Fully funded graduate assistantship opportunities are available at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for international students interested in pursuing graduate studies in the United States. The University of Illinois Graduate Assistantship provides selected candidates with a full tuition waiver, an annual living stipend of $29,000 to $31,000, and health insurance.
The opportunity is available to qualified students interested in pursuing Master’s or PhD research in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United States
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Tuition Waiver | $29,000–$31,000 Annual Stipend | Health Insurance
- Language Requirement: No IELTS Required
- Deadline: November 2, 2026
- Start Date: Fall 2027
Scholarship Details
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) at the University of Illinois is inviting highly motivated PhD and MS students to join its research team and investigate the effects of different environmental stressors on fish populations.
The available graduate research opportunities will focus on one or more areas, including fish passage around lock and dam structures in large rivers, the movement ecology of fish in Lake Michigan, and the relationship between landscape use and the abundance of river fish.
The research will involve both laboratory experiments and field studies, examining behavioral and physiological responses in fish. Projects will be conducted in collaboration with state, federal, and industry partners, with findings expected to contribute to research and conservation practices aimed at protecting freshwater fisheries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the University of Illinois Graduate Assistantship, applicants should meet the following requirements:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Have experience handling and caring for fish in a laboratory environment or experience with fisheries techniques in the field.
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Have a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently.
- Be able to contribute effectively as part of a research team.
Desired Experience:
- Hold a BS degree in biology, ecology, fisheries, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree is required for PhD applicants.
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct research independently.
- Have research experience, including statistical analysis and communicating scientific findings through oral and written presentations.
- Experience with fish telemetry and planning or coordinating field teams will be considered an advantage.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
Scholarship Benefits
The fully funded University of Illinois Graduate Assistantship provides:
- Full tuition coverage
- An annual living stipend of $29,000 to $31,000
- Health insurance
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Contact information for three referees
How to Apply
To apply for the University of Illinois Graduate Assistantship:
- Visit the program website to learn more about the available research opportunities.
- Interested applicants should send an email to Dr. Cory Suski at [email protected] by November 2, 2026.
- The email should include your CV, transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable), contact information for three references, and a brief cover letter.
- In the cover letter, explain your relevant experience and how the laboratory’s research projects and opportunities align with your long-term career goals.
- Applicants can also review the laboratory’s current research activities on the program website.
The graduate assistantship is scheduled to begin in Fall 2027.
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