Institute of International Education (IIE) Scholar Rescue Fund PhD Studentships

The Institute of International Education (IIE) Scholar Rescue Fund PhD Studentships provide critical emergency funding for doctoral students facing threats to their academic freedom and safety. This program offers temporary academic sanctuary at partnering universities worldwide, enabling threatened scholars to continue their PhD research in secure environments. Established to protect scholars at risk, the fund supports those displaced by conflict, persecution, or other emergencies that jeopardize their ability to complete doctoral studies. Eligible applicants include PhD candidates from any country who demonstrate academic excellence and face immediate danger to their scholarly work. The studentships typically cover tuition, living expenses, and research support for one to two academic years at host institutions. This initiative represents a vital lifeline for doctoral researchers whose work is threatened by political instability, violence, or repression. By providing safe academic havens, the IIE Scholar Rescue Fund helps preserve valuable research and supports the next generation of scholars in completing their doctoral degrees despite challenging circumstances. The program has supported hundreds of scholars from diverse disciplines since its establishment, contributing to global knowledge preservation and academic freedom protection.