The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program 2025 offers a fully funded PhD opportunity for exceptional students from developing countries to pursue advanced studies in mathematical sciences. This prestigious fellowship is awarded by the International Mathematical Union (IMU) and is designed to support talented students who lack the financial resources to undertake a PhD in mathematics.
This program provides full financial support, including tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowances, and research funding, enabling scholars to focus entirely on their studies and research. Unlike many other scholarships, the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship allows students to study at a university in their home country or another developing nation, ensuring that the mathematical community in these regions continues to grow and thrive.
Applications for this fellowship are now open, with a deadline of May 31, 2025.
About the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program
The International Mathematical Union (IMU) is a global organization dedicated to promoting international cooperation in mathematics. This fellowship program is part of the IMU’s efforts to support young mathematicians in developing countries and foster mathematical research worldwide.
The Breakout Graduate Fellowship was established through donations from past winners of the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics, demonstrating a commitment by leading mathematicians to invest in future generations of researchers.
This fellowship is unique because it allows recipients to pursue their PhD at any recognized university in a developing country, strengthening local mathematical institutions and academic communities while providing students with world-class education and research opportunities.
Key details of the fellowship
Eligible Degrees: PhD in mathematical sciences
Funding Type: Fully funded, covering:
- Full tuition fees for the entire PhD program
- Living stipend to cover daily expenses
- Travel allowance for attending academic conferences or research collaborations
- Research funding for materials, software, and study resources
- Mentorship from leading mathematicians in the IMU network
Eligible Courses: All fields of mathematical sciences, including:
- Pure Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Computational Mathematics
- Statistics
- Mathematical Physics
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
Eligible Nationalities: Open to students from developing countries
Scholarship Location: Any university in a developing country
Why apply for the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship?
This fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for talented students who want to advance their careers in mathematics, conduct groundbreaking research, and contribute to the mathematical community in their home countries.
- Full financial support
The fellowship covers tuition, living costs, and research expenses, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their academic growth. - Study in a developing country
Unlike most international scholarships that require students to relocate to Western nations, the IMU fellowship allows recipients to pursue their PhD at a university in their home country or another developing country, strengthening local research institutions and academic communities. - Research mentorship and global collaboration
Students will have access to IMU’s network of renowned mathematicians, who will provide mentorship, research guidance, and professional support throughout the PhD program. - International recognition and career development
Receiving an IMU fellowship enhances a student’s academic profile, increasing their chances of securing postdoctoral positions, faculty roles, or industry research opportunities after completing their PhD. - Contributing to the mathematical community
By studying in a developing country, scholars help advance mathematical research in their home regions, create new academic networks, and inspire future generations of mathematicians.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality requirement
- Applicants must be citizens of a developing country as classified by the IMU.
- The applicant must intend to study at a university in their home country or another developing country.
- Academic qualifications
- Must hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics or a closely related field.
- Must have an excellent academic record and strong research potential.
- University admission
- The applicant must already be accepted or enrolled in a PhD program in mathematical sciences at a recognized university in a developing country.
- Research potential and commitment
- The candidate must demonstrate strong mathematical skills, analytical thinking, and a passion for research.
- Preference is given to applicants who show a long-term commitment to contributing to mathematics in developing countries.
- Letters of recommendation
- Applicants must submit at least two letters of recommendation from professors or research advisors in mathematics.
- Financial need
- The applicant must demonstrate financial need and the inability to fund their PhD program independently.
How to apply for the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship
- Secure admission to a PhD program
- Applicants must first be admitted to a PhD program in mathematics at a university in their home country or another developing nation.
- Prepare required documents
- Proof of admission or enrollment in a PhD program
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
- Updated CV, including research experience and mathematical achievements
- Research proposal, outlining objectives, methodology, and expected contributions
- Personal statement, explaining motivation for applying and career aspirations
- Letters of recommendation from two or more mathematics professors
- Proof of financial need, detailing the applicant’s inability to self-fund their PhD
- Submit an online application
- Applications must be submitted through the IMU Fellowship application portal.
- Submit before the deadline
- The deadline for applications is May 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
- Wait for selection results
- The selection committee will review applications, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or additional assessments.
- Final scholarship recipients will be notified after the selection process is completed.
Tips for a successful application
- Start early: Research PhD programs and secure admission well before the deadline.
- Demonstrate mathematical excellence: Highlight research projects, coursework, and mathematical achievements.
- Secure strong recommendations: Choose referees who can provide detailed insights into your potential as a mathematician.
- Develop a compelling research proposal: Clearly outline your research objectives, methodology, and expected impact.
- Proofread carefully: Ensure clarity, professionalism, and accuracy in your application.
Why pursue a PhD with the IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship?
The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship is a unique opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD in mathematics while contributing to the development of mathematical research in your home country or another developing nation.
What makes this fellowship special?
- Allows students to stay in their home region while receiving world-class education.
- Encourages local research growth, helping universities in developing countries strengthen their mathematical programs.
- Provides mentorship and networking opportunities with leading mathematicians globally.
- Offers full financial support, eliminating financial barriers to doctoral education.
The IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program 2025 is a life-changing opportunity for aspiring mathematicians from developing countries to pursue a fully funded PhD in a highly respected academic environment. With tuition coverage, living expenses, research funding, and mentorship from global mathematical leaders, this fellowship equips scholars with the tools to advance mathematical research and make a lasting impact in their communities.
If you have a strong passion for mathematics and aspire to contribute to the growth of mathematical sciences in your country, this fellowship provides the perfect foundation for your academic and professional journey.
For more details and application guidelines, visit the International Mathematical Union (IMU) official fellowship webpage.
