The following questions are asked frequently by applicants and their nominators. The answers should offer helpful information about the application process and after a fellowship is awarded.

Applying for a fellowship

Do I have to work in a specific discipline or academic field to qualify for a fellowship?   

What type of academic training or experience is required?

Academics, researchers, and independent scholars may qualify. A graduate degree will be required before a fellowship is awarded. Preference is given to scholars with a Ph.D. or other highest degree in their field; who have been employed in scholarly activities at a university, college or other institution of higher learning during the last 4 years (excluding any period of suspension, ban or prohibition); and whose selection is likely to benefit the scholarly community in the home and/or host country or region.

What is a qualifying threat?

Any threat of persecution or violence on account of your scholarship, identity or beliefs would qualify. This includes intimidation, harassment, repression, censorship, unjust punishment and violence arising out of your work, and/or your exercise of fundamental human rights.

Does the risk have to be related to your work?

Not always. In many cases, scholars and academics are targeted because of their work—the content of their teaching, research or writing triggers threats and often violent reprisals. But academics also are targeted because they are prominent members of their community. These “exemplar” attacks on scholars are an efficient means of chilling scholarly activity in the entire community. 

Do students qualify?

No. SRF does not award fellowships to students seeking financial support to continue their studies.

Does SRF support graduate or post-graduate study?

SRF generally does not award fellowships for degree-granting programs of study or to scholars whose primary purpose is to continue their graduate or post-graduate training. The primary purpose of SRF is to support established scholars. SRF may on occasion support a scholar in a graduate or post-graduate program of study if the program offers the most advantageous hosting arrangement for a candidate whose primary need is to escape some qualifying risk or threat.

Do I need to have publications?

Preferences will be given to scholars who have published in their academic field.

Do I have to speak English?

No. Preference will be given to candidates with advanced ability in the language of the host country/institution.

Does my legal or immigration status matter?

No, although candidates must secure legal status or work authorization sufficient to permit awarding of funds prior to the start of the fellowship. SRF staff will work with approved candidates and host institutions to arrange legal status, but under no circumstances will SRF staff provide legal advice to candidates or institutions.

Does my current location matter?

Does it matter how long I have been out of Iraq?

When will I learn the result of my application?

Finding a host institution:  

What qualifies as a host institution?

Scholar-grantees generally undertake their fellowships at host universities, colleges, research centers and other such academic institutions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The host institution is an essential partner, providing the scholar with professional and personal support during the visit, workspace, other resources and contacts with professional colleagues.

Does the location of the potential host institution matter?

Yes. The Iraq Project team will focus placement efforts on locating temporary academic positions at universities, colleges and other institutions of higher learning in the Middle East and North African (MENA) regions. Some exceptions may be considered for university positions in other world regions, but each request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.  

How are host institutions identified?

Host institutions may be identified by SRF staff, by the candidates before or after a fellowship is approved, or by institutions themselves when they nominate a candidate or communicate to SRF staff their interest in hosting a candidate. SRF staff based in the MENA region are in regular contact with potential and interested host institutions throughout the MENA region.

How long is the fellowship term?

SRF fellowship funding provides assistance for initial relocation 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.

How are the fellowship awards distributed?

On Fellowship:  

Who pays travel and airfare expense to bring the scholar to campus?

Transportation to the host campus usually comes out of the scholar's fellowship award. The scholar may purchase the airline tickets in his/her home country. In exceptional cases, SRF may be able to assist through our contracted travel agent to arrange the plane ticket. The price of the ticket will be deducted from the scholar's fellowship award.

Who pays the visa/entrance fees for the scholar-grantee's entry into the host country?

In some cases the host institution is able to absorb this cost, in others it is taken from the scholar's SRF fellowship award.

Can scholars bring their family?

This decision is left entirely up to the scholar; however SRF is not in a position to provide additional funding for support of accompanying dependents. SRF will inform the host institution if a scholar plans to bring his or her spouse and/or children.

Do scholars travel beyond the immediate vicinity of their host college or university?