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Applications are now open for the Fully Funded University of Rhode Island Graduate Assistantship 2026 for international graduates
Dreaming of a fully funded Master’s or PhD in the United States, but worried about the cost? The University of Rhode Island (URI) is offering a unique opportunity for aspiring graduate students with a passion for wildlife ecology. This is a graduate assistantship that provides comprehensive financial support, allowing you to focus on your studies and research without any financial burden.
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This particular graduate assistantship is an opportunity for a student at either the M.Sc. or Ph.D. level to join a long term research effort focused on the spatial and movement ecology of American Black Ducks in southern New England. The research is a collaborative project between the university and a state agency, providing a unique blend of academic and practical field experience.
Scholarship Benefits of the URI Graduate Assistantship
This assistantship is far more than just a tuition waiver. It is a full funding package designed to support every aspect of your graduate school journey. The benefits include:
- Full Tuition Coverage: Your tuition fees for the duration of the program will be fully covered.
- Generous Stipend: You will receive an academic year stipend of approximately $25,000.
- Additional Summer Stipend: An extra stipend of approximately $18,000 is provided for summer research, bringing the total potential annual funding to around $43,000. This makes it one of the most competitive funding packages for a graduate position in this field.
- Hands-on Research Experience: The position offers valuable field experience with waterfowl capture and handling, as well as opportunities for quantitative analysis and collaborative research.
Eligibility Requirements for the URI Graduate Assistantship 2026
This is a specialized research position, and the successful candidate must have a specific set of skills and qualifications. To be considered, you must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Background: You must have an undergraduate degree in animal/wildlife biology or ecology with a minimum GPA of 3.2. For the Ph.D. level, a relevant M.Sc. degree is strongly preferred.
- Experience: The position highly values candidates with field experience, particularly with waterfowl capture and handling, and operating boats. Experience with quantitative analysis and field research is also required.
- Soft Skills: You must be a hardworking, motivated, and good natured individual with excellent oral and written communication skills. The ability to work collaboratively and supervise research assistants is also a must.
- Language Requirement: No IELTS Required, making this a more accessible opportunity for international candidates who meet all other criteria.
Required Documents to Apply
To apply for the assistantship, you will need to submit the following documents directly to the professor leading the project:
- A letter of interest stating your qualifications and research interests.
- A detailed resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Unofficial college transcripts.
- The names and contact information for three professional references.
How to Apply: Your Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for this assistantship is unique, as you apply directly to the professor rather than through the general graduate school portal initially.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents Ensure you have all the required documents—your letter of interest, resume/CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references.
Step 2: Submit Your Application Email the required documents to Dr. Scott R. McWilliams at srmcwilliams@uri.edu no later than September 15, 2025. It is highly encouraged to apply early.
Step 3: Await Response and Formal Application Selected candidates who meet the initial criteria will be contacted and asked to formally apply to the Graduate School at the University of Rhode Island.
Dr. Scott R. McWilliams
- Department of Natural Resources Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881
- 401-874-7531
- srmcwilliams@uri.edu
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the URI Graduate Assistantship
Q1: Is this a scholarship or a job?
A: This is a graduate assistantship, which is a form of student employment. It combines an academic program with a paid research or teaching position. The compensation comes in the form of a stipend and a tuition waiver.
Q2: How is the stipend paid?
A: The stipend is paid on a bi-weekly basis throughout the academic year. The summer stipend is a separate payment for research activities during that period.
Q3: Can international students apply for this position?
A: Yes, this opportunity is open to students from all countries who meet the academic and experience requirements. The “No IELTS Required” policy makes it particularly accessible.
Q4: Do I need to be accepted into the URI graduate program before applying?
A: No. The first step is to apply for the assistantship directly to Dr. McWilliams. If you are selected, you will then be guided through the formal process of applying to the URI Graduate School which will then earn you the Stipend for graduate students in the USA.
Q5: What are the start dates for the program?
A: The program has two potential start dates: January 2026 or September 2026. This offers flexibility for a candidate who may need more time to prepare for a move.
Q6: What is the typical duration of this assistantship?
A: A Master’s program typically lasts two years, while a Ph.D. program can be four to five years. The funding provided by the assistantship is renewed annually, contingent on satisfactory academic and research performance.
