Illinois State University has opened applications for its 2027 Graduate Scholarship for outstanding international students seeking to pursue a fully funded PhD in the United States.
The Illinois State University Graduate Scholarship provides full financial support through graduate teaching and research assistantships, covering full tuition, health insurance, and a monthly stipend of approximately $2,300 for up to five years.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Illinois State University
- Host Country: USA
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $2,300 Monthly Stipend | Full Tuition Waiver | Health Insurance
- IELTS Requirement: No IELTS Required
- Deadline: September 15, 2026
Scholarship Details
The Andres Lab in the School of Biological Sciences at Illinois State University is seeking applications from qualified candidates for a fully funded PhD position beginning in Spring or Summer 2027. The successful applicant will join a funded research project investigating the spread of the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) across the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
The research will utilize advanced techniques such as environmental DNA (eDNA), diet metabarcoding, and genomics to examine the species’ distribution and ecological impact within the Illinois and Mississippi River systems. The project also offers the opportunity to collaborate with state and federal scientists while conducting research that contributes directly to environmental management and conservation efforts.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Illinois State University Graduate Scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s (M.S.) degree in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Wildlife Biology, or a related discipline.
- Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Show evidence of research productivity appropriate to their career stage.
- Possess strong aquatic fieldwork skills (preferred).
- Have experience with molecular laboratory techniques such as:
- DNA extraction
- PCR
- qPCR
- Library preparation
- Next-generation sequencing (preferred)
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the Illinois State University Graduate Scholarship will receive:
- Full tuition waiver
- Approximately $2,300 monthly stipend for up to five years
- Health insurance
- Research Assistantship (RA) and Teaching Assistantship (TA) appointments
- Additional funding for research expenses
- Financial support to attend and present at scientific conferences
Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A one-page statement describing:
- Research experience
- Research interests
- Career goals
- Reasons for applying for the position
- Contact information for three professional referees
- How to Apply
To apply for the Illinois State University Graduate Scholarship:
- Visit the official programme webpage.
- Prepare all required application documents.
- Email your application materials to Kara Andres at [email protected].
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Kindly wait for feedback. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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