Scholars Rescue Fund Fellowship 2026 for Scholars and Researchers ($30,000 Fund)

Opportunity @Scholars Rescue Fund posted 3 hours ago in Research

Opportunity Detail

  • Opportunity ID 843
  • Degree Bachelor
  • Language Requirement TOEFL IELTS
  • Fields of study Verious Fields
  • Opportunity Type Partially Funded
  • Gender Male Female
  • Language of Instruction English
  • Application Fee Required Yes
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Opportunity Description

Applications are now open for the Institute of International  Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund—IIE-SRF Fellowship 2026. This program is the sole global initiative that organizes and funds fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars at IIE’s partner higher  education institutions worldwide, where IIE-SRF fellows may continue their work in a safe environment. Scholars facing threats in their home or residence countries are eligible for this year-long fellowship.

Education

About the IIE-SRF Fellowship

The IIE Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) provides life-changing opportunities for threatened scholars to continue their academic work in safety. This program offers yearlong research or teaching positions at higher education institutions worldwide, along with financial support, professional development resources, and career mentorship. Dedicated to supporting academics facing persecution or conflict, IIE-SRF empowers scholars to rebuild their careers, share their expertise, and contribute to global knowledge.

Key Details

Application Deadline: Rolling Basis

Awarding Institution: Institute of International Education (IEE)

Fellowship Duration: 9 to 12 Months

Location: Multi-Countries

Eligible Countries: All

Gender: Male/Female

Target Group: Professors, researchers, and public intellectuals experiencing threats

Benefits

Fellows will benefit from the program as follows:

  • Yearlong research/ teaching appointment at a safe higher education institution worldwide
  • Fellowship grant of up to $30,000, renewable for a second year
  • Individual health insurance coverage
  • Funding for relocation to the host institution
  • Professional development support, including resource guides, academic network access, CV and cover letter review, reference letters, career mentorship, and advising on post-fellowship opportunities
  • Financial support for conference attendance and language training (in some cases)
  • Opportunities to share academic work and speak about the home country at IIE-SRF or partner events, media, or other platforms
  • Dedicated support from IIE-SRF and partners before, during, and after the fellowship

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Additional Details:

  • The grant amount is subject to factors such as the host institution’s location and cost of living.
  • The host institution must provide financial support equal to or greater than the IIE-SRF fellowship award, typically in the form of stipends or direct benefits.
  • In-kind contributions such as office space, computer access, or laboratory fees are encouraged but don’t count toward the matching contribution.
  • A waiver of the full host funding requirement may be considered on a case-by-case basis for appointments in home regions or countries with lower living costs.

Fellowship Eligibility Criteria

Below are the details of the IIE-SRF Fellowship:

  • Applicants must be professors, researchers, and public intellectuals facing threats preventing work continuation in their home countries.
  • Scholars from any country or any academic field/discipline may qualify.
  • Assessment will be based on academic qualifications, experience, quality/potential of work, and urgency of threats.

Preference goes to scholars who:

  • Hold a Ph.D. or higher degree and have significant teaching/research experience.
  • Have an established record of published research and superior academic promise.
  • Face immediate, targeted threats to lives/careers or recently fled such threats.
  • Can benefit home/host academic communities.
  • Women, ethnic, racial, cultural, religious minorities, or underrepresented groups.

Ineligible Applicants:

These applicants will not be eligible for the IIE-SRF Fellowship:

  • Seeking to continue studies, Ph.D. included, or complete the academic training program.
  • Displaced/resided outside home countries for over two years.
  • Hold citizenship/permanent residency in a safe second country.
  • Completed two years on a comparable fellowship or other program for threatened scholars.

Application Review

  • IIE-SRF thoroughly reviews each applicant’s materials, evaluating their experience, the quality of their scholarly work, and the urgency of threats in their home country.
  • References and other sources may be contacted, such as experts in the applicant’s field or in the applicant’s country, while ensuring confidentiality.
  • Additional information may be requested directly from the applicant to fully understand their academic background and situation.
  • Due to high demand, not all eligible applicants can be granted fellowship support.

Required Application Materials

The following are the application supporting documents that applicants should submit:

  • Application Form
  • Current CV or resume detailing academic degrees, current and previous positions, academic publications, and other relevant academic work.
  • Academic Statement: Describe the  educational and professional background, research interests, and proposed fellowship activities (minimum one page).
  • Personal Statement: Explain your reasons for applying, including threats faced that prevent work continuation in your home country (a minimum of one page).
  • Reference Letters: Minimum of three letters, including academic/professional and personal references.
  • Copy of Ph.D. or highest degree.
  • Samples of current research publications.
  • Letter of commitment from the host institution (if applicable).

How to Apply?

  • Applicants can submit their application materials directly to srf@iie.org.
  • Alternatively, you may send your materials via fax or post to the address below if you cannot access email.
  • The application form, current CV, academic statement, and personal statement must be sent initially. The remaining materials can be sent later.
  • All submitted materials must be original and unique to the applicant.
  • Applications from eligible spouses should be submitted simultaneously.

Submission Address:

Scholar Rescue Fund
Institute of International  Education
One World Trade Center, 36th Floor
New York, New York 10007, USA

Education

Fax: +1-212-205-6425

Email: srf@iie.org

Frequently Asked Questions:

FAQs for IIE-SRF Fellowship – Scholarships.af Website

1. What does the IIE-SRF fellowship include?
The fellowship provides:

  • A one-year research or teaching position at a university in a secure location worldwide (renewable for a second and final year).
  • A grant of up to $30,000.
  • Health insurance coverage.
  • Relocation funding to the host institution.
  • Career support, such as CV reviews, mentorship, reference letters, and advice on post-fellowship opportunities.
  • Professional development resources, conference support, and language training (if applicable).
  • Platforms to share academic work or discuss the fellow’s home country through events or media.
  • Ongoing assistance from IIE-SRF and its partners throughout and beyond the fellowship.

2. Can scholars from any country apply?
Yes, scholars from all countries are eligible to apply.

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3. Are scholars from all academic disciplines eligible?
Yes, scholars from any academic field or discipline can apply.

4. What kinds of threats qualify for the fellowship?
Eligible threats include targeted persecution based on academic work, identity, or beliefs, such as harassment, censorship, imprisonment, or violence.
Scholars affected by general instability, insecurity, or conflict in their country may also qualify.
However, a lack of resources, funding, or career opportunities alone does not meet the criteria for this fellowship.

5. What academic qualifications are required?
The fellowship is designed for professors, senior researchers, and recognized public intellectuals, with preference given to those holding a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. Applicants should have experience in academic or research roles at higher  education institutions.

6. Can students apply?
No, this fellowship does not support students pursuing academic degrees, including Ph.D. candidates.

7. Is a history of published research necessary?
Yes, the fellowship considers an applicant’s publication record an important factor. The quality and scope of publications, along with the applicant’s experience and opportunities, are assessed during the review process.

8. Is English proficiency required?
No, English proficiency is not mandatory. However, a scholar’s language skills are considered when determining suitable fellowship placements. Fellows must possess the necessary skills to actively contribute to the academic environment at their host institution. In some cases, placements can be arranged based on a scholar’s specific language abilities.

9. Does a scholar’s legal or immigration status affect eligibility?
Generally, legal or immigration status does not disqualify a scholar. However, asylum or refugee status in a safe second country may impact the urgency assessment of the scholar’s situation.
Scholars with citizenship or permanent residency in a safe second country are typically ineligible.
Additionally, scholars must secure the appropriate legal or immigration status to work in their host country during the fellowship.

10. Can a scholar apply from any location?
Yes, scholars can apply from anywhere.
However, IIE-SRF prioritizes applicants who have been displaced or living outside their home countries for less than two years, unless they face renewed or ongoing threats in their current location. Scholars who have already completed two years in another fellowship or program for at-risk academics are not eligible for IIE-SRF support.

11. What happens during the application review process?
IIE-SRF carefully reviews each application to evaluate the scholar’s academic experience, the quality of their work, and the nature and urgency of the threat they face.

  • References and independent experts on the scholar’s field, country, or reported threats may be consulted (without sharing identifying details without consent).
  • Applicants may be contacted for additional information about their academic background or personal situation to ensure a thorough understanding of their needs.
  • All applicants are screened against global sanctions, money laundering, and law enforcement watchlists.
    While meeting eligibility criteria is necessary, it does not guarantee fellowship support due to limited resources.

12. Can a scholar without valid travel documents apply?
Yes, scholars without valid travel documents may still apply.
However, fellows must eventually obtain the necessary documents to travel and participate in a fellowship at the host institution. IIE-SRF cannot assist in obtaining travel documents or facilitating international travel for individuals who cannot leave their home country.

 

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