IIE-SRF Fellowship 2025 | Apply Now

The IIE-SRF Fellowship offers international students and scholars facing needs to their safety and academic work temporary positions at partner institutions worldwide, allowing them to continue their studies and research in a secure environment.

Learn what you need in this guide such as eligibility, required documents, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.

About the IIE-SRF Fellowship:

The IIE-SRF (Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund) Fellowship is the only global program dedicated to arranging, funding, and supporting fellowships for scholars facing threats or displacement. These year-long fellowships, valued at USD $25,000, provide temporary academic positions at partner institutions worldwide, allowing fellows to continue their research and teaching in a safe environment. In most cases, fellows may apply for a second and final year of support to further sustain their academic work.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the IIE-SRF Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Required Language: English.
• Eligible Countries: Open to applicants from all countries.
• Open to Professors, senior researchers, and public intellectuals from any country, academic field, or discipline
• Applicants are evaluated based on their academic qualifications and experience, the quality and/or potential of their scholarly work, and the urgency and severity of the threats they face.
• Preference is given to applicants who:
  • Hold a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field and/or have extensive teaching or research experience at a university, college, or other institution of higher learning
  • Are facing or have recently fled from immediate, severe, and targeted threats to their lives and/or careers in their home countries or countries of residence
  • Demonstrate superior academic accomplishment and promise
  • Will benefit their home and/or host academic communities

Important Note: IIE-SRF generally cannot consider applications from individuals seeking to continue studies such as Ph.D. programs or academic training, those who have been displaced or residing outside their home countries for more than two years, those holding citizenship or permanent residency in a safe third country, or those who have completed two years on a comparable fellowship for threatened scholars. Due to high demand, not all eligible applicants can be awarded fellowships. Specifically for Ukrainian applicants, IIE-SRF(Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund) is prioritizing fellowships in Eastern or Central Europe and is currently unable to consider applications for placements elsewhere in Europe, including Western Europe. This policy will be reviewed as the situation evolves. 

Note: For more information about the eligibility criteria, visit the official website of IIE-SRF Fellowship and direct any inquiries regarding eligibility to srf@iie.org.

Benefits:

The IIE-SRF fellowship package includes the following benefits:

• 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, with most awards eligible for renewal for a second and final year
• Comprehensive individual health insurance coverage
• Funding to cover relocation expenses to the host institution
• Professional development support includes access to resource guides and academic networks, CV and cover letter review, letters of reference, career mentorship, and advising on post-fellowship opportunities. In some cases, fellows may also receive financial support for conference attendance and language training.
• Opportunities to share or promote academic work and raise awareness about their home country through IIE-SRF (Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund) or partner events, media, and other venues
• Dedicated, ongoing support from IIE-SRF (Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund) and its partners before, during, and after the fellowship

Note: For a full overview of the full cover award benefits, visit the Frequent Question on the official IIE-SRF Fellowship website.

Application Deadline:

To apply for the IIE-SRF Fellowship, review the application timeline and process below.

Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round; fellowships are awarded quarterly.

Note: Application deadlines are determined by the official IIE-SRF (Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund) website. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official IIE-SRF Fellowship website.

Requirements:

To be considered for the IIE-SRF Fellowship, scholars must submit the required application materials directly to srf@iie.org. If a scholar is unable to apply personally, a third party may submit the materials on their behalf. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and fellowships are awarded quarterly. The required application materials include:

• Completed Application Form

• Current CV or Resume
  • The CV should include:
    • Academic degrees (institution, field, and date of award)
    • Current position (institution, title, responsibilities, and employment dates)
    • Previous academic positions (in chronological order, including roles and dates)
    • Detailed list of academic publications (with full citations: title, authors, publication name, date, and page numbers)
    • Other relevant academic work (e.g., thesis supervision, conference presentations, grants, awards, professional affiliations)

• Academic Statement
  • A detailed statement (minimum one page) outlining the applicant’s academic and professional background, including:
    • Description of research interests
    • Summary of academic work and responsibilities
    • Explanation of activities (research, teaching, publishing, etc.) planned during the fellowship

• Personal Statement
  • A thorough narrative (minimum one page) explaining:
    • The reasons for seeking support from IIE-SRF
    • The threats or risks faced by the applicant
    • Reasons preventing continuation of academic work in the home country

• Reference Letters
  • IIE-SRF requires a minimum of three (3) original reference letters that include the elements listed below. Additional letters may be requested in some cases. Letters from colleagues both inside and outside the applicant’s home country are preferred. Each referee should address their specific knowledge of the applicant’s academic background and/or personal circumstances. Letters should not contain identical or AI-generated content. When possible, referees should compose their letters on official letterhead and send them directly to IIE-SRF at srf@iie.org.
    • Two (2) academic/professional letters of reference from colleagues who can speak in detail to the applicant’s research, publications, teaching, or other academic experience. When appropriate, letters should describe unique expertise and contributions to specific intellectual issues or questions.
    • Two (2) personal letters of reference from colleagues or other individuals familiar with the applicant’s circumstances and able to describe the threats faced.

• Copy of Ph.D. or Highest Degree Certificate

• Samples of Most Recent Research Publications

• (Optional) Letter of Intent from a Host Institution
  • If a host institution has agreed to support the fellowship, a letter indicating their intent should be included. This letter is not required for the application.

Important Notes: All application materials must be original and unique to the applicant. Identical language or AI-generated content (e.g., from ChatGPT) is not accepted and may harm the application. External sources must be cited.

Spouses should apply simultaneously; if one is awarded before the other applies, the second may not be considered. Each must submit separate, complete applications.

Submit materials via email to srf@iie.org, or by fax/post if email is unavailable.

Note: For complete details about the requirements, visit the official website of official IIE-SRF Fellowship website.

How to Apply: Step-by-step

To apply for the IIE-SRF Fellowship, it is important to follow the application process carefully. Below are the key steps to submit a complete application for this fellowship program.

Step 1: Prepare Application
Gather and prepare all required application documents. Ensure all materials are original and tailored to the applicant’s academic background and circumstances.

Step 2: Submit Application Requirements
Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate. Submit the full set of application materials following the program’s instructions.

Step 3: Send Application
Submit all materials via email to srf@iie.org.  If email is unavailable, fax or postal mail submissions are accepted.

Important Notes: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with fellowships awarded quarterly. If the applicant cannot submit materials personally, a third party may submit on their behalf. All application materials must be original and specific to the applicant’s academic background and circumstances. Identical or copied language from other applicants or sources without proper citation is not accepted. The use of AI tools such as ChatGPT for creating application materials or responses is strongly discouraged and may negatively impact application evaluation.

Note: For more detailed information, visit the official IIE-SRF Fellowship website.

Contact Details:

For any questions or further inquiries regarding the IIE-SRF fellowship, refer to the contact details below:

Tel: +1-212-205-6486
Fax: +1-212-205-6425
Email: srf@iie.org

Address (if email is not accessible):
IIE-Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF)
Institute of International Education
809 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017-3580
USA

Note: These contact details are based on the information available on the official official IIE-SRF Fellowship website. Verify through their contact page for the most up-to-date information.

Final Thoughts:

The IIE-SRF (Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund) Fellowship provides a vital lifeline to scholars whose academic work and safety are at risk. This fellowship offers both protection and the opportunity to continue meaningful academic contributions in a secure environment.

Make sure to review all eligibility criteria and application requirements, as this fellowship can be an important step toward advancing academic and professional goals in higher education and research.

Don’t forget to explore other scholarships that may assist in funding your education, whether they are local, National, or international.

Check out the scholarship guides on this website for additional options.

Reference:

• IIE Scholar Rescue Fund. (n.d.). Eligibility criteria. Institute of International Education. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://www.scholarrescuefund.org/applicants/eligibility-criteria/
• Institute of International Education. (n.d.). Frequent questions. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://www.scholarrescuefund.org/applicants/frequent-questions/
• Institute of International Education. (n.d.). Instructions and application. Institute of International Education. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://www.scholarrescuefund.org/applicants/instructions-and-application/
• Institute of International Education. (n.d.). For scholars. Institute of International Education. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://www.scholarrescuefund.org/for-scholars/
• Opportunity Desk. (2024, December 27). IIE-SRF Fellowship 2025. Opportunity Desk. Retrieved May 29, 2025, from https://opportunitydesk.org/2024/12/27/iie-srf-fellowship-2025/