The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program 2027 is an opportunity for talented students from developing countries who plan to pursue a PhD in the mathematical sciences. The program is maintained by the International Mathematical Union (IMU), with support from the Friends of the International Mathematical Union (FIMU), and is designed to strengthen mathematics research and education in developing countries.

The fellowship can provide up to US$10,000 per year and may support doctoral study for up to four years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. Unlike many scholarships, students do not submit applications themselves. They must be nominated by a professional mathematician who has been mentoring them.

Scholarship Quick Facts

About the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship was launched by the International Mathematical Union with assistance from the Friends of the International Mathematical Union. It supports postgraduate studies in developing countries leading to a PhD in the mathematical sciences.

The program is aimed at excellent students who show strong academic performance and a serious interest in developing a career in mathematics research and teaching. The fellowship is particularly intended to help develop the next generation of mathematicians in countries where advanced mathematical training can have a lasting impact.

A professional mathematician must nominate the student. The nominator should have been mentoring the candidate and should be able to provide an informed assessment of the student’s academic potential and future plans.

Eligibility Criteria

• ✅ The student must be a citizen and resident of a developing country.
• ✅ The student must plan to pursue or already be enrolled in a PhD program in the mathematical sciences at a university or research institution in a developing country.
• ✅ A student may be pre-accepted into a doctoral program or already enrolled in an eligible PhD program.
• ✅ The candidate should have a consistently strong academic record and demonstrate serious interest in a research and teaching career in mathematics.
• ✅ The candidate must be nominated by a professional mathematician who has been mentoring the student.
• ✅ There is no age limit for the student.

The IMU strongly encourages nominations of women students. Students themselves cannot submit a direct application for this fellowship.

Fellowship Benefits

• 🏆 Funding of up to US$10,000 per year.
• 🏆 Support toward tuition fees.
• 🏆 Travel expenses to the institution of study when applicable.
• 🏆 Housing or accommodation expenses.
• 🏆 Basic living expenses according to the cost of living in the study country.
• 🏆 Support can continue for up to four years, subject to satisfactory progress and the program’s conditions.

The grant is limited to a maximum of US$10,000 per year. Continued funding depends on satisfactory progress documented through annual reports. The fellowship is also incompatible with another scholarship.

Required Documents

• Statement from the nominator.
• Nominee’s CV.
• Nominee’s letter of motivation and future plans.
• Proposed PhD research project.
• Official letter of pre-acceptance or acceptance into the PhD program.
• Certified academic transcripts, including BSc and MSc or equivalent qualifications.
• PhD supervisor’s CV.
• Two recommendation letters, with both recommendations coming from someone other than the nominator.
• Budget showing the expenses for which fellowship funding is requested.
• Required declarations from the nominator, supervisor and nominee.

All documents must be submitted in English and uploaded in PDF format according to the official IMU instructions.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review the official IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship requirements and make sure you meet the eligibility conditions.

Step 2: Identify a professional mathematician who has been mentoring you and can nominate you for the fellowship.

Step 3: Obtain admission or pre-acceptance for an eligible PhD program in the mathematical sciences at an institution in a developing country, if you have not already enrolled.

Step 4: Prepare the research project, motivation statement, CV, transcripts, recommendation letters, budget and other required documents.

Step 5: Your nominator should complete the official online nomination/application process and submit the required PDF documents.

Step 6: Submit everything before the official nomination deadline announced by the IMU for the relevant fellowship cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions