Applications are now open for the Illinois State University Scholarship 2027 in the United States. International students are invited to apply for this fully funded PhD Graduate Assistantship in the Andres Lab at the School of Biological Sciences. Selected candidates will receive a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and a monthly stipend of approximately $2,300 for up to five years.
The research project focuses on the invasion of the round goby in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, using environmental DNA (eDNA), diet metabarcoding, and genomics to study its distribution and ecological impacts. Students will collaborate with state and federal scientists while contributing to research on invasive species management and freshwater ecosystem conservation.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: United States (USA)
- University: Illinois State University
- Study Destination: USA
- Study Level: PhD
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Graduate Assistantship
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Financial Coverage: Full tuition waiver, $2,300 monthly stipend, and health insurance
- English Language Test: No IELTS Required
- Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Wildlife Biology, or a related field.
- Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team.
- Show evidence of research productivity appropriate to their academic or professional stage.
Preferred Qualifications
Highly competitive applicants will have:
- Experience with aquatic fieldwork.
- Strong molecular laboratory skills, including DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, library preparation, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Scholarship Benefits
Selected applicants will receive:
- A monthly stipend of approximately $2,300 for up to five years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
- Full tuition waiver throughout the PhD program.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- Funding through a combination of Research Assistantship (RA) and Teaching Assistantship (TA) appointments.
- Additional funding for research expenses and travel to present findings at scientific conferences.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A one-page statement describing research experience, research interests, career goals, and motivation for applying.
- Contact information for three professional references.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare the required documents and submit their application through the official Illinois State University website before the deadline.
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Apply Here
FAQs
Is the Illinois State University Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship provides a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend of approximately $2,300, health insurance, and additional research and conference travel funding.
Who can apply?
The scholarship is open to applicants from all countries who hold a Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Fisheries, Wildlife Biology, or a related discipline and meet the program requirements.
What research will the selected student conduct?
The project investigates the spread of the round goby in the Upper Mississippi River Basin using environmental DNA (eDNA), diet metabarcoding, and genomics to support invasive species management and freshwater conservation.
Is IELTS required?
No. IELTS is not required. Applicants must satisfy the university’s English language proficiency requirements through accepted alternatives.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit an updated CV, a one-page research statement, and contact details for three professional references.
How long is the funding available?
The Graduate Assistantship provides funding for up to five years, subject to satisfactory academic progress.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply for the Illinois State University Scholarship 2027 is September 15, 2026.
