Are you a scholar or academic at risk due to targeted threats in your home country? The IIE-SRF Fellowship offers a life-changing opportunity for scholars to continue their academic journey in safety, providing financial and institutional support for up to two years. In this article, we will guide you through the details of the IIE-SRF Fellowship, its eligibility criteria, benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
What is the IIE-SRF Fellowship?
The IIE-SRF Fellowship is a prestigious, fully-funded scholarship program designed to provide scholars with a safe academic environment where they can continue their research or teaching. This fellowship is especially aimed at researchers, professors, and intellectuals who are facing imminent threats to their lives and careers due to political or other forms of targeted violence. Established by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in 2002, the IIE-SRF Fellowship offers vital support to those whose academic freedom and safety are at risk.
Benefits of the IIE-SRF Fellowship
The IIE-SRF Fellowship provides comprehensive support to its recipients, including:
- Financial Support: A grant of up to US$25,000 is awarded to fellows, based on factors such as the host institution's location, the cost of living, and additional contributions from the host institution or other sources.
- Health Insurance: Fellows receive individual health insurance coverage during their fellowship period.
- Visiting Academic Appointment: Fellows are placed in a host institution for up to one year, with the possibility of a renewal for a second year, allowing them to continue their research or teaching in a secure academic environment.
About the Baden-Württemberg Fund
The Baden-Württemberg Fund plays a significant role in supporting visiting research appointments at universities and higher education institutions in the German state of Baden-Württemberg. Researchers in the fields of liberty and security are encouraged to apply, especially those facing or who have recently fled immediate threats to their lives and careers.
IIE-SRF Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the IIE-SRF Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a PhD or the highest degree in their field, or have substantial research or teaching experience at a university or higher learning institution.
- Targeted Threats: Preference is given to scholars who are facing or have recently fled from immediate, severe, and targeted threats to their lives or careers.
- Field of Study: Scholars from any academic field or discipline are welcome to apply.
- Academic Excellence: Applicants should demonstrate superior academic accomplishments and promise, and their work should have the potential to benefit their home and host academic communities.
How to Apply for the IIE-SRF Fellowship
To apply for the IIE-SRF Fellowship, follow these steps:
-
Prepare the Required Documents:
- Application Form: Complete the official application form.
- Academic Statement: Provide a comprehensive statement detailing your academic and professional background.
- CV/Resume: Submit your most recent CV or resume.
- Personal Statement: Explain why you are applying for the IIE-SRF Fellowship and how it will help you continue your academic work.
- Academic/Professional References: Two academic or professional letters of reference highlighting your research, teaching, or other relevant academic experiences.
- Personal References: Two personal letters of reference from individuals familiar with your current situation and professional background.
- Degree Proof: A copy of your PhD or higher academic degree.
- Writing/Research Samples: Submit samples of your most recent academic work or publications.
- Host Institution Letter: If possible, include a letter from a potential host institution that may support your fellowship.
-
Submit Your Application: You can submit all the required materials via email, fax, or post. If submitting by email, use the preferred contact address srf@iie.org.
-
Addressing Letters: Any reference letters should be addressed to:
- Scholar Rescue Fund
- Institute of International Education
- 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017-3580, USA
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: PhD (Doctoral)
- Eligible Countries: All countries worldwide
- Academic Fields: Any academic discipline
- Duration: One to two years
- Deadline: Open all year round
Additional Opportunities
Along with the IIE-SRF Fellowship, you might also want to consider applying for other prestigious scholarships like the University Of Bologna Scholarship 2025-2026 which is also fully funded and supports students in pursuing higher studies abroad.
Conclusion
The IIE-SRF Fellowship provides a critical lifeline for scholars at risk, offering both financial support and the security of continuing their academic work in a safe environment. If you meet the eligibility requirements, don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to further your academic career and contribute to the global academic community. For more information and to begin your application, please visit the official IIE-SRF website.
Have a question? Ask now!
Follow us on Instagram!