellowship Duration and Renewal

The IIE-SRF fellowship generally lasts between 9 and 12 months, although the precise duration depends on the needs and arrangements of the fellow and host institution.

In many cases, fellows may apply for a second and final year of financial support. Renewal is not automatic and depends on the programme’s assessment, available funding, the fellow’s circumstances, and the host arrangement.

The fellowship does not necessarily need to begin at the start of an academic semester. Fellows may begin their appointments at different points during the year, depending on the host institution and placement arrangements.

Who Can Apply for the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund?

IIE-SRF accepts applications from scholars who meet the programme’s academic and threat-related requirements.

Professors

University and college professors who are unable to continue teaching or conducting research safely may qualify.

Applicants should provide evidence of:

• Their current or previous academic appointment.
• Teaching responsibilities.
• Research experience.
• Academic publications.
• Professional contributions.
• The threats preventing them from continuing their work.

Established Researchers

Researchers working at universities, research institutes, policy centres, think tanks, laboratories, or other recognised institutions may be eligible.

Relevant applicants may work in areas such as:

• Social sciences.
• Humanities.
• Natural sciences.
• Medicine and health.
• Engineering.
• Education.
• Law.
• Economics.
• Political science.
• Environmental studies.
• Technology.
• Arts and cultural research.
• Other academic or intellectual disciplines.

The programme does not limit eligibility to a particular academic field or discipline.

Public Intellectuals

Select public intellectuals may also qualify, even where their work does not fit a conventional university faculty position.

A public intellectual may be a recognised writer, scholar, commentator, researcher, or thought leader whose work contributes significantly to public debate, intellectual life, social understanding, or academic inquiry.

Applicants in this category should demonstrate the quality and relevance of their work, their professional accomplishments, and the threats they face.

Academic Qualifications and Experience

Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate strong academic qualifications and professional experience.

Applicants are generally expected to have some combination of the following:

• A PhD or the highest degree available in their academic field.
• Significant teaching experience at a university, college, or other higher education institution.
• Significant research experience.
• An established record of academic publications.
• Evidence of scholarly accomplishment or promise.
• A clear academic research agenda.
• Experience contributing to academic or professional communities.
• A record of teaching, publishing, supervising, presenting, or conducting research.

Holding a PhD is strongly preferred, but the programme’s eligibility language also refers to scholars who hold the highest degree in their field. Applicants should explain their qualifications clearly, particularly if their discipline or professional pathway does not follow a traditional PhD route.

Threats and Circumstances That May Qualify

The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund focuses on scholars who face threats that prevent them from safely continuing their academic or intellectual work.

Qualifying circumstances may include:

• Targeted persecution.
• Intimidation.
• Harassment.
• Repression.
• Censorship.
• Arrest or imprisonment.
• Violence.
• Threats to personal safety.
• Threats connected to scholarship, identity, or beliefs.
• General insecurity, instability, or civil conflict that significantly affects the scholar’s ability to continue their work.

The programme assesses both the nature and urgency of the threat. Applicants must explain clearly why they cannot continue their work in their home country or current country of residence.

A general lack of funding, insufficient research resources, limited career advancement, or a desire to access better professional opportunities does not, by itself, qualify an applicant for IIE-SRF support.

Preference Given During Assessment

Although scholars from any country and discipline may qualify, IIE-SRF gives preference to applicants who demonstrate several important characteristics.

Preference may be given to scholars who:

1. Hold a PhD or the highest degree in their field.
2. Have significant teaching or research experience at a higher education institution.
3. Have an established record of published research.
4. Demonstrate strong academic achievement or potential.
5. Face immediate and targeted threats to their lives or careers.
6. Have recently fled threats in their home country or country of residence.
7. Can contribute meaningfully to their host academic community.
8. May also benefit their home academic community through continued research, teaching, collaboration, or knowledge exchange.

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award. Due to the high demand for assistance and limited resources, IIE-SRF cannot support every applicant who meets the basic requirements.

Who Is Generally Not Eligible?

The programme identifies several categories of applicants it typically cannot consider.

1. Students Seeking to Continue Their Studies

IIE-SRF generally does not support individuals who are seeking funding to:

• Begin a PhD.
• Continue PhD studies.
• Complete a degree programme.
• Undertake academic training.
• Continue as students without an established academic career.

The programme is intended for professors, established researchers, and select public intellectuals rather than students seeking educational funding.

2. Scholars Displaced for More Than Two Years

Applicants who have been displaced or have resided outside their home countries for more than two years are generally not eligible.

However, an exception may apply if the applicant is experiencing a renewed or continuing threat in the country where they have been displaced.

Applicants should explain their displacement history accurately and provide relevant dates.

3. Individuals with Safe Second-Country Citizenship or Permanent Residency

Applicants who hold citizenship or permanent residency in a safe second country are generally not eligible.

This rule reflects the programme’s focus on scholars who lack a safe alternative from which to continue their academic work.

4. Applicants with Two Years of Comparable Fellowship Support

Individuals who will have completed two years on a comparable fellowship or programme for threatened scholars are generally not eligible for further IIE-SRF support.

Applicants should disclose previous fellowships, academic rescue programmes, or similar support.

5. Applicants Seeking General Career Advancement

The programme is not intended for scholars who simply want to improve their career prospects, obtain better research funding, access a more prestigious institution, or leave their country for professional convenience.

The central requirement is a credible and serious threat that prevents the scholar from continuing their work safely.

Special Note for Ukrainian Applicants

The official eligibility information includes a specific note concerning Ukrainian applicants.

IIE-SRF states that, within the context of the war in Ukraine and its effects on the academic community, the programme is focusing its support on fellowships undertaken in Eastern or Central Europe.

The programme indicates that it is unable to consider applications from Ukrainian scholars seeking placements elsewhere in Europe, including Western Europe, under the stated policy.

Applicants affected by this policy should consult IIE-SRF directly for the latest guidance before preparing or submitting an application, as programme approaches may change in response to developments and available resources.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit a set of documents that demonstrate their academic background, professional experience, scholarly work, personal circumstances, and need for assistance.

The required materials include the following.

1. Completed Application Form

Applicants must complete the official IIE-SRF application form.

The form is available through the programme’s application instructions page.

2. Current CV or Résumé

The CV should provide a detailed account of the applicant’s academic and professional background.

It should include:

• Academic degrees.
• Degree-granting institutions.
• Academic fields.
• Dates degrees were awarded.
• Current position.
• Current institution and location.
• Dates of employment.
• Professional title.
• Current responsibilities.
• Previous academic positions in chronological order.
• Locations and dates of previous appointments.
• Professional responsibilities.
• Academic publications.
• Journal articles.
• Books and book chapters.
• Exhibitions, where relevant.
• Thesis supervision.
• Conference presentations.
• Grants.
• Honours and awards.
• Professional affiliations.
• Other relevant academic work.

Publication entries should include full citations where possible, including:

• Publication name.
• Authors.
• Title of the work.
• Date of publication.
• Page numbers, where available.

A detailed CV is important because IIE-SRF assesses the applicant’s academic experience, scholarly quality, and potential contribution to a host institution.

3. Academic Statement

Applicants must submit an academic statement of at least one page.

The statement should explain:

• The applicant’s academic background.
• Professional experience.
• Research interests.
• Academic achievements.
• Previous teaching and research activities.
• Publications and scholarly contributions.
• The work the applicant would undertake during the fellowship.
• Proposed research, teaching, publishing, or other academic activities.

The academic statement should demonstrate that the applicant has a clear scholarly identity and a realistic plan for continuing productive academic work during the fellowship.

4. Personal Statement

Applicants must submit a personal statement of at least one page explaining why they are seeking IIE-SRF support.

The statement should include:

• The applicant’s reasons for applying.
• The threats or risks they are facing.
• The circumstances preventing them from continuing their work safely.
• The reasons they cannot remain in or return to their home country at the present time.
• The urgency of their situation.
• How the fellowship would help them continue their academic or intellectual work.

This statement should be specific, factual, and detailed. Applicants should explain their circumstances clearly rather than relying on general descriptions of insecurity or professional difficulty.

5. Reference Letters

The application requires reference letters that address both the applicant’s academic background and personal circumstances.

The application instructions state that IIE-SRF requires a minimum of three reference letters, although the detailed breakdown identifies:

• Two academic or professional reference letters.
• Two personal reference letters.

Applicants should therefore prepare for the possibility that four letters may be required or requested.

Academic or Professional References

Two academic or professional colleagues should provide letters discussing:

• The applicant’s research.
• Publications.
• Teaching.
• Academic experience.
• Professional contributions.
• Areas of expertise.
• Contributions to specific intellectual questions or fields.

Personal References

Two personal references should come from colleagues or other individuals who understand the applicant’s circumstances and can describe the threats they have faced.

Reference letters should be original and specific to the applicant. Each referee should write from their own knowledge and should not use identical or AI-generated text.

Where possible, referees should prepare letters on official letterhead and send them directly to IIE-SRF at srf@iie.org.

6. Copy of PhD or Highest Degree

Applicants must provide a copy of their PhD or highest academic degree.

If the applicant does not hold a PhD, they should provide documentation of the highest degree relevant to their academic or professional field and explain their qualifications where necessary.

7. Samples of Recent Research Publications

Applicants must submit samples of their most current research publications.

These samples help IIE-SRF assess:

• The quality of the applicant’s scholarship.
• Research competence.
• Academic contribution.
• Relevance of the applicant’s work.
• Potential for continued scholarly activity.

8. Host Institution Commitment Letter, If Available

Applicants who have already secured a commitment from a university or other institution to host their fellowship may submit a letter confirming the institution’s intent to host them if they receive an award.

However, a host commitment is not required at the initial application stage.

This is important because applicants may apply before identifying or securing a host institution. IIE-SRF may assist with placement and host arrangements after reviewing the application.

Initial Materials Required for Assessment

To begin assessing an application, IIE-SRF must receive the following four items:

1. Completed application form.
2. Current CV or résumé.
3. Academic statement.
4. Personal statement.

The remaining materials may be submitted later.

Applicants should nevertheless aim to prepare the complete application package as early as possible, particularly because reference letters, degree certificates, and publication samples may take time to obtain.

Important Rules for Application Materials

All application materials must be original and specifically prepared for the applicant’s academic background and personal circumstances.

IIE-SRF states that it will not accept academic or personal statements that:

• Use identical language to statements submitted by other applicants.
• Contain copied material without proper attribution.
• Present generic or fabricated accounts.
• Fail to reflect the applicant’s actual circumstances.

Any information or language borrowed from online sources must be properly cited.

The programme also strongly discourages applicants from using artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT, to create application materials or responses to application questions. Suspected AI-generated language may negatively affect the assessment of an application.

Applicants should therefore write their statements in their own words, provide accurate details, and ensure that all claims are truthful and personally relevant.

Special Guidance for Spouses Applying Together

If two spouses may both qualify for IIE-SRF and intend to apply, they should submit their applications at the same time.

The programme notes that if one spouse submits an application after the other spouse has already been awarded an IIE-SRF fellowship, the second application may not be considered.

Each spouse must submit a complete and unique application package. Even if both applicants are experiencing similar circumstances, their academic statements, personal statements, and supporting materials must reflect their individual backgrounds and situations.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow the official application process carefully.

Step 1: Review the Eligibility Criteria

Confirm that you meet the academic, professional, geographic, and threat-related requirements.

Pay particular attention to:

• Your academic status.
• Your degree and research experience.
• Your publication record.
• The nature of the threats you face.
• Your displacement history.
• Your citizenship or permanent residency status.
• Any previous comparable fellowship support.

Step 2: Download the Application Form

Obtain the official IIE-SRF application form from the programme’s application instructions page.

Step 3: Prepare the Four Initial Documents

Prepare the following:

• Completed application form.
• Current CV.
• Academic statement.
• Personal statement.

These are the documents IIE-SRF needs to begin assessing an application.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Materials

Prepare:

• Reference letters.
• Degree certificate.
• Recent publication samples.
• Host institution letter, if available.

The remaining materials may be submitted after the initial four documents, but applicants should not delay unnecessarily.

Step 5: Submit by Email

Send the application materials to:

srf@iie.org

If a scholar cannot submit the application personally, a third party may send the materials on the scholar’s behalf.

If email access is unavailable, the programme also permits materials to be sent by fax or post.

APPLY HERE

Postal Address

Scholar Rescue Fund
Institute of International Education
One World Trade Center, 36th Floor
New York, New York 10007
USA

Fax: +1-212-205-6425

Application Deadline and Rolling Admissions

IIE-SRF accepts applications on a rolling basis, and fellowships are awarded quarterly.

For possible consideration at the IIE-SRF Selection Committee meeting in December 2026, applications must be submitted no later than:

October 11, 2026

Applicants who wish to be considered during this cycle should submit their materials before the stated date. Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered for a later selection cycle, depending on programme capacity and timing.

Because the programme receives a high volume of applications, interested scholars should begin preparing their materials as early as possible. Reference letters, publication samples, degree documents, and evidence of threats may require additional time to assemble.

How IIE-SRF Reviews Applications

IIE-SRF conducts a detailed assessment of each application.

The review considers:

• Academic qualifications.
• Professional experience.
• Quality of scholarly work.
• Publication record.
• Academic potential.
• Nature of the threats faced.
• Urgency of the applicant’s circumstances.
• Ability to continue productive academic work.
• Potential benefit to a host institution.
• Potential benefit to the applicant’s home academic community.

IIE-SRF may contact references or other sources, including independent experts familiar with:

• The applicant’s academic field.
• The applicant’s country of origin.
• The applicant’s reported circumstances.
• The nature of the threats described.

The programme states that it will not share identifying information about an applicant without permission.

In some cases, IIE-SRF may contact applicants directly to request additional information about their academic work or personal situation. This may be necessary to understand the applicant’s background and assess the urgency and credibility of the request.

Selection Committee and Award Decisions

After the initial assessment, selected applications may be presented to the IIE-SRF Selection Committee.

The Selection Committee makes the final decisions on fellowship awards. The committee meets four times per year.

However, not every applicant who meets the eligibility criteria will necessarily be presented to the committee or receive funding. The programme has limited resources and must prioritise cases according to academic merit, urgency, threat level, placement possibilities, and available support.

Host Institution Matching and Financial Contributions

IIE-SRF works with higher education and research institutions that can host fellows and support their academic work.

Host institutions may include:

• Universities.
• Colleges.
• Research centres.
• Think tanks.
• Museums.
• Other institutions of higher learning or research.

The host institution is expected to provide an academic environment in which the scholar can continue teaching, research, writing, or other appropriate work.

IIE-SRF generally requires the host institution to provide financial support equal to or greater than the IIE-SRF fellowship award. This matching support may take the form of:

• Stipend.
• Salary.
• Housing.
• Airfare.
• Health insurance.
• Other direct benefits that offset living expenses.

In-kind contributions such as office space, computer access, library access, or laboratory fees may strengthen the overall support package but generally do not count as matching financial support.

In certain cases, IIE-SRF may consider waiving the full host-funding requirement, particularly where a fellowship is undertaken within the scholar’s home region or in a country with a lower cost of living.

Can Applicants Apply Without a Host Institution?

Yes. Applicants do not need to have already secured a host institution before applying.

If an applicant has already obtained a host commitment, they may submit a letter from the institution. However, the letter is optional at the initial stage.

Applicants without a host institution may still be considered for support, subject to eligibility, academic assessment, urgency, available funding, and the possibility of arranging a suitable placement.

Global Eligibility and Geographic Coverage

The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund is global in scope.

Scholars from:

• Africa.
• Asia.
• Europe.
• North America.
• Latin America.
• The Caribbean.
• The Middle East.
• Oceania.
• Other regions worldwide.

may qualify, provided they meet the programme’s academic and threat-related criteria.

There is no restriction to a particular race, nationality, continent, or academic discipline in the general eligibility criteria. However, specific placement policies or regional restrictions may apply in certain circumstances, such as the programme’s current guidance concerning Ukrainian applicants.

Applicants may apply from any location, although the programme generally focuses on scholars who are facing threats and who have not been safely settled outside their home country for an extended period.

Learn More HERE

Important Considerations Before Applying

Before submitting an application, prospective applicants should consider the following:

Be Clear About the Threat

Explain the threat in concrete terms. Describe what has happened, when it happened, how it affects your work, and why you cannot safely continue your academic activities.

Demonstrate Academic Continuity

Show that you have a clear plan for continuing research, teaching, publishing, or other academic work during the fellowship.

Provide Evidence of Scholarly Achievement

Include a detailed CV, publication list, degree documentation, and recent research samples.

Use Original Statements

Write the academic and personal statements in your own words. Avoid generic language, copied text, or statements that do not reflect your personal experience.

Prepare References Early

Reference letters may take time to secure. Choose referees who know your academic work and, where relevant, understand the threats or circumstances you face.

Do Not Present the Fellowship as a Study Scholarship

The programme is intended for established scholars and public intellectuals. Applicants should focus on continuing their academic work rather than seeking funding for a new degree.

Contact IIE-SRF Directly When Unsure

Questions about eligibility should be directed to:

srf@iie.org

Applicants should contact the programme directly if they are uncertain about their academic status, displacement history, country situation, host institution, or the nature of their circumstances.

Official Links and Contact Information

• Official IIE Scholar Rescue Fund website: https://www.scholarrescuefund.org/
• Eligibility criteria: https://www.scholarrescuefund.org/applicants/eligibility-criteria/
• Application instructions: https://www.scholarrescuefund.org/applicants/instructions-and-application/
• Application and scholar information: https://www.scholarrescuefund.org/for-scholars/
• Application email: srf@iie.org
• Telephone: +1-212-205-6486
• Fax: +1-212-205-6425

Conclusion

The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund 2026 provides a vital opportunity for threatened professors, researchers, and public intellectuals to continue their academic and intellectual work in a safer environment. Through temporary academic appointments, financial assistance of up to US$30,000, health insurance, relocation support, professional development, and academic networking, the programme helps protect scholars whose work and personal safety are at risk.

The opportunity is open to qualified scholars from any country and academic discipline, but applicants must demonstrate both a strong academic or intellectual background and a credible threat that prevents them from continuing their work safely.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Scholars seeking possible consideration at the December 2026 Selection Committee meeting should submit their applications by October 11, 2026. Applicants should prepare original and detailed materials, explain their circumstances truthfully, and contact IIE-SRF directly if they need clarification about eligibility or the application process.

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