The Institute of International Education Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship (IIE-SRF) is one of the most important international opportunities designed to support scholars whose academic work and personal safety are under threat in their home countries. Managed by the Institute of International Education, this prestigious program provides temporary academic placements and financial support to ensure that scholars facing persecution, conflict, or repression can continue their teaching and research in a safe academic environment.

Since its establishment, the program has become a vital global initiative dedicated to protecting intellectual freedom and preserving academic knowledge by assisting scholars who would otherwise be unable to continue their work. More than 1,000 scholars from over 60 countries have already benefited from the fellowship, with placements in hundreds of universities across the world.

About the Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship

The Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship is the only global program dedicated exclusively to arranging and funding fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars. The fellowship offers scholars an opportunity to temporarily relocate to host universities around the world where they can continue their academic work safely.

Many academics around the world face severe threats due to their research, political climate, armed conflicts, or persecution for their ideas. These threats often make it impossible for them to continue teaching, conducting research, or publishing in their home countries.

The fellowship program addresses this challenge by providing:

• Safe academic placement at international institutions

• Financial support to sustain research and teaching

• Opportunities to maintain academic careers

• Support for intellectual freedom and academic independence

In many cases, fellows continue contributing to global scholarship while maintaining ties to their home regions and academic communities.

Financial Benefits and Funding Coverage

The Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship offers significant financial and professional support to successful applicants.

Fellowship Funding

Successful fellows receive approximately USD $30,000 for one year, which supports a temporary academic appointment at a host institution.

Possible Extension

Many fellows may apply for a second and final year of fellowship support, depending on their circumstances and progress.

Additional Program Support

Apart from the stipend, the fellowship includes:

• Placement at an accredited higher education institution

• Academic mentorship and institutional support

• Networking with international scholars

• Assistance from program administrators before and during the fellowship

This financial and institutional support enables scholars to maintain their academic careers despite displacement.

Who Can Apply for the Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship

One of the unique aspects of the program is its global accessibility. Scholars from any country and academic discipline can apply, provided they meet the required conditions.

Eligible Applicants

The fellowship accepts applications from:

• Professors

• Researchers

• Public intellectuals

• University lecturers

• Academic scholars working in recognized fields

Applicants must be individuals who cannot continue their academic work in their home countries due to threats or persecution.

Countries and Regions Eligible to Apply

The fellowship is open to scholars from all countries worldwide. There are no restrictions based on nationality, continent, or academic field.

Eligible applicants may come from:

• Africa

• Asia

• Europe

• North America

• South America

• Middle East

• Oceania

However, applicants must demonstrate that they are facing serious threats that prevent them from safely continuing their work in their home country.

Academic Fields Covered

The program supports scholars from all academic disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Social sciences

• Humanities

• Engineering

• Medicine

• Natural sciences

• Political science

• Environmental science

• Law

• Education

• Technology and innovation

This broad eligibility ensures that scholars from diverse fields can continue contributing to global knowledge and research.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship, applicants must meet several criteria relating to academic qualifications, professional experience, and personal circumstances.

Academic Qualifications

Applicants are generally expected to:

• Hold a PhD or the highest academic degree in their field

• Have significant teaching or research experience at a university or higher education institution

• Demonstrate a strong record of academic achievement

• Have published research or scholarly work

These qualifications demonstrate that applicants are active contributors to academic knowledge.

Threat or Risk Conditions

The fellowship is designed specifically for scholars facing serious risks. Applicants must demonstrate that they:

• Face immediate threats to their life, safety, or academic career

• Have recently fled their country due to persecution

• Are unable to continue academic work safely in their home country

Selection committees carefully evaluate the urgency and severity of these threats.

Additional Selection Considerations

Preference is given to applicants who:

• Have an established record of published research

• Show strong academic promise or achievement

• Can contribute to host institutions academically

• Will benefit both their host and home academic communities

These criteria help ensure that fellows can continue meaningful scholarly work during the fellowship.

Who Is Not Eligible

The program does not typically consider applications from individuals who:

• Are applying primarily to continue academic studies such as a PhD

• Have lived safely outside their home country for more than two years

• Already hold permanent residency in a safe third country

• Have already completed two years of similar fellowships for threatened scholars

These restrictions help the program focus resources on scholars facing urgent risks.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit several documents to demonstrate eligibility and academic qualifications.

Required Documents

Typical application materials include:

1. Completed application form

2. Updated academic CV or resume

3. Academic statement describing research work

4. Personal statement explaining circumstances and threats

5. Letters of recommendation

6. Copy of PhD or highest academic degree

7. Samples of academic publications

8. Optional host institution letter (if available)

The CV should clearly include:

• Academic degrees and institutions

• Current and previous academic positions

• Teaching responsibilities

• Complete publication list

These materials help reviewers assess the applicant’s academic background and the urgency of their situation.

Application Process

The application process is designed to accommodate scholars who may face difficult circumstances.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare all required documents and supporting materials.

2. Complete the fellowship application form.

3. Compile your academic CV and research publications.

4. Write a personal statement describing the threats you face.

5. Submit the application materials by email.

Applicants who cannot submit their applications personally may ask a third party to submit the application on their behalf.

Apply here

Selection Process

The selection committee evaluates applicants based on several factors.

Evaluation Criteria

Applicants are assessed according to:

• Academic qualifications and professional experience

• Quality and impact of their research work

• Urgency and severity of threats faced

• Potential to contribute to host institutions

Due to high demand, not all eligible applicants receive fellowships.

Impact of the Scholar Rescue Fund

The Scholar Rescue Fund has had a significant impact on global academic communities.

Key achievements include:

• Supporting more than 1,185 scholars

• Representing scholars from over 62 countries

• Collaborating with over 500 host universities worldwide

These numbers highlight the importance of the program in protecting scholars and preserving academic knowledge globally.

Why the Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship Matters

Academic freedom is essential for global progress, innovation, and knowledge creation. When scholars are silenced or forced into exile, the loss extends beyond individuals to entire societies.

The Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship ensures that:

• Intellectual freedom is preserved

• Scholars can continue producing knowledge

• Universities maintain diverse global perspectives

• Academic communities remain resilient in times of crisis

By protecting scholars, the fellowship protects the future of education and research worldwide.

Application Deadline

26th April 2026

The Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship offered by the Institute of International Education stands as one of the most critical global initiatives supporting academics in danger. With substantial financial support, international placements, and institutional backing, the program provides scholars with a rare opportunity to continue their research and teaching despite difficult circumstances.

For more information visit here

For more global opportunities click here