May is the perfect month to look for funding opportunities associated with doctoral studies: application portals have not yet closed, selection panels are able to meet before the universities resume activities in September, and there is time during the summer to finalize the logistics pertaining to the visa and the funding details.
The following are two of the most prestigious scholarships in the world which still accept PhD applications until May 31, 2025, along with some useful pointers to increase your chances of winning the scholarships.
1. Breakout Graduate Fellowship by IMU
Deadline: 31 May 2025
Inclusive of: Pure and applied mathematics.
Funding: In the range of 10,000 USD each year (covers tuition, cost of living, travel and other expenses) for a maximum of four years.
Why it is important: The initiative funded by International Mathematical Union Breakout Graduate Fellowship enables some students from developing nations to undertake their doctoral studies at any accredited university around the world, provided they have previously obtained nominations from senior mathematicians.
Build relationships as soon as possible, since senior mathematicians will be in a position to nominate you.
2. Fellowship CICOPS della Università di Pavia
Deadline: 31 May 2025
Field: Research related work from any field of studies.
Funding: Payment of return airfare, accommodation and a stipend of 1500 eurosfor a period of four to twelve weeks in Italy.
Why it is important: Worded to be most effective for PhD scholars looking for a laboratory, archival materials, or a co-authorship experience in Europe for a limited period. During the short stay, the Italian professor at Pavia engages with the students and often enters into longer ©amp;©amp;otedutelle relations.
3. ASC PhD Research Scholarship
Deadline: 30 May 2025
Field: Composites science & engineering
Funding: US $1,500 travel grant, conference fees, plus lab consumable allowance
Why it matters: Awarded by the American Society for Composites, it transforms your career in aerospace, automotive, and renewable materials industries.
Winners present at the ASC Technical Conference—an unparalleled networking opportunity.
4. Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Overseas Scholarship
Deadline: 20 May 2025
Field: Any subject; must attend a QS Top 200 university abroad
Funding: 100% tuition with yearly contingency grant of ~US $1,500
Eligibility: To be a resident from Scheduled Caste/Neo-Buddhist communities in Maharashtra, India
Why it matters: This is among the most comprehensive funding proposals in India for historically underrepresented communities.
It makes elite doctoral study abroad financially feasible by covering all legally chargeable fees in Britain.
5. IMU–CDC Research & Travel Grant (PhD Mobility Track)
Deadline: 31 May 2025
Field: Mathematics
Funding: Economy airfare + living expenses for a period of up to three months; support granted twice per PhD
Why it matters: Enables those late in their PhD journey to collect, run, or co-write papers in a collaborator’s lab.
How to Stand Out When the Clock Is Ticking
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Verify Eligibility Tonight
Check nationality, field, and enrolment-stage rules before drafting essays. -
Draft a Two-Page “Impact Pitch”
Scholarship committees skim first; lead with a clear research question, method, and societal benefit. -
Lock In Referees by 15 May
Provide bullet-point achievements and the exact submission link to each professor. -
Budget Realistically
Even “full-ride” awards need cost breakdowns; attach live airfare screenshots dated May 2025. -
Convert Files to PDF/A
Many portals reject non-archival PDFs—save headaches at the final upload step.
Can You Stack These Scholarships?
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IMU Breakout + IMU–CDC Mobility: Yes, if travel occurs in a different fiscal year.
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CICOPS + ASC Scholarship: Possible when research placement aligns with composites work; confirm with both secretariats.
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Government awards (e.g., Rajarshi Shahu) usually bar double-dipping for tuition but still allow external travel grants.
Date Activity
Timeline at a Glance
| Date | Task |
|---|---|
| 1–7 May | Finalise research proposal & CV |
| 8–14 May | Request transcripts, English-test PDFs |
| 15 May | Referees start uploading letters |
| 20 May | Rajarshi Shahu deadline—submit by 19 May to dodge server queues |
| 30 May | ASC Scholarship cut-off |
| 31 May | Last-minute window for IMU Breakout, CICOPS, IMU–CDC |
Final Remark
The month of May in 2025 won’t need to be hectic. If you put forth one concentrated effort over two weeks, you can secure full or nearly full funding that provides your life with structure for the next three to four years.
Choose one of the numerous fund scholarships that align most with your area of study, follow the provided instructions, and submit prior to month’s closure—your anticipated laboratory setup, library location, or field site awaits. Best wishes!