Scholars are invited to host academic institutions – universities, colleges, research institutes – where they may safely and productively continue their academic work. Depending on the academic field and his or her relevant experience, a scholar may teach, guest lecture, pursue independent research, and/or publish while contributing to the academic community both in the host country and in Iraq. Scholars receive fellowship funding from the Iraq Scholar Rescue Project to cover their relocation costs to the host institution as well as a living stipend for a one-year period. Fellowships may be renewed for a second and final year.

The host university is asked to provide essential assistance to help scholars to settle into their new positions so that they may return to productive academic work. This may include, for example, assigning a faculty member to help the scholar learn his or her way around the university, providing assistance to find suitable housing when possible, and providing access to university facilities and libraries. Family members may join the scholar at the beginning or at later stages of the fellowship. Host universities will be informed during the placement process. Where possible, information from the host or other local institutions on schooling, medical care and other necessary resources is especially appreciated.

Academic positions at host institutions outside of the Middle East / North Africa (MENA) region must be approved on an exceptional case-by-case basis. In most cases, the host institution will be expected to match or exceed the contribution of the Iraq Project to the support of the visit, generally through direct financial contribution of equal or greater value in the form of salary or stipend. In the case of placement in North America or Europe, SRF generally grants $20,000 to the scholar and requests an equal, dollar-for-dollar match on the part of the host institution. Some in-kind contributions such as housing, meals, research assistance, tuition or training subsidies, office, computer and communications support may also qualify as matching contributions. Institutions outside of the MENA region lacking financial resources to offer the expected matching contribution, especially those in less developed countries, may seek a waiver of this requirement on a case-by-case basis.