IIE-SRF 2021 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 and funds fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars at partnering higher education institutions worldwide. These year-long fellowships of $25,000USD 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.

• Table of Content
• About Institute of International Education Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF)
• Fellowships For Threatened Scholars Around The World
• Aim and Benefits of Fellowships For Threatened Scholars Around The World
• Requirements for Fellowships For Threatened Scholars Around The World Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Institute of International Education Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF)

Around the world, scholars have long suffered harassment, detention, torture, and other forms of persecution as a result of their work. In the worst cases, scholars pay with their lives for their dedication to their academic work and freedom of thought. The Institute of International Education (IIE), an independent not-for-profit organization, has participated in the rescue of persecuted scholars since its founding in 1919. In 2002, IIE launched the Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) to formalize its commitment to protecting the lives, voices, and ideas of scholars around the globe.... continue reading

Fellowships For Threatened Scholars Around The World

Aim and Benefits of Fellowships For Threatened Scholars Around The World

The IIE-SRF fellowship package includes the following:  

• A yearlong research and/or teaching appointment at a higher education institution in a safe location anywhere in the world;  
• a fellowship grant of up to $25,000 (most awards are eligible for renewal for a second and final year);  
• individual health insurance coverage;  
• funding for relocation to the host institution;  
• professional development support through resource guides and access to academic networks; CV and cover letter review; letters of reference; career mentorship and advising on post-fellowship opportunities; and (in some cases) financial support for conference attendance and language training;  
• opportunities through IIE-SRF or partner events, media, or other venues to share or promote the fellow’s academic work and/or speak about his/her home country;  
• dedicated support from IIE-SRF and its partners – before, during, and after the fellowship.

Requirements for Fellowships For Threatened Scholars Around The World Qualification

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.

We encourage applications from women and members of ethnic, racial, cultural, or religious minority groups, or those otherwise underrepresented in their fields.

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 minimum eligibility requirements. 

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Scholars can apply by sending the required application materials to us directly at [email protected]. In cases where a scholar is unable to submit the application, a third party may send the materials on their behalf.

For more details, visit IIE-SRF website.