Southern Illinois University Scholarship 2026 in USA | Fully Funded

If you are planning to advance your academic career in forestry, ecology, or wildlife sciences, here is an exciting opportunity you should not overlook. Southern Illinois University (SIU) Scholarship is offering two M.S.-level Graduate Research Assistantships in Forestry for Summer and Fall 2026, based in Carbondale, Illinois, USA. This is a fully funded assistantship that comes with a salary of $22,000 per year plus tuition coverage.

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This assistantship is open to graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife, ecology, biology, forestry, zoology, or related fields. Furthermore, no prior experience is required, making it an accessible entry point for outstanding fresh graduates who are eager to dive into hands-on forestry research in the United States.

Two research projects are available under this assistantship. One project focuses on understanding how forest management practices impact nightjars in southern Illinois, while the second investigates the stand dynamics of bottomland forest plantations following the loss of ash trees and the rise of invasive species. Both projects offer meaningful and impactful research experiences.

Additionally, successful applicants will work 20 to 40 hours per week and will receive strong mentorship under the supervision of Dr. Eric Holzmueller at SIU’s Department of Forestry. This is therefore a remarkable chance to study in the USA, develop advanced research skills, and contribute to real-world conservation efforts.

Do not miss this opportunity. Read on for full eligibility requirements, benefits, required documents, and how to apply for the SIU M.S. Graduate Research Assistantships in Forestry 2026.

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Southern Illinois University Scholarship 2026 in USA Summary

• Host Country: United States of America (USA)
• Study Abroad: Study in USA
• Host: Southern Illinois University (SIU), Department of Forestry
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: All Countries (International Students Welcome)
• Reward: $22,000/year salary + tuition coverage, 20–40 hours/week
• Deadline: April 15, 2026

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Southern Illinois University Scholarship 2026 Details

Southern Illinois University is offering two M.S.-level Graduate Research Assistantships in its Department of Forestry, starting Summer or Fall 2026. Both positions are based in Carbondale, Illinois, and are supervised by Dr. Eric Holzmueller.

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Project 1 – Nightjar Research (Start Date: May 11, 2026) This project continues ongoing research to understand how forest management practices impact nightjars — specifically the eastern whip-poor-will and chuck-will’s-widow — in southern Illinois. The successful candidate will conduct fieldwork and data analysis to contribute to wildlife conservation and forest management policy.

Project 2 – Bottomland Forest Plantation Dynamics (Start Date: August 17, 2026) This project investigates the stand dynamics of bottomland forest plantations following the loss of ash trees and the increased abundance of invasive species. The research will provide valuable insights into how forests respond to ecological disturbances and species loss.

Both assistantships require 20 to 40 hours of work per week and come with a starting salary of $22,000 per year plus tuition coverage. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the positions are filled.

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Eligibility Requirements for the Southern Illinois University Scholarship 2026

• Must hold a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in wildlife, ecology, biology, forestry, zoology, or a related field
• Must demonstrate exceptional quantitative and analytical skills
• Must have knowledge of program R and spatial software such as QGIS or ArcGIS
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and be able to conduct independent fieldwork in challenging conditions (e.g., steep terrain, exposure to poison ivy, ticks, and venomous snakes)

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• Must be able to work effectively in a team setting
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills
• No prior experience required

Southern Illinois University Scholarship 2026 in USA Benefits

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• Starting salary of $22,000 per year
• Full tuition coverage for the duration of the M.S. programme
• 20 to 40 hours of paid work per week
• Hands-on field research experience in southern Illinois forests
• Direct mentorship and supervision by Dr. Eric Holzmueller at Southern Illinois University
• Two available start dates — May 11, 2026 or August 17, 2026 — offering flexibility for applicants
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful wildlife conservation and forest ecology research in the USA

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Required Documents for the Southern Illinois University Scholarship 2026 in USA

• A cover letter describing your past experiences and career goals
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) with GPA and GRE scores included where possible
• Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• Contact information for three references

All documents must be compiled into a single PDF file before submission.

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How to Apply for the Southern Illinois University Scholarship 2026

1. Prepare all required documents — your cover letter, CV (with GPA and GRE scores if available), undergraduate transcripts, and contact details for three references.
2. Compile all documents into a single PDF file.
3. Send the PDF via email to Dr. Eric Holzmueller at [email protected] — this is the preferred contact method.
4. Use a clear and professional subject line indicating you are applying for the M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship in Forestry.
5. Specify in your cover letter which project you are applying for — the Nightjar Research project (May 2026 start) or the Bottomland Forest Plantation project (August 2026 start) — or indicate interest in both.
6. Submit your application as early as possible, as review of applications begins immediately and continues until positions are filled.
7. Ensure your complete application is received by April 15, 2026 for full consideration.

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Deadline

April 15, 2026

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Application Link

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