Fellowships for threatened scholars around the world

The Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) is the only global program that arranges, funds, and supports fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars at partnering higher education institutions worldwide, including inside their home regions. These yearlong fellowships support visiting appointments at partnering higher education institutions anywhere in the world that allow the scholars to continue their work in safety. At the heart of IIE-SRF is the idea that each scholar we support is a beacon of hope in our world.

For over 100 years, IIE has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing threatened and displaced scholars with career- and life-saving support. As IIE marked its scholar rescue centennial in 2020, we recognize that the need to support academics facing threats to their lives and careers is greater than ever. 

IIE-SRF Fellowship Overview:

The Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) is the only global program that arranges, funds, and supports fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars at partnering higher education institutions worldwide. These year-long fellowships of USD $30,000 support temporary academic positions at institutions of higher learning anywhere in the world where IIE-SRF fellows can continue their work in safety. In most cases, IIE-SRF fellows are eligible to apply for a second and final year of fellowship support.

IIE-SRF accepts applications on a rolling basis, and fellowships are awarded quarterly. Applications must be submitted no later than July 26, 2026 for possible consideration at IIE-SRF’s Selection Committee meeting in September 2026. 

We have awarded IIE-SRF fellowships to 1,195 scholars from 62 countries, placing them at 532 host partner institutions in 61 countries around the world.

Fellowships for threatened scholars around the world

The Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) is the only global program that arranges, funds, and supports fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars at partnering higher education institutions worldwide, including inside their home regions. At the heart of IIE-SRF is the idea that each scholar we support is a beacon of hope in our world.

Building upon IIE’s century-long legacy of assisting students and scholars under threat, IIE-SRF has since 2002 supported 1,208 scholars from 62 countries in partnership with 532 host institutions in 61 countries.

Eligibility Criteria

IIE-SRF accepts applications from professors, researchers, and public intellectuals who face threats and cannot continue their work in their home countries. Scholars from any country and in any academic field or discipline may qualify. Applicants are assessed based on academic qualifications and experience, the quality and/or potential of their work, and the urgency of the threats that they face.

Preference is given to scholars who:

• hold a Ph.D. or highest degree in their field and have significant teaching and/or research experience at a university, college, or other institution of higher learning;
• have an established record of published research;
• demonstrate superior academic accomplishment or promise;
• are facing or have recently fled from immediate, targeted threats to their lives and/or careers in their home countries or countries of residence;
• will benefit their home and/or host academic communities.

Unfortunately, IIE-SRF typically cannot consider applications from individuals who:

• are seeking to continue their studies, including Ph.D. study, or to complete an academic training program;
• have been displaced or have resided outside their home countries for more than two years;
• hold citizenship or permanent residency in a safe second country;
• will have completed two years on a comparable fellowship or other program for threatened scholars.

Because of high demand for assistance, IIE-SRF is not able to grant fellowship support to all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements.

Note to potential Ukrainian applicants: IIE-SRF continues to follow closely the events in Ukraine and the devastating impacts of the war on the academic community and country more broadly. Within this context, we are faced with the difficult decision of how to best allocate our limited resources. After careful consideration, IIE-SRF is focused on supporting fellowships undertaken in Eastern or Central Europe. We are unfortunately unable to consider applications from Ukrainian scholars seeking placements elsewhere in Europe, including Western Europe. IIE-SRF will continue to evaluate its approach as events on the ground unfold. Thank you for your understanding.