The IIE-SRF Fellowship 2026/2027 is now open for applications. This fully funded program supports endangered scholars from around the world to continue their doctoral level research abroad. Fellows get up to US$25000, personal health insurance and a visiting school position for up to one year, which can be renewed for a second year. The fellowship is for professors, senior researchers and public thinkers who face serious threats to their lives or careers in their home countries. It gives them a safe place to keep working and help school communities. The deadline to apply is 27 July 2025.
Also See: Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship 2026 For Internationals
Quick Details About IIE-SRF Fellowship
| Host Country | Any safe country (View here) |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Any university or research place |
| Degree Level | Postdoc / Research |
| Eligible For | Internationals |
| Benefits | Fully Funded |
| Number of Awards | About 50 every year |
| Duration | 1 year (can renew 1 more) |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Deadline | Open all year |
IIE-SRF Fellowship Overview 2026-2027
The IIE-SRF Fellowship started in 2002 from the Institute of International Education. It helps scholars who are in danger because of their teaching or research. You go to a safe university in any country to continue your work. The program finds host schools and pays part of the cost. You can stay 1 year and ask for one more year. Many winners come from places with war, threats or rules against free thinking. The fellowship keeps knowledge alive and helps scholars go back home when safe. It is for people who teach or do research in university.
Scholarship Benefits
- Up to 25,000 USD for one year.
- Money for living costs like food and rent.
- Health insurance for you.
- Help to find a host university.
- Possible second year if needed.
- No money for family or extra travel.
The amount depends on your needs and host country costs. See Also: Melbourne Research Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded).
Eligibility Requirements for 2026 Intake
You may be eligible to apply if:
Your Status:
- The program is open to individuals from any country.
- You are a professor, a senior researcher, or a public intellectual.
How You Are Evaluated:
Applicants are judged based on three main things:
- Their academic background and quality of work.
- The future potential of their work.
- The level of threat or risk they are currently facing.
Preference is Given to Applicants Who:
- Are currently facing serious, immediate threats to their life or career, or have recently escaped from such danger.
- Hold a PhD or the highest degree in their field, or have strong university-level teaching or research experience.
- Have the ability to make a positive impact on their home or host academic community.
- Show a record of excellent academic achievement and strong future promise.
See Also: Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)
IIE-SRF Fellowship 2026 Application Deadline
You can apply any time. There is no fixed deadline. Send documents when you are ready. The program reviews all year.
Required Documents
- Application form filled completely.
- Academic statement about your background and work.
- Current CV with your jobs and papers.
- Personal statement about the danger you face.
- Two academic letters from colleagues.
- Two personal letters from people who know your situation.
- Copy of PhD degree.
- Samples of your recent writing or research.
- Letter from a university that may host you (not required but helps).
All papers in English.
How to Apply For IIE-SRF Fellowship
- Fill application form on IIE site or email. This starts your request.
- Write academic statement about your education and career. This shows your skills.
- Make CV with all your work and publications. This proves your experience.
- Write personal statement about the threats you face. This is key for danger proof.
- Ask four people for letters (two academic and two personal). They send direct to IIE.
- Add your PhD copy and recent papers. This shows your research.
- Send everything by email to srf@iie.org or by post. This completes your application.
- Wait for answer. They review and help find host school.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance
- Write clear personal statement about real danger.
- Get letters from people who know your work and risks.
- Show your teaching or research is important.
- Find host university that fits your field.
- Send strong samples of your writing.
- Apply as soon as you need help.
Official Website
For more details and deadlines visit the official IIE-SRF Fellowship website.