Students seeking funded graduate opportunities in the United States can apply for three research-based positions in botany, pollinator ecology and fisheries.
The opportunities are available at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, University of North Texas and University of Vermont. Financial support ranges from $4,500 per semester to $37,000 per year, depending on the programme.
However, applicants should note that the deadlines differ. The UNT and UVM opportunities close on September 30, 2026, while the University of Tennessee position accepts applications until October 2, 2026.
University of Tennessee Graduate Assistantship
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is offering a funded MS-level graduate assistantship in botanical research and herbarium management.
The selected student will work with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Herbarium. The role includes specimen preparation, collection management, digitisation and research support.
The position provides a $4,500 stipend per semester and a $4,806 maintenance and tuition fee waiver. The assistantship can continue for up to six academic semesters, depending on performance.
The position starts in January 2027. Applicants can also develop research projects involving floristics, invasive plants, rare species, conservation and herbarium studies.
Eligibility and Deadline
Applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree. Botanical coursework or related experience is also expected.
The current listing gives October 2, 2026 as the application deadline. Applicants should follow the university’s application instructions and submit the required documents.
University of North Texas MS Studentship
The University of North Texas is offering a funded MS or PhD position focused on the impact of ranch management on insect pollinators.
The research forms part of a USDA-funded project in North Texas. Students will study pollinators, plants and soil microbes across ranches.
Research activities will include fieldwork, insect identification and analysis of existing ecological data.
MS students can receive $26,400 per year, while PhD students can receive up to $28,320 annually. The package also includes tuition and health-related support.
Eligibility and Deadline
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, entomology or a related field.
The position suits students interested in pollinator ecology, biodiversity, conservation and ecological field research.
The application deadline is September 30, 2026. The position starts in summer or fall 2027.
University of Vermont Fisheries Assistantship
The University of Vermont is seeking a graduate student for a funded MSc or PhD research assistantship in the human dimensions of fisheries.
The Bernos F.I.S.H. Lab will focus on fisheries and the relationship between people, fish and ecosystems in Lake Champlain.
Students may explore topics involving fishing behaviour, stakeholder preferences, fish movement, social networks and fisheries management. The research can combine human-dimensions methods with fisheries techniques.
The assistantship offers a starting salary of $37,000 per year. The opportunity has a preferred start date of January or May 2027.
Eligibility and Deadline
Applicants can come from backgrounds including fisheries science, ecology, environmental studies, geography, sociology, anthropology, data science and natural resources.
The programme welcomes international applicants. The application deadline is September 30, 2026.
What Do These Scholarships Cover?
The financial packages vary between the three opportunities.
The University of Tennessee position provides a semester stipend and maintenance and tuition fee waiver. Full-time graduate assistants at UTC also receive tuition-related benefits under the university’s graduate assistantship structure.
Meanwhile, the UNT position provides an annual stipend alongside tuition and health-related support. The University of Vermont opportunity offers $37,000 annually and financial support connected to graduate study. These positions also give students practical research experience. Depending on the programme, students can gain experience in fieldwork, laboratory research, specimen management, ecological analysis and academic research.
Required Documents
Applicants should check the requirements for their selected university before applying.
Common documents may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV or resume
- Statement or cover letter
- Recommendation letters
- Research interests or experience
Some positions also require applicants to contact the potential supervisor before submitting their application.
How to Apply
Students should first select the opportunity that matches their academic background and research interests. They should then review the official university or research-lab instructions and prepare the required documents.
Applicants must follow the specific application process for each position. They should also confirm whether they need to submit a separate graduate admission application.
With the UNT and UVM deadlines falling on September 30, interested students should complete those applications as soon as possible. The University of Tennessee opportunity currently lists October 2, 2026 as its deadline.
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