The University of Montana Graduate Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded Master of Science (MS) research assistantship in Wildlife Biology. This opportunity is designed for students interested in aquatic ecology, fisheries science, and conservation research in the United States.
The programme focuses on aquatic resources monitoring in National Forests across the southeastern USA, working in collaboration with the US Forest Service and state wildlife agencies.
Overview of the Scholarship
The University of Montana Graduate Scholarship 2026 supports an MS student who will lead a research project investigating how aquatic species respond to habitat restoration and connectivity improvements.
The study focuses on brook trout and non-game fish populations in forest streams across Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
The selected student will be based at the University of Montana in Missoula, while conducting fieldwork in the southeastern United States.
Research Focus
The project under the University of Montana Graduate Scholarship 2026 includes:
- Monitoring aquatic species in National Forests
- Studying habitat restoration impacts on fish populations
- Analysing genetic and ecological data
- Supporting adaptive management strategies
- Conducting long-term environmental monitoring
Research findings will help improve conservation and fisheries management decisions.
Key Responsibilities
The MS research assistant will be responsible for:
- Conducting fieldwork in remote stream environments
- Collecting fish population and genetic data
- Managing and analysing large ecological datasets
- Performing statistical analysis using R and GIS software
- Collaborating with US Forest Service researchers
The University of Montana Graduate Scholarship 2026 also includes potential contributions to public outreach projects in partnership with Freshwaters Illustrated.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, fisheries, biology or related field
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills
- Experience with R, JAGS or STAN preferred
- Familiarity with GIS and spatial analysis tools
- Experience in genetic or genomic data analysis (advantageous)
- Ability to work in remote field environments
Strong communication and teamwork skills are also essential.
Scholarship Benefits
The University of Montana Graduate Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded position that includes:
- Monthly stipend of $2,400–$2,600
- Full tuition coverage
- Health insurance support
- Research and teaching assistantship funding
This makes it a strong financial and academic opportunity for graduate students.
Location
- Academic base: University of Montana, Missoula, USA
- Fieldwork locations: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee
This combination provides both academic training and real-world field research experience.
Application Process
To apply for the University of Montana Graduate Scholarship 2026, applicants must submit:
- Cover letter (1–2 pages) outlining background and career goals
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with three references
- Unofficial academic transcripts
Applications should clearly show alignment with aquatic ecology and quantitative research skills.
Application Deadline:
15 June 2026
Early application is strongly recommended due to competitive selection.
APPLY HERE:
University of Montana Graduate Scholarship Application
The University of Montana Graduate Scholarship 2026 is a competitive and fully funded MS research assistantship for students interested in aquatic ecology and fisheries management. Strong analytical ability, field experience and research motivation will significantly improve selection chances.