Applications are now open for the International Mathematical Union (IMU) Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program 2025.

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program, supported by donations from Breakthrough Prize laureates in Mathematics, offers exceptional students from developing countries the opportunity to pursue a PhD in mathematical sciences in their home or another developing country.

Administered by the International Mathematical Union (IMU) with FIMU’s assistance, the program provides limited fellowships for highly motivated and academically strong students committed to a future in mathematical research and teaching. Professional mathematicians must submit nominations.

The fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of mathematicians and foster long-term academic growth in developing regions.

Fellowships details

Application Deadline: 31 May 2025, 9:00 AM CET

Organizers: International Mathematical Union (IMU) and FIMU

Location: Developing countries

Fellowship supporters and donors: Some prize-winning scholars in mathematics

Duration: Up to four years

Benefits

The following costs amount to a maximum of USD 10.000 each year covered by the grant, including:

• Full tuition fee
• Accommodation expenses
• Travel expenses to the host institution (if different from the country of residence)
• Basic living costs

Notes:

• Continued funding depends on satisfactory annual progress reports.
• Grant disbursement requires IMU’s legal ability to transfer funds to the recipient’s bank account.
• The fellowship cannot be held alongside any other scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

Below are the requirements for the nominators and nominees:

For Nominators:

• Must hold a PhD in mathematics and be a university or research center professor.
• Must currently supervise Master’s or PhD students.
• Should have mentored the nominee previously.
• PhD candidates cannot self-nominate.

For Student Nominees:

• Must be a citizen and resident of an IMU-defined developing country.
• Must be enrolled or pre-accepted into a PhD program in a recognized institution within a developing country.
• Must have a thesis advisor and a research project.
• Should demonstrate strong academic performance and commitment to a research/teaching career in mathematics.

Note: Nominators apply and serve as the primary contact. Awarded students must submit reports and maintain communication with IMU.

How to apply for this fellowship?

Apply for this fellowship through the online application procedure:

Apply Now

Nomination Materials

Nominators should upload these materials during the process: (Only files in PDF format can be uploaded.)

1. Letters of Nomination and Recommendation

• Letter of Nomination

• Two Letters of Recommendation

2. Student Documents

• Proposed Research Project

• Letter of Motivation and Future Plans

• CV of the Student Nominee

• Official Letter of (Pre–)Acceptance into PhD Program

• Certified Transcripts:

  • BSc Degree or Equivalent

  • MSc Degree or Equivalent

3. PhD Supervisor Document

• CV of PhD Supervisor

Note: All documents must be in English and uploaded as PDF files.

Visit the IMU website for further clarification and details of the program. For additional information and questions, contact grants@mathunion.org.