This opportunity is a fully-funded Graduate Research Assistantship for highly motivated international MS and PhD students at the University of Illinois, situated within Dr. Cory Suski’s research group in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES). The reward is comprehensive, covering full tuition costs, comprehensive health insurance, and a generous annual living stipend of $30,000. Key eligibility criteria include practical experience with fish handling or fisheries techniques, excellent communication skills, and a relevant prior degree. The application deadline is November 19, 2025, and interested candidates must apply directly via email to Dr. Suski with their CV, transcripts, and a cover letter.
Fully Funded University of Illinois Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | USA |
| Study Abroad | Study in USA |
| Category | Masters & PhD Research Assistantships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Global Eligibility) |
| Reward | Full Tuition, Health Insurance, and $30,000 Annual Stipend |
| Key Criteria | Experience with fish handling/fisheries techniques & strong communication skills |
| Application Deadline | November 19, 2025 |
Dr. Cory Suski Research Assistantship: University of Illinois Graduate Scholarship 2026 Details
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is seeking highly motivated Master’s (MS) and Doctoral (PhD) students to join the dynamic research team led by Dr. Cory Suski. This initiative represents the university’s commitment to fostering international academic talent and addressing critical environmental challenges through cutting-edge scientific investigation. The available position is structured as a fully funded Graduate Research Assistantship, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede exceptional research potential.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
This funding is explicitly tied to participation in ongoing, policy-relevant research aimed at quantifying the ecological and physiological impacts of various stressors on freshwater fish populations. The work involves a blend of laboratory experiments and intensive field studies, requiring dedication, a strong work ethic, and the ability to contribute collaboratively to a scientific team.
This prestigious opportunity provides comprehensive financial security, allowing the successful international candidate to focus entirely on their studies and research without tuition or health cost concerns. By supporting students who align their intellectual pursuits with global conservation efforts, the University of Illinois reinforces its standing as a leader in environmental science and graduate education.
Scholarship Details
The Research Assistantship is open to both international and domestic students enrolling in or transferring to a Masters (MS) or Doctoral (PhD) program within the NRES Department at the University of Illinois. The core philosophy of this assistantship is to provide hands-on, high-impact research experience in aquatic ecology and fisheries management.
The research projects are anticipated to focus on one of two key areas: the impacts of angling on individual fish behavior and physiology, or the challenges of fish passage around lock and dam structures in large river systems. The work is highly collaborative, partnering with state, federal, and industry organizations, with the explicit goal of generating results that inform future conservation policy and practices. The assistantship is non-traditional in that the initial application is directed to the specific research group rather than the general university scholarship pool.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the University of Illinois Admission
The funding provided under this Research Assistantship is comprehensive and designed to fully support the student throughout their studies. The structure ensures that all major expenses are covered, allowing the recipient to focus entirely on their academic and research goals.
Tier 1: Dr. Cory Suski Graduate Research Assistantship (Up to Full Funding + $30,000 Stipend)
This is the primary and most prestigious level of funding available, covering the entirety of the academic and living costs associated with the program. This assistantship is granted to selected students who possess the unique combination of academic preparation and practical field experience required by Dr. Suski’s projects.
Tier 2: Comprehensive Financial Coverage
- Annual Living Stipend: A substantial annual stipend of $30,000 is provided to cover living expenses, utilities, books, and other personal costs.
- Health and Wellness: Full health insurance coverage is included, alleviating the significant cost of healthcare for international students studying in the USA.
Tier 3: Core Academic Support
- Full Tuition Waiver: The cost of full-time graduate tuition is completely covered by the assistantship. This is granted based purely on the high academic performance and research fit demonstrated by the applicant.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Illinois Graduate Scholarship 2026
To be considered for the Graduate Research Assistantship, candidates must meet the following minimum and desired qualifications:
- Academic Prerequisites: Must possess a BS degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, ecology, fisheries, or environmental science. Candidates applying for the PhD program must already hold an MS degree in a related field.
- Practical Experience: Required experience with fish handling, fish care in a laboratory setting, or established fisheries techniques in a field setting.
- Communication Skills: Must demonstrate excellent writing and verbal communication skills, which are essential for academic publishing and partner collaboration.
- Work Ethic & Independence: Must show a strong work ethic, the ability to work independently on complex research tasks, and a proven capacity to contribute positively to a research team environment.
- Research Productivity (Desired): Applicants with a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, experience with statistical analyses, and a track record of communicating scientific findings are highly desirable.
- Specialized Experience (Desired): Prior experience with fish telemetry, as well as coordinating and planning field teams, is considered a significant asset. A valid driver’s license is required for field work.
- Visa Status: Open to all countries (Global Eligibility) for enrollment as an international student.
How to Apply for University of Illinois Graduate Scholarships 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process for this specific Research Assistantship is highly specialized and requires direct correspondence with the principal investigator.
- Preparation of Materials: Gather all necessary documents, including a current CV, unofficial transcripts, and the contact information for three professional or academic references.
- Draft a Cover Letter: Write a brief, personalized cover letter outlining your relevant experience, academic background, and explaining your perceived fit and interest within Dr. Suski’s lab group and the stated research projects (angling impacts or fish passage).
- Direct Submission via Email: Apply by sending an email containing all required documents to Dr. Cory Suski directly at suski@illinois.edu. This is the primary point of application.
- Formal Program Application: Only applicants selected by the research group will be advised to complete the formal application process for admission into the NRES MS or PhD program at the University of Illinois.
Application Deadline: November 19, 2025
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
For more Information Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the University of Illinois Graduate Scholarship open to international students?
Answer: Yes, this Research Assistantship is fully open to both domestic and international applicants from all countries, making it a globally accessible funding opportunity.
2. What expenses are covered by this fully funded Research Assistantship?
Answer: The assistantship covers three major expenses: full tuition for the graduate program, comprehensive health insurance, and a competitive annual living stipend.
3. What is the value of the annual stipend provided to the successful candidate?
Answer: The successful applicant will receive a generous annual stipend of $30,000 to cover living expenses while pursuing their graduate degree.
4. Is the GRE or an English language proficiency test like IELTS mandatory for the initial application?
Answer: While formal university admission requires an English proficiency score (like TOEFL or IELTS), the initial application to the research group does not explicitly require a submitted IELTS score.
5. What are the eligible degree levels for this funding opportunity?
Answer: The funding is available for students pursuing either a Master of Science (MS) degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree within the NRES department.
6. What is the specific research focus associated with this assistantship?
Answer: The research focuses on the impacts of stressors on fish populations, with projects related to either the effects of angling on individual fish or fish passage dynamics around lock and dam structures.
7. Is a Master’s degree required before applying for this assistantship?
Answer: A Master’s degree is only required for applicants who wish to enter the PhD program. Those applying for the MS program only need a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
8. What documents must be included in the email application to Dr. Suski?
Answer: You must submit a CV, unofficial transcripts, the contact information for three references, and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and fit.
9. When is the final deadline for submitting the application materials?
Answer: All application materials, including your cover letter and CV, must be emailed to Dr. Cory Suski by the deadline of November 19, 2025.
10. Does having a background in fish telemetry or field team coordination give an advantage?
Answer: Yes, experience with specialized techniques like fish telemetry, along with demonstrated ability in planning and coordinating field teams, is highly desirable and considered a significant asset.
