Deadline: July 27, 2025
Are you an academic or public intellectual whose life or career is under threat? The IIE-SRF Fellowship 2025-2026 offers a critical opportunity for displaced and at-risk scholars to continue their teaching, research, and writing in a safe and supportive academic environment.
Organised by the Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF), this prestigious fellowship provides funding, relocation support, and professional development to scholars facing immediate, targeted threats. Applications are currently open for the next selection round, and submissions are due by July 27, 2025.
About the IIE-SRF Fellowship 2025-2026
The IIE-SRF Fellowship 2025-2026 is a one-year residency (renewable for a second year) that allows qualified scholars to affiliate with higher education institutions worldwide. Since its founding in 2002, IIE-SRF has supported over 1,160 scholars from 62 countries across 522 institutions in 59 countries.
This is the only global programme that arranges, funds, and supports fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars at risk due to conflict, repression, or other dangers.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants to the IIE-SRF Fellowship 2025-2026 receive a comprehensive package that includes:
- 💰 Fellowship Grant: Up to $25,000 per year (renewable for a second year).
- 🏥 Health Insurance: Individual coverage is provided.
- ✈️ Relocation Support: Funding to help scholars move to their host institution.
- 🌐 Professional Development Opportunities, including:
- Access to academic networks
- Support for attending conferences
- Language training
- CV and cover letter review
- Letters of reference
- Career counselling and post-fellowship planning
- 🎤 Visibility Support: Participation in media, events, or speaking opportunities
- 🤝 Ongoing Support: Dedicated assistance from the IIE-SRF team before, during, and after the fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions to be considered for the IIE-SRF Fellowship 2025–2026:
- Be a professor, researcher, or public intellectual facing immediate, targeted threats to their lives, liberty, or academic work.
- Hold a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field.
- Demonstrate a strong academic record through publications, teaching, and/or research experience.
- Preference will be given to candidates who are under urgent and active threat.
Application Guidelines
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on July 27, 2025, to be reviewed in the September 2025 selection round.
Required Documents
- Completed IIE-SRF application form
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), listing education, work history, publications, and responsibilities
- At least three original letters of reference from trusted academic or professional contacts who can speak to the scholar’s work and situation (no AI-generated letters accepted)
Submission Instructions
Applications may be submitted via:
- Email to: srf@iie.org
- Fax or post, if email access is unavailable
Impact and Global Reach
The IIE-SRF Fellowship continues to play a vital role in protecting academic freedom worldwide. By placing scholars in safe host institutions, the programme helps preserve intellectual capital and advance education in areas of crisis.
Since 2002:
- 1,166+ scholars supported
- Scholars from 62 countries
- Hosted in 522 institutions across 59 countries
Apply Now
To take advantage of the IIE-SRF Fellowship 2025–2026, follow the links below:
👉 Click here to apply
👉 Click here to read more about the programme
Need Help With Your Application?
If you need expert guidance in drafting, refining, or reviewing your application materials, contact grantsdatabase.org for personalised support.
