CIMPA Schools (application)

Each CIMPA school offers an introduction to an active research topic in mathematics. The courses are at least at Master's level. A school generally lasts two weeks and alternates lectures, exercise sessions, practical work and other participatory activities (group research, for example) led by experts from around the world.

The schools take place in developing countries (as defined by the IMU). The scientific programme, speakers and format are detailed on the web page of each school by clicking on the links in the map below.

In addition to the scientific content, a CIMPA school is a meeting place for participants and speakers. The breaks, meals and social activities are also an opportunity to develop your personal network. Below is a gallery of testimonials from former participants.

CIMPA schools are primarily aimed at students and teacher-researchers based in developing countries (as defined by the IMU), but a small number of students from other countries may also attend.

Please pay attention to the language that will be used during the school and that it is therefore necessary to master.

In all cases, applications must be made via the application site and before the deadline indicated on the school's page. You will need to provide

• an up-to-date CV highlighting the applicant's scientific training, in particular the courses taken at Masters level and related to the theme of the school (with detailed content and not just the title of the course), the subject of any Masters or doctoral dissertation or publications (with links to consult them) or any other relevant information enabling the applicant's ability to benefit from the teaching provided during the school to be assessed.
• A cover letter. Vague motivations such as "I've always loved mathematics" or "this school will be a great help to me in my future career" will do your application a disservice. On the contrary, concrete arguments demonstrating your interest or the benefits you will derive from certain activities at the school will be appreciated.
• Depending on the type of funding application, up to two letters of recommendation will be requested directly from referees. You will, of course, need to obtain the agreement of these referees beforehand.

Candidates are advised to complete their applications in good time and to ask their referees to send letters well before the deadline. CIMPA accepts no responsibility for last-minute applications that cannot be completed for technical reasons.

Applications are examined by the school's co-organisers and the CIMPA supervisor, and the result will be communicated to you by a letter from CIMPA in the weeks following the deadline. 

Only participants from developing countries (as defined by the IMU classification) are eligible for funding.  When you apply, you will be asked for 

• an estimate of the cost of your trip. Requests in excess of €1,000 will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. In all cases, partial funding may be granted. Participants from the host country may also apply for travel assistance if necessary.
• if you need accommodation. In general, participants from the school location will not be provided with accommodation by the school. The others will be looked after for the duration of the school.

Candidates hosted by the school are provided with coffee breaks, meals and dinners throughout the school. Local candidates have their lunches and coffee breaks covered.

In all cases, there is no registration fee.

Use the map below to find the schools that might interest you. Each of them has a website containing information about the scientific programme, the lecturers and the registration deadline. Read them carefully to find out what level and knowledge you need.

Once you have made your choice, click on the application site. If you don't already have an account, you'll need to create one. You will then have to choose between 4 options:

1. I am based in a developing country (outside the host country) and I need financial support.
2. I am based in the host country and need financial support. This may be the case if you live a long way from the venue and need help with travel (usually by bus or train) or accommodation.
3. I am based in the host country and do not require financial assistance. This generally applies to participants who live close to the school. Your midday meals during the school are automatically covered.
4. I am based outside the host country and do not require financial support. This is generally the case if you are not based in a developing country and are financing the school yourself.

You will then need to add your financial needs, the information required to assess your application (see above) and the e-mail addresses of one or two referees for your application (not necessary for applicants from the host country who are not applying for funding).