International Mathematical Union (IMU) Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program 2026 (Up to $10,000 in Funding) – Applications Open

Application Deadline: 30 May 2026

About the Fellowship Program

The International Mathematical Union (IMU) is currently accepting applications for its Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program 2026. This initiative, maintained with the assistance of the Friends of the International Mathematical Union (FIMU), provides support for postgraduate studies leading to a PhD degree in the mathematical sciences within developing countries. The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowships offer a limited number of grants to excellent students from developing countries who demonstrate outstanding academic potential and a commitment to pursuing careers in mathematical teaching and research. The program aims to nurture mathematical talent in regions where access to advanced education and research opportunities may be limited.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program addresses a critical need in the global mathematical community: supporting talented students from developing countries who might otherwise lack the resources to complete doctoral studies. By providing financial support and international recognition, the fellowship enables these students to focus on their research, contribute to mathematical knowledge, and eventually train the next generation of mathematicians in their home countries. The program reflects the IMU’s commitment to the development of mathematical sciences worldwide and its belief that talent is universal, even if opportunity is not. Graduates of the program go on to become professors, researchers, and leaders who strengthen mathematical communities in their regions and contribute to global scientific progress.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Amount of Support:

• The awarded grant is limited to a maximum of US$10,000 per year
• Fellowships are typically awarded for a period of up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress

Allowable Expenses:

The stipend may be used to cover the following costs:

• Tuition Fees – Support for academic fees charged by the host institution
• Travel Expenses – Costs associated with travel to and from the institution of study
• Housing – Accommodation expenses during the PhD program
• Basic Living Expenses – Day-to-day costs necessary to maintain a modest standard of living while studying

Definition of Developing Countries

The IMU maintains a specific list of countries considered developing for the purposes of this fellowship. Applicants should verify that their country of citizenship and residence, as well as their host institution’s location, appear on this list. The list typically includes countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions where advanced mathematical research infrastructure may be limited.

Eligibility Requirements

Requirements for Nominators

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program operates through a nomination process. Individual PhD candidates cannot apply directly; they must be nominated by a qualified supervisor.

Nominators must meet the following criteria:

• 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, ensuring a meaningful evaluation of the candidate’s potential

Requirements for Student Nominees

Students nominated under this program must:

• 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
• Have a thesis advisor and a research project in place

Important Note: 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

The nomination must be submitted through the official IMU application portal. All documents must be submitted in English, and only PDF documents can be uploaded.

Required Documents:

Letters of Nominations and Recommendations:

1. Letter of Nomination – Written by the nominator, explaining why the candidate deserves the fellowship
2. Letters of Recommendation (2) – Two additional letters from academic referees who can attest to the candidate’s abilities and potential

Student Documents:

3. Proposed Research Project – A clear description of the doctoral research the student intends to pursue
4. Letter of Motivation and Future Plans – A personal statement outlining the candidate’s aspirations and how the fellowship would support their goals
5. CV of Student Nominee – Detailed curriculum vitae highlighting academic achievements and relevant experience
6. Official letter of (pre-)acceptance in the PhD program – Proof that the student has been accepted or pre-accepted into the doctoral program
7. Transcripts of coursework (certified copies):

3. A) BSc degree or equivalent
4. B) MSc degree or equivalent

PhD Supervisor Documents:

8. PhD Supervisor CV – Curriculum vitae of the thesis advisor, demonstrating their qualifications to supervise doctoral research

Click here to apply

Selection Criteria

Nominations are evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence of the student nominee, as demonstrated by transcripts and academic achievements
• Quality of the proposed research project and its potential contribution to the mathematical sciences
• Potential of the candidate to become a leader in mathematical teaching and research in their home country
• Strength of the nomination and recommendation letters
• Qualifications of the PhD supervisor and the quality of the host institution
• Likelihood that the fellowship will enable the student to complete their PhD and pursue a productive career

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program