At the moment of writing (Fall 2022) the best way to apply for studies is using the regular process. However, given the hardship induced by the war, some universities may waive application fees and/or consider an application with incomplete documents.
Here is a general advice to potential graduate students who may consider studying in the US or Canada:
If you are interested in a particular graduate program and one of our supporters is at the university you are considering, please don't hesitate to ask for advice or help with your application.
Graduate school applications for the next academic year are typically due in December or January. An applicant is expected to finish a BS program before the start of graduate studies.
PhD programs are better financially supported than MS programs. Typically, if accepted, a PhD program applicant is offered a Teaching Assistantship, which is sufficient to cover all living expenses and comes a tuition waiver.
Most PhD programs in North America (unlike Europe) require only BS (not MS) to apply. A typical PhD program takes 4-5 years to complete and would be an equivalent of MS+PhD in Europe.
Unfortunately, there are very few opportunities with financial support for foreign undergraduate students.
--------------------- The information below refers to an old application advertised in Spring 2022 ------------------------------------------
We have created an application for students seeking an opportunity to continue their studies in North America in the academic year 2022-2023. All opportunities would come with financial support sufficient for all living expenses. This is intended for both undergraduate and graduate students, either already displaced or thinking of leaving Ukraine.
This mathprograms.org application is posted by the Georgia Institute of Technology, but we will share your files with many supporters from other institutions in the US and Canada: an invitation for EP, MS, or PhD may come from another place.
In response to the application you may be invited to
[EP] a student exchange program for undergraduates (a one-year "visiting student" program --- you will remain officially affiliated with your home university),
[MS] a Masters program (a one- or two-year program for those who are finishing their Bachelor's degree),
[PhD] a PhD program (a four- or five-year program for those who are finishing their Bachelor's or Master's degree),
[OP] a special online program (a remote program you could attend, while living in Ukraine or any country where you have moved to).
The application asks to submit basic documents:
CV: Describe your education and employment (if there was any), skills, experience relevant to the program. Describe your level of English (this can be done informally; we don't necessarily expect English tests results).
Unofficial transcript: If you can't obtain any transcript, please compose and submit the list of courses in mathematics that you have taken.
Personal Statement: Please write a one-page statement with the description of your personal situation.
Include the last date you were physically in your college/university, and where you are located now.
Specify the types of programs you may want to pursue:
EP is targeting undergraduates; MS and PhD are for finishing undergraduates and graduate students.
Are you interested in OP (courses will be taught remotely)? If so, would you need financial support?
Express briefly your current interests in mathematics: what type of mathematics excited you in the past, and what you think would excite you in the future.
Reference letters: These are optional, but we urge you to request letters from a person (even better, two people) who can judge your abilities and potential.
The application system emails the reference letter writers automatically: you just need to specify email addresses. Once you apply, it is a good idea to contact your letter writer(s) separately to make sure the automated message was received.
We understand that in these difficult times, it is hard to ask your professors and advisors to write lengthy detailed letters. The automated email message emphasizes that this is not necessary: a short letter is fine and could be written in the recommender's native language.
We will start considering your application even if the reference letters are not received.
Deadline: We urge you to apply as soon as possible! (The posted deadline will be extended, but the number of opportunities is starting to decrease due to various schools' internal deadlines.)
What "financial support" would be provided?
The support depends on the program and the hosting university. It may come in the form of a stipend, a teaching assistanship (in exchange for some light teaching duties), housing and other expenses (e.g., health insurance) paid by the program, tuition waiver, etc.
In summary, you should expect the financial support to be modest, but sufficient to live comfortably without any additional support. The details would be provided in the offer letter from the hosting university.
Would a visa be necessary?
Yes. Paperwork needed to apply for a student visa would be sent to you by the hosting university.
When do study programs begin?
A typical start of the academic year in North America is in August or September.
Do I need to take any tests?
No.
For the exchange program (EP), what arrangements do I need to make with my home university?
You don't need to arrange anything yourself. If you are selected and accepted to EP, the hosting university would contact the administration of your university in order to make the classes taken abroad count toward your degree at home. (You will keep being affiliated to your home university during EP.)
Would there be a way to stay abroad after EP ends?
EP is a temporary program limited by its term: typically, either one academic year or one semester. However, if you are in the last year of your studies (during a one-year EP), you would have many options to continue your career anywhere in the world. For instance, you could apply for MS and PhD programs (including at the hosting university).
What is the format of OP?
The idea of an online program has not taken its final shape yet. We would like to know, however, whether this is something that you are willing to consider.
For instance, you may be already displaced and either taking courses online at your home university or thinking of enrolling in a university in the country which gave you refuge. Then additional advanced mini-courses given by professors abroad may broaden your horizon and provide connections useful in the future.