IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program: Supporting Future Mathematical Leaders

Scholarship Summary

Name: IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program
Country: Developing countries (as defined by IMU)
Institution awarding scholarship: International Mathematical Union (IMU)
Level of study: Doctoral (PhD)
Separate application required: Yes (nomination-based)
Type of scholarship: Full funding
Deadline: May 31, 2025 (Expected)

Scholarship Benefits

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program offers:

Annual funding of up to USD 10,000 for a maximum of four years
Coverage for tuition fees, travel expenses to the host institution, accommodation, and basic living expenses
Opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in mathematics in a developing country
Support for promising mathematicians to contribute to their home countries’ academic development

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must:

Be citizens and residents of a developing country (as defined by IMU)
Be enrolled or pre-accepted into a recognized doctoral program in mathematical sciences in a developing country
Demonstrate consistent academic excellence from high school onwards
Show serious interest in pursuing a career in mathematical research and teaching
Have a thesis advisor and a research project

How to Apply

The application process involves:

Nomination by a professional mathematician (candidates cannot apply directly)
Creation of an account on the IMU website
Completion of the online application form by the nominator
Submission of all required documents in English

Required Documents

Statement from nominator
Scanned copy of student nominee’s passport
Official letter of pre-acceptance in the PhD program
Budget of annual expenses
PhD Supervisor’s CV
Research Project proposal
Two letters of recommendation
Certified copies of transcripts (BSc and MSc or equivalent)
Nominee’s CV
Nominee’s letter of motivation, including future plans
Nominator declaration
PhD Supervisor declaration
Nominee declaration

Official Website

https://www.mathunion.org/cdc/scholarships/graduate-scholarships/imu-breakout-graduate-fellowship-program

Key Dates

February 1, 2025: Application period opens (Expected)
May 31, 2025 : Application deadline

Courses Offered

The fellowship supports doctoral studies in mathematical sciences. Specific courses may vary depending on the chosen university and research focus.

Additional Details

The program is funded by generous donations from Breakthrough Prize winners in Mathematics
Up to four laureates are awarded fellowships each year
The fellowship is incompatible with any other scholarship
Annual renewal is based on satisfactory progress
The program aims to support the next generation of mathematicians in developing countries

FAQs

Can I apply directly for this fellowship?
No, candidates must be nominated by a professional mathematician.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
The program doesn’t specify an age limit, but candidates should be at the beginning of their doctoral studies.
Can I pursue my PhD in a country different from my home country?
Yes, as long as both your home country and the host country are on the IMU’s list of developing countries.
What happens if I complete my PhD before the four-year fellowship period ends?
The fellowship will cease when you complete your doctoral program, even if it’s before the four-year mark.
How competitive is this fellowship?
While the exact number of applications isn’t provided, the limited number of awards (up to four per year) suggests a highly competitive selection process.

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program represents a significant opportunity for talented mathematicians from developing countries to pursue doctoral studies and contribute to the advancement of mathematical sciences in their home regions. By providing comprehensive financial support and fostering a global community of scholars, this program aims to break down barriers and nurture the next generation of mathematical leaders.