The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) is a prestigious global fellowship program managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to protect intellectual freedom and academic continuity. The fellowship provides critical financial aid and placement assistance to professors, researchers, and public intellectuals who face severe threats, persecution, or instability in their home countries. By facilitating temporary visiting appointments at safe host institutions abroad, IIE-SRF ensures that global knowledge production is preserved. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with fellowships awarded quarterly to scholars who demonstrate both academic excellence and an urgent need for protection.
IIE Scholar Rescue Fund Fellowship Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Institute of International Education (IIE) |
| Host Country | Global (Network of Host Institutions) |
| Category | Fellowship & Academic Protection |
| Eligible Nationalities | All Countries (At-Risk Scholars) |
| Reward | Financial Support & Institutional Placement |
| Key Criteria | Academic merit, severe risk/threat, and PhD holder |
| Application Deadline | Rolling Basis (Quarterly Reviews) |
IIE Scholar Rescue Fund Admission Details
The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) is the world’s leading program for the protection of at-risk academics. Founded on the principle that the preservation of intellectual capital is essential for global progress, the fund steps in when conflict or persecution threatens to silence the world’s most brilliant minds.
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The fellowship is not a traditional degree program; rather, it is a professional lifeline. It enables scholars to continue their research, teaching, and publishing in a secure environment, often serving as a bridge to long-term academic stability. Each fellow is placed within a host university that matches their scholarly expertise, fostering international collaboration while safeguarding the individual’s life and work.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the IIE-SRF Admission
IIE-SRF provides a tiered support system tailored to the specific relocation and research needs of the selected scholars.
Tier 1: Core Fellowship & Relocation Support
- Financial Fellowship: Direct financial support to cover living expenses during the temporary academic appointment.
- Relocation Assistance: Targeted funds to help scholars and their immediate families move safely to a host country.
- Placement Services: Expert assistance in securing a visiting scholar position at a respected international university.
Tier 2: Professional Continuity & Health Benefits
- Academic Protection: Resources to help scholars maintain their professional standing, including support for publishing and conference participation.
- Insurance Assistance: Support for health insurance coverage, which varies depending on the specific host institution and country of placement.
- Institutional Networking: Access to a global network of universities committed to academic freedom and intellectual independence.
Tier 3: Merit Recognition & Research Grants
- Scholarly Grants: Potential for additional research-specific funding based on the quality of the applicant’s prior publications and research proposal.
- Collaborative Opportunities: Facilitation of joint research projects with host faculty to ensure high academic output during the fellowship tenure.
Eligibility Requirements for IIE-SRF Scholarship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must be professors, researchers, or public intellectuals with a strong record of scholarly contribution and a PhD.
- Study Status: Must be facing immediate and serious threats (persecution, conflict, or instability) in their home country.
- Visa Status: Fellowship support is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to obtain the necessary visa for their host country of placement.
- Program Admission: Candidates must be eligible for a visiting appointment at a partner host institution within the IIE-SRF global network.
How to Apply for IIE-SRF Scholarships 2025 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Submit an initial inquiry or a full application directly via email to the IIE-SRF office, including a CV and academic statement.
- Eligibility Assessment: IIE-SRF staff conduct a confidential review of the scholar’s academic merit and the severity of the threats they face.
- Automatic Evaluation: Selected applications are reviewed by a committee of experts who assess the applicant’s potential to contribute to their field while in safety.
- Notification of Award: Successful scholars are notified and begin the placement process with a host institution, followed by relocation logistics.
Application Deadline: Rolling Basis
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for the IIE-SRF Fellowship?
Professors, researchers, and public intellectuals from any country who face serious threats to their lives or careers due to their academic work or identity.
2. Is this a degree-granting program?
No, IIE-SRF provides fellowships for visiting scholar appointments; it does not lead to a formal degree (like a Master’s or PhD).
3. What academic fields are supported?
The fellowship is open to all academic disciplines, including STEM, social sciences, humanities, law, and the arts.
4. How long does the fellowship last?
The duration is typically for one year, but it can sometimes be extended depending on the scholar’s situation and host institution arrangements.
5. Does the fellowship cover my family?
IIE-SRF provides support for temporary relocation, which may include assistance for immediate family members depending on the specific fellowship terms.
6. When should I apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, since awards are made quarterly, it is best to apply as soon as the need for rescue arises.
7. What is the most important part of the application?
Both the academic record (CV and publications) and the personal statement detailing the specific threats or risks are critical for assessment.
8. Can I apply if I have already left my home country?
Yes, scholars who have recently fled their home country due to threats are still eligible to apply, provided they have not yet found permanent safety.
9. Does IIE-SRF find the host institution for me?
IIE-SRF provides placement assistance, but scholars are also encouraged to identify potential host institutions within their own professional networks.
10. Can I use AI to write my application statements?
No, use of AI-generated content is strongly discouraged and may negatively affect your assessment, as statements must be original and unique.
