Advance your academic career in safety and freedom.
Applications are now open for the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) Fellowship 2026–2027, a fully funded program that supports scholars who face serious threats to their lives and academic work in their home countries.
This fellowship is designed to provide endangered or displaced academics with the opportunity to continue their teaching, research, and scholarship in a safe and supportive environment.
Host Organization: Institute of International Education – Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF)
Level of Study: Doctoral (PhD) or equivalent-level research
Location: Host institutions worldwide (including Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region)
Duration: 1 year (renewable for a second year)
Deadline: July 27, 2025
Founded in 2002 by Dr. Henry Jarecki, Dr. Henry Kaufman, and Mr. Thomas Russo, the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund continues IIE’s century-long tradition of defending academic freedom. From aiding scholars during the Bolshevik Revolution to protecting intellectuals during the Hungarian Uprising, IIE has remained steadfast in its commitment to liberty of thought and the pursuit of knowledge.
The Baden-Württemberg Fund, a regional partner in Germany, provides additional placements and support to fellows hosted at universities within that region.
Fellows receive comprehensive financial and professional support, including:
Grant of up to USD $25,000
Individual health insurance
A visiting academic appointment at a host institution for up to one year (renewable for a second year)
The exact amount awarded depends on various factors, including the host institution’s location, local cost of living, and any additional contributions provided by the host or external partners.
The IIE-SRF Fellowship is open to:
Scholars from all countries and disciplines, including professors, senior researchers, public intellectuals, and academic leaders
Individuals who are facing or have recently escaped severe and targeted threats to their lives or careers in their home countries
Academics who demonstrate:
A Ph.D. or terminal degree in their field
Extensive teaching or research experience at the university level
Strong academic credentials and potential
A clear ability to contribute to both their home and host academic communities
Applicants may apply personally or through a third party. To apply, submit the following documents:
Completed IIE-SRF Application Form
Academic Statement – A detailed overview of your academic background and professional experience
Current CV or Résumé
Personal Statement – Describe the threats you’ve faced, your current situation, and why you’re seeking support from IIE-SRF
Two Academic or Professional References – Letters from colleagues familiar with your academic work, research, publications, or teaching
Two Personal References – Letters from individuals aware of the challenges you’re facing and your professional achievements. Preferably submitted on official letterhead and sent directly to IIE-SRF at srf@iie.org
Copy of Ph.D. or Terminal Degree Certificate
Samples of Recent Academic Work – Research publications or writing samples
(Optional but Recommended): A letter of interest from a potential host institution willing to host your fellowship
Submit your application materials via:
Email (preferred): srf@iie.org
Fax or postal mail (if necessary):
Scholar Rescue Fund
Institute of International Education
809 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017-3580
USA
The IIE-SRF Fellowship offers a lifeline to scholars under threat—providing a secure academic platform to rebuild, research, and re-engage. More than just financial support, the fellowship connects scholars to global networks, host institutions, and long-term opportunities in their field.
🗓 July 27, 2025
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is highly encouraged.