Call for IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship 2026 is open now!!!
The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program 2026 is a significant initiative designed to support the next generation of mathematicians in regions where academic resources may be limited. Managed by the International Mathematical Union (IMU) through its Commission for Developing Countries, this fellowship is a direct investment in the intellectual capital of developing nations. It is uniquely funded by donations from winners of the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics, reflecting a commitment from some of the world’s most accomplished mathematical minds to support global talent.
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The core goal of the Breakout Graduate Fellowship is to foster high level mathematical research and teaching within the student’s own environment. Unlike many international scholarships that require scholars to relocate to developed nations, this program requires students to pursue their PhD in a developing country. By doing so, the IMU aims to strengthen local mathematical infrastructures and ensure that talented individuals can contribute to the scientific community within their own regional contexts.
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The fellowship offers significant financial stability by providing up to $10,000 USD per year. This grant is intended to be comprehensive, covering tuition fees, housing, travel expenses to the host institution, and basic living costs. Recognizing that a PhD is a long term commitment, the support can last for up to four years or until the completion of the doctoral degree. The grant is renewed annually based on satisfactory academic progress to ensure the investment yields tangible research outcomes.
For a young mathematician, becoming an IMU Breakout Fellow is more than just financial aid. It is a mark of global excellence. The fellowship focuses on students who aspire to a career in teaching and research, meaning the long term impact extends to the many students the fellow will eventually teach. By supporting these scholars, the IMU is helping to build a sustainable ecosystem of mathematics that can drive technological and economic progress in developing regions.
It is the hope of the donors, the IMU and FIMU that the fellowship helps educate the next generation of mathematicians and hopefully results in extended benefits to the home countries of those chosen for the fellowships.
Benefits
- The awarded grant is limited to a maximum of US$10,000 per year
- The funds can be used to cover full or partial tuition fees for the PhD program.
- The grant helps cover essential costs of living, including housing and food.
- Support for purchasing necessary textbooks, software, or research materials.
- Funding can be allocated toward travel for research or other academic activities related to the PhD.
Eligibilities
- Individual PhD candidates cannot apply themselves for the fellowship. The application must be initiated and submitted by a nominator.
- For Nominators:
- Be a university professor in mathematics with a PhD, based at a university or research center.
- Be currently supervising mathematics Master’s or PhD students.
- It is advisable that the nominator has mentored the nominee previously.
- For Student Nominees:
- Be undertaking their PhD in either a recognized university or a research institution in one of the developing countries as defined by the IMU.
- Demonstrate an outstanding academic track record in mathematical sciences and aspire to a career in mathematical teaching and research.
- Be a citizen of and resident in one of the developing countries as defined by the IMU.
- Have already been accepted (or pre-accepted) into a recognized doctoral program and have a thesis advisor and a research project.
- Students who are part of a joint graduate program involving institutions in countries outside of IMU’s definition of developing countries are not eligible for nomination.
Application Process
- Must be registered on the IMU CDC online application portal using email address.
- The following documents must be prepared and uploaded to the portal:
- Letter of Nomination
- Letters of Recommendation (2)
- Proposed Research Project
- Letter of Motivation and Future Plans
- CV of Student Nominee
- Official letter of (pre-)acceptance in the PhD program
- Transcripts of coursework (certified copies) :
A) BSc degree or equivalent
B) MSc degree or equivalent - PhD Supervisor CV
- All documents must be submitted in English. Only PDF documents can be uploaded.
Application Deadline: May 30, 2026 (17 Days Remaining)
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