IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)

The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program is a prestigious PhD funding opportunity designed to support outstanding mathematics students from developing countries. Funded by world-renowned mathematicians who are winners of the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics, this fellowship is administered by the International Mathematical Union (IMU) through its Commission for Developing Countries (CDC).

The fellowship supports postgraduate studies leading to a PhD degree in mathematical sciences at recognized universities or research institutions in developing countries, including the applicant’s home country.

Successful candidates will receive:

• Up to USD 10,000 per year

• Funding for up to 4 years or until PhD completion (whichever comes first)

• Coverage for:

  • Tuition fees

  • Travel expenses to the host institution

  • Accommodation

  • Basic living expenses

Note: The fellowship cannot be combined with any other scholarship.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The fellowship is open to all fields of Mathematical Sciences, including but not limited to:

• Pure Mathematics

• Applied Mathematics

• Statistics

• Mathematical Physics

• Computational Mathematics

• Open to citizens and residents of developing countries, as defined by the International Mathematical Union (IMU)

Requirements for Student Nominees

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled (or pre-accepted) in a PhD program in a developing country

• Be a citizen and resident of a developing country

• Have an excellent academic record in mathematics

• Possess a defined research project and a PhD supervisor

• Demonstrate strong motivation for a career in mathematical research and teaching

Students enrolled in joint PhD programs with institutions in developed countries are not eligible.

Requirements for Nominators

• Must be a university professor in mathematics with a PhD

• Actively supervise Master’s or PhD students

• Should preferably have previous mentoring experience with the nominee

• Self-applications are not allowed

Applications must be submitted online by the nominator before the deadline.

Required Documents (PDF format, English only)

Nomination and Recommendation Letters

• Letter of Nomination

• Two Letters of Recommendation

Student Documents

• Proposed Research Project

• Motivation Letter and Future Plans

• Academic CV

• Official PhD (pre-)acceptance letter

• Certified transcripts:

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • Master’s degree

Supervisor Documents

• CV of PhD Supervisor

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Selection and Continuation

• Selection is conducted by the IMU CDC Breakout Selection Committee

• Continued funding depends on satisfactory annual progress reports

• Funding is subject to the IMU’s ability to legally transfer funds to the student’s personal bank account