Scholarship Overview
What Is the IIE-SRF Fellowship?
The Institute of International Education’s Scholar Rescue Fund (IIE-SRF) is the only global program that arranges, funds, and supports fellowships for threatened and displaced scholars at partnering higher education institutions worldwide. Since its inception, IIE-SRF has awarded fellowships to 1,208 scholars from 62 countries, placing them at 534 host partner institutions in 61 countries.
The fellowship provides year-long academic positions with USD $30,000 in support, enabling scholars to continue their research and teaching in safety. Fellows are placed at institutions of higher learning anywhere in the world where they can work without fear.
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Who Can Apply?
Professors, researchers and public intellectuals from any country, field, or discipline may qualify. The program is specifically designed for scholars who:
- Face immediate threats, violence, or persecution in their home countries
- Have been displaced or forced to flee due to conflict, political unrest, or other dangers
- Hold academic credentials and seek to continue their scholarly work
- Can secure a host institution willing to provide an academic placement
There are no restrictions based on nationality, academic discipline, or geographic region. Scholars from Zimbabwe and other SADC nations who meet the threat criteria are eligible to apply.
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Fellowship Benefits
Each IIE-SRF fellowship includes:
- USD $30,000 for a one-year academic position
- Placement assistance at a partnering higher education institution
- Support services throughout the fellowship period
- Eligibility to apply for a second and final year of fellowship support in most cases
The fellowship covers temporary academic positions worldwide, including placements within scholars’ home regions when safe and appropriate.
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Application Deadline
IIE-SRF accepts applications on a rolling basis, with fellowships awarded quarterly. For consideration at the December 2026 Selection Committee meeting, applications must be submitted no later than:
October 11, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit as early as possible, as the rolling review process means earlier submissions may receive faster consideration.
How to Apply
The application process requires careful preparation. Follow these steps:
- Review eligibility criteria on the official IIE-SRF website to confirm you qualify
- Identify a potential host institution or contact IIE-SRF for placement assistance
- Gather required documents, including academic credentials, evidence of threats, and reference letters
- Complete the application form with detailed information about your academic background and current situation
- Submit all materials before the deadline for your desired review cycle
Applications are available in multiple languages: Arabic, Persian, French, Spanish, and Turkish.
Required Documents
While the full document list is available on the official website, applicants typically need:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum vitae or academic resume
- Evidence of threats or displacement (documentation of the danger faced)
- Academic credentials and publications list
- Letters of reference from academic colleagues
- Host institution letter of invitation (if already secured)
- Personal statement explaining your situation and goals
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed quarterly by the IIE-SRF Selection Committee. The process evaluates:
- The severity and immediacy of threats faced
- Academic qualifications and research potential
- Feasibility of placement at a host institution
- Alignment with program priorities
Selected fellows receive placement support to match them with appropriate host institutions worldwide.
Host Institutions and Locations
Fellows have been placed at 534 institutions across 61 countries. Host institutions include universities, colleges, and research centers that provide:
- Temporary academic appointments
- Access to research facilities and libraries
- Integration into academic departments
- Opportunities for teaching and publication
Placements may occur in any region where the scholar can work safely, including within Africa, Europe, North America, or other locations.
Testimonial
An IIE-SRF fellow from Pakistan, undertaking the fellowship in the U.S., shared: “This past semester has shown me what it truly means to teach without fear, an experience that has been liberating.”
Additional Resources
IIE-SRF provides information about:
- Alternative resources for scholars who may not qualify
- Frequently asked questions about the fellowship experience
- Guidance for host institutions interested in partnering
- Program history and impact statistics
For scholars from Zimbabwe and the SADC region facing academic persecution or threats, this program offers a critical pathway to safety and continued scholarly contribution.