Auburn University Scholarship in USA (Fully Funded)
The Auburn University Scholarship 2026 covered two fully funded MSc research positions in the Aquatic Reproductive Physiology Lab, and applications closed on May 31, 2026. If you’re only finding this now, these two specific slots are no longer available — but the funding structure behind them, and how Auburn’s fisheries programme runs paid research assistantships like this one, is worth understanding if you’re serious about a funded aquaculture or fisheries science Master’s in the United States. This post covers what the positions offered, who qualified, and where to look for the next funded opening at Auburn’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences.
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Auburn University Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | Auburn University MSc Research Positions — Aquatic Reproductive Physiology Lab |
| Host Country ⇒ | United States |
| Study Level ⇒ | Masters (MSc, 2-year appointment) |
| Benefits ⇒ | Fully Funded — $25,000 annual salary for two years plus a full tuition waiver |
| Funded by ⇒ | School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences (SFAAS), Auburn University |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | All Countries |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | Closed May 31, 2026. These two specific positions are no longer accepting applications — see below for how to find future openings. |
About the Auburn University Scholarship
This opportunity was hosted by the Aquatic Reproductive Physiology Lab at Auburn University’s E.W. Shell Fisheries Center in Auburn, Alabama, under Dr. Ian A.E. Butts. The lab studies reproductive biology and hatchery science to support sustainable aquaculture, fisheries management, and conservation biology. The two MSc positions funded research into indoor hatchery systems for largemouth bass and hybrid catfish — both commercially significant species in North America where current pond-based rearing methods suffer high mortality at early life stages. Positions like this are funded through specific research grants tied to a faculty member’s active projects, not a recurring annual scholarship programme, which means openings appear irregularly based on funding cycles rather than a fixed yearly calendar.
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What the Positions Offered
Each selected student received a salary of $25,000 per year for the full two-year MSc appointment, plus a tuition waiver covering the programme in full — making this a genuinely fully funded research assistantship rather than a partial award. Beyond the stipend, students received direct supervision from Dr. Butts, hands-on hatchery research experience at the E.W. Shell Fisheries Center, and the position culminated in a completed MSc thesis. Coursework and research were set to begin August 2026, with the appointment running through August 2028.
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Who Qualified
Applicants needed a Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related discipline, along with working knowledge of aquaculture and fish physiology. Auburn wanted demonstrated ability to carry out independent, goal-oriented work and competence with data management tools like Excel and statistical analysis software. No prior research experience was required, which made this accessible to strong recent graduates rather than only candidates with existing lab publications. Laboratory experience in molecular biology or physiology counted as an asset, as did practical husbandry experience with aquatic organisms, though neither was mandatory. One requirement candidates often missed: applicants needed the ability to obtain a US driver’s licence and access to a vehicle, since the research station sits off campus.
Required Documents
The application required a cover letter addressing academic background, research interests, career goals, and any relevant experience in molecular biology, physiology, or aquatic husbandry. Alongside that, applicants submitted a CV listing contact information for three referees, unofficial academic transcripts, and GRE scores. All four documents were compiled into a single PDF and emailed directly — no online portal was used for this position.
Why These Positions Are Closed and What That Means
Auburn confirmed applications closed May 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM CDT, and there’s no public indication of an extension. Because this funding was tied to a specific research grant rather than a recurring scholarship cycle, there’s no confirmed “next round” to point to the way there would be for an annual programme — a new posting depends entirely on when Dr. Butts or another SFAAS faculty member secures fresh grant funding for a new project.
Where to Look for the Next Funded Opportunity at Auburn SFAAS
If this kind of funded research assistantship is what you’re after, your best path forward is watching Auburn’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences graduate programme page directly, since individual faculty labs post assistantship openings there as grants are awarded throughout the year rather than on a single fixed date. It’s also worth reaching out to faculty in your specific research interest area directly — SFAAS lists faculty and their active research areas on the college site, and many funded MSc and PhD positions are filled through direct inquiry before they’re ever advertised publicly. If your interest is specifically reproductive physiology or hatchery science, following ScholarWaka’s page is the most direct way to learn about future funded positions in that lab specifically, since new openings are typically announced there before anywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Auburn University aquaculture MSc positions still accepting applications?
No. These two specific positions in the Aquatic Reproductive Physiology Lab closed on May 31, 2026. There is no confirmed reopening, since the funding was tied to a specific research grant rather than a recurring annual scholarship.
Will Auburn post new fully funded MSc positions in fisheries or aquaculture?
Likely, but not on a fixed schedule. SFAAS faculty post new funded assistantships as research grants are awarded throughout the year. Checking the SFAAS graduate programme page directly and following faculty labs in your area of interest is more reliable than waiting for a specific annual date.
Can Nigerian or other international students apply to Auburn’s SFAAS-funded research positions?
Yes. This position was open to all nationalities, and Auburn’s graduate research assistantships generally do not restrict eligibility by country, though standard US graduate admission and visa requirements still apply.
Do I need prior research experience to be considered for a position like this?
Not necessarily. This specific position explicitly stated no prior research experience was required, making it accessible to strong recent graduates. However, relevant coursework, lab exposure, or hands-on experience with aquatic organisms strengthens an application.
Is a driver’s licence really required for this type of position?
For this specific role, yes — Auburn stated applicants needed to be able to obtain a US driver’s licence and have vehicle access, since the research station is located off the main campus. This kind of practical requirement varies by lab and position, so always check the specific posting.
Disclaimer: All scholarship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official sources as of July 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences website before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with Auburn University.
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