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Apply for IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program

Deadline: 30-May-2026

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship supports postgraduate students from developing countries to pursue a PhD in mathematical sciences within their home country or another developing country. The fellowship provides up to USD 10,000 per year for tuition, travel, housing, and living expenses, with funding for up to four years. Nominations are made by professional mathematicians, and candidates must demonstrate strong academic records and commitment to a career in research and teaching.

Overview of the Fellowship

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship, managed by the International Mathematical Union (IMU) with support from FIMU and Breakthrough Prize donors, aims to:

  • Educate the next generation of mathematicians in developing countries

  • Strengthen mathematical research and teaching capacity

  • Generate long-term benefits for fellows’ home countries through sustained academic development

The fellowship is targeted at postgraduate students enrolled in or pre-accepted into a doctoral program in a developing country, with a thesis advisor and clearly defined research project.

Fellowship Benefits

  • Annual Funding: Up to USD 10,000

  • Eligible Expenses: Tuition fees, travel to the institution, housing, and basic living expenses

  • Duration: Up to four years or until PhD completion, subject to satisfactory annual progress

  • Restrictions: Cannot be held alongside any other scholarship; funding depends on IMU’s ability to legally transfer funds

Who is Eligible?

Student Nominees

  • Citizens and residents of developing countries as defined by the IMU

  • Enrolled or pre-accepted into a recognized PhD program in mathematics within a developing country

  • Must have an identified thesis advisor and research project

  • Joint programs with institutions outside eligible countries are not allowed

Nominators

  • University professors in mathematics holding a PhD

  • Currently supervising Master’s or PhD students

  • Based at a university or research center

  • Prior mentorship of the nominee is advantageous

  • Individual candidates cannot apply directly

Application Process

  1. Nomination – A qualified mathematician nominates the student

  2. Submission – Nominators submit the student’s academic record, research plan, and recommendation materials

  3. Selection Committee Review – The Breakout Selection Committee, chaired by the CDC Secretary for Policy, evaluates nominations independently

  4. Outcome Notification – Successful nominees are informed, and funding arrangements are made for tuition, travel, and living support

Why It Matters

  • Builds local mathematical capacity by supporting PhD research in developing countries

  • Strengthens teaching and research networks in under-resourced regions

  • Provides long-term benefits for academic and research communities in home countries

  • Encourages students to pursue careers in mathematics research and education

Common Tips and Considerations

  • Ensure the nominee is enrolled or pre-accepted in a PhD program within a developing country

  • Confirm a thesis advisor and clear research project before nomination

  • Nominators should highlight academic excellence, potential for research, and commitment to teaching

  • Prepare detailed supporting documents to demonstrate eligibility and merit

  • Avoid joint programs with institutions outside the IMU developing country list

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can nominate students? University professors in mathematics holding a PhD, currently supervising Master’s or PhD students.
2. Can students apply directly? No, only professional mathematicians can submit nominations.
3. What expenses are covered? Tuition, travel to the institution, housing, and basic living costs.
4. How long does funding last? Up to four years, conditional on satisfactory annual progress.
5. Are joint programs eligible? No, programs must be entirely within an IMU-defined developing country.
6. Who manages the selection process? The Breakout Selection Committee, chaired by the CDC Secretary for Policy with regional representation.
7. What is the goal of the fellowship? To develop high-quality mathematicians, strengthen local research capacity, and support sustainable academic growth in developing countries.

Conclusion

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship nurtures mathematical talent in developing countries by supporting PhD studies locally. By funding tuition, travel, and living costs, and linking students to academic mentorship, the program builds research capacity, strengthens local universities, and contributes to long-term academic development in mathematics across under-resourced regions.

For more information, visit International Mathematical Union.