IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program

The International Mathematical Union (IMU) Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program stands as a beacon of opportunity for exceptional students from developing countries who aspire to pursue doctoral studies in the mathematical sciences. This prestigious fellowship is designed to support and nurture mathematical talent, fostering academic excellence and research within the developing world.

Summary

• Host Country/Institution: The fellowship supports studies at recognized universities or research institutions in developing countries, including the applicant’s home country.
• Country: Developing countries as defined by the IMU.
• Category: Doctoral (PhD) Fellowship in Mathematical Sciences.
• Eligibility Country: As specified by the IMU, candidates must be both citizens and residents of a developing country. African countries are included in this list, making their citizens eligible to apply.
• Reward/Worth: The fellowship provides up to USD 10,000 per year, covering tuition fees, accommodation expenses, travel costs to the host institution (if different from the home country), and basic living expenses.
• Deadline: The nomination deadline for the 2025 cycle is May 31, 2025.

Details

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program is a highly competitive initiative to identify and support mathematically gifted students from developing nations. Funded through generous donations from laureates of the Breakthrough Prizes in Mathematics, the program seeks to cultivate the next generation of mathematical scholars and educators within their home regions.

By providing substantial financial assistance, the fellowship enables recipients to focus entirely on their doctoral studies without the burden of financial constraints. This support not only aids individual scholars but also contributes to the strengthening of mathematical research and education in developing countries.

Requirements

To be considered for the fellowship, nominees must meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship and Residency: Nominees must be citizens and residents of a developing country, as defined by the IMU.
2. Academic Program: The selection committee requires nominees to either be pre-accepted to join a doctoral program in the first academic year following selection or already be enrolled in a doctoral program. This program must be at a recognized university or research institution in a developing country.
3. Thesis Advisor and Research Project: Nominees must have a designated thesis advisor and a clearly defined research project.
4. Academic Excellence: A consistently outstanding academic record is essential.
5. Career Aspirations: Nominees should demonstrate a serious commitment to pursuing a career in mathematical research and teaching.

We want to emphasize that there is no age limit for nominees, and we strongly encourage the nomination of female students to promote gender diversity in the mathematical sciences.

Benefits

The fellowship offers comprehensive financial support up to a maximum of USD 10,000 per year, which includes:

1. Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition costs at the host institution.
2. Accommodation Expenses: Funding for housing during the doctoral program.
3. Travel Expenses: Provision for travel costs to the host institution, if it is located in a different country from the nominee’s residence.
4. Living Expenses: A stipend to cover basic living costs, adjusted according to the cost of living in the host country.

The financial package aims to alleviate the economic barriers that might hinder talented students from pursuing advanced studies in mathematics, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the global mathematical community.

Application Procedure

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The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship application process begins with nominations rather than direct applications. The IMU invites professional mathematicians, including those who are retired but still mentor young students, to nominate candidates who meet the eligibility criteria.

The nomination process involves the following steps:

1. Online Registration: To access the nomination form, nominators must register on the IMU’s online platform.
2. Submission of Nomination Form: Complete the online nomination form with accurate and detailed information about the nominee.
3. Provision of Supporting Documents: Upload necessary documents, including:
4. Statement from Nominator: An assessment of the nominee’s academic abilities and potential.
5. Nominee’s Passport Copy: A scanned copy of the nominee’s passport for identification.
6. Official Pre-Acceptance Letter: A letter from the host institution confirming the nominee’s acceptance into the doctoral program.
7. Budget Outline: A detailed budget of the total expenses anticipated during the doctoral program.