IIE-SRF Fellowship 2026/27 | Call for Applications

Applications are open for the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund’s next review cycle. This programme funds threatened scholars unable to work safely at home. Fellows take temporary academic positions anywhere in the world. Applications for December’s committee meeting close October 11, 2026.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: Institute of International Education Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF)
• Funding: USD $30,000 for one year, renewable for a second year
• Eligibility: Threatened or displaced scholars from any country or field
• Application Deadline: October 11, 2026, for December’s committee review
• Review Schedule: Rolling; fellowships awarded quarterly
• Program Reach: 1,208 scholars placed across 534 institutions since inception

Focus Areas

• Continuing research and teaching safely abroad
• Any academic discipline or field of study
• Urgent, targeted threats to academic careers
• Rebuilding scholarly careers at host institutions

About the Fellowship

IIE-SRF places at-risk scholars into safe, temporary academic roles. Preference goes to PhD holders with strong publication records. Applicants generally shouldn’t have lived abroad for over two years. Note: Ukrainian applicants are currently limited to placements in Eastern or Central Europe.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows receive $30,000 in fellowship funding for one year. A second year of support is often possible afterward. IIE-SRF conducts thorough review, sometimes contacting references directly. High demand means not every eligible applicant receives funding.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must face genuine, immediate threats tied to their academic work. Current PhD students seeking to finish their studies don’t qualify. Applicants shouldn’t hold safe second-country citizenship or residency already. Spouses applying together should submit their applications simultaneously.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a CV, academic statement, and personal statement first. Three original reference letters and degree copies follow afterward. AI-generated application text is strongly discouraged and actively screened for.

How to Apply

Email your complete application materials directly to srf@iie.org.

Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers genuine, life-changing support for scholars facing real danger. Its rolling, quarterly review means timing your application matters significantly. Eligible scholars should submit complete materials well before the October 11 deadline.

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