About the opportunity
The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program, maintained by the International Mathematical Union with assistance from FIMU thanks to a donation by Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics winners, offers grants to support postgraduate studies leading to a PhD degree in the mathematical sciences. The program aims to educate the next generation of mathematicians in developing countries, helping students with excellent academic records who plan to pursue careers in research and teaching within mathematics.
Funding and benefits
- Grant limited to a maximum of US$10,000 per year
- Coverage for tuition fees
- Coverage for travel expenses to the institution of study
- Coverage for housing
- Coverage for basic living expenses
- Duration of support is up to 4 years or until the student completes the PhD program, whichever comes first
Who can apply?
- Nominators must be university professors in mathematics with a PhD, based at a university or research center, and currently supervising mathematics Master's or PhD students
- Individual PhD candidates cannot apply themselves; they must be nominated by a professional mathematician
- Student nominees must be undertaking their PhD in a recognized university or research institution in one of the developing countries as defined by the IMU
- Student nominees must demonstrate an outstanding academic track record in mathematical sciences and aspire to a career in mathematical teaching and research
- Student nominees must be citizens of and residents in one of the developing countries as defined by the IMU
- Student nominees must have already been accepted or pre-accepted into a recognized doctoral program
- Student nominees must have a thesis advisor and a research project
- Students in joint graduate programs involving institutions in countries outside of IMU's definition of developing countries are not eligible
Required documents
- Letter of Nomination
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Proposed Research Project
- Letter of Motivation and Future Plans
- CV of Student Nominee
- Official letter of (pre-)acceptance in the PhD program
- Certified copies of coursework transcripts for BSc degree or equivalent and MSc degree or equivalent
- PhD Supervisor CV
When to apply
- The 2026 application call ran until May 30, 2026 (23:59 CET)
How to apply
- Ensure eligibility as a nominator or have a professional mathematics professor nominate you as a student candidate
- Prepare all required application documents in English format as PDF files
- Upload the required nomination, student, and supervisor documents through the online application system before the application deadline
Additional information
- Continued support is contingent upon satisfactory progress as documented in annual reports.
- Receipt of the Breakout grant is subject to the IMU's ability to legally transfer funds to the grantee's personal bank account.
- The fellowship is incompatible with any other scholarship.
- All documents must be submitted in English and uploaded as PDF files.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- PhD students in mathematical sciences based in developing countries.
- Students with an outstanding academic track record who aspire to a career in research and teaching.
- Candidates who have already secured a thesis advisor and a research project.
What should you think carefully about?
- Individual students cannot apply directly; they must be nominated by a professional mathematician.
- The fellowship is incompatible with any other scholarship, which may limit your funding options.
- Continued support is contingent upon satisfactory annual progress reports.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship is designed to support the next generation of mathematicians in developing nations. It provides the necessary financial stability to focus entirely on doctoral research, helping students complete their PhDs and transition into academic or research roles.
Our take
PhD students in mathematics from developing countries should work with their supervisors to secure a nomination for this fellowship. It is less suitable for those who already hold other major scholarships.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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