2026 University of Arkansas Monticello Graduate Assistantship: Full Funding for Masters & Ph.D.

For graduate students passionate about wildlife conservation, forestry, and geospatial sciences, the 2026 University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Graduate Assistantship presents an unparalleled opportunity. This is more than a scholarship; it is a fully-funded Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) that allows you to gain hands-on professional experience while completing your advanced degree in the USA.

The research projects are hosted by the prestigious Snowden Waterfowl Center of Excellence within the College of Forestry, Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Scholarship & Assistantship Summary

Category	Details
Host Institution	University of Arkansas at Monticello, USA
Study Level	Masters (M.Sc.) & Ph.D. in Forest Resources
Funding Type	Fully Funded (Assistantship)
Stipend	$20,000 per year
IELTS/TOEFL	Not explicitly required (See requirements below)
Deadline	April 30, 2026 (Applications reviewed immediately)

Why Choose UAM in 2026?

The University of Arkansas at Monticello has recently expanded its academic horizon. In early 2026, the university launched its first-ever Ph.D. in Forest Resources, making it a prime destination for researchers in:

Wildlife Management & Conservation
Geospatial Sciences (GIS & Remote Sensing)
Landscape Ecology
Waterfowl & Wetlands Research

Benefits of the Assistantship

Selected candidates receive a comprehensive package designed to cover all academic and living needs:

Full Tuition Waiver: Your tuition fees are 100% covered by the university.
Annual Stipend: A living allowance of $20,000 per year (paid monthly).
Research Resources: Access to a designated office, high-end computers, and the specialized Snowden Waterfowl Center facilities.
Professional Development: Supplemental funding is provided for travel to national conferences and research presentations.
Practical Experience: Work directly with federal agencies like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Eligibility Requirements

To be a competitive candidate for the 2026 cycle, you must meet the following:

Academic Record: A minimum GPA of 2.7 (overall) or 3.0 in the last 60 hours of your undergraduate study.
Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, Zoology, Geography, Geospatial Sciences, or a related field.
Technical Skills: Preference is given to students with experience in GIS (ArcGIS), remote sensing, and data science.
Driver’s License: Candidates must have (or be able to obtain) a valid U.S. driver’s license within 60 days of starting.
Physical Readiness: Must be willing to perform field work outdoors in various weather conditions and travel overnight for research.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants should prepare the following documents in a single PDF file:

Cover Letter: A brief statement outlining your research interests and previous experience.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detail your academic history and technical skills.
References: Names and contact details of three (3) professional or academic referees.
Transcripts: Unofficial copies are usually sufficient for the initial review.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

The application for an assistantship is separate from the general university admission. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify Your Project

UAM often has specific research projects (e.g., “Movement Ecology of Green-winged Teal” or “Bottomland Hardwood Reforestation”). Ensure your cover letter mentions which project you are interested in.

Step 2: Email the Program Director

Send your PDF application directly to Dr. Douglas Osborne at osborne@uamont.edu.

Important: Use the subject line: “AGWT Assistantship” or “BLH Mallard Assistantship” depending on your project interest.

Step 3: Formal Admission

If the faculty selects you for the assistantship, you will then be guided to complete the formal admission process through the UAM Graduate School.

Final Thought for International Students

This assistantship is an excellent way to enter the U.S. education system because it provides a social security number (SSN) and professional work history, which are invaluable for your future career in North America.

Official Link: UAM Snowden Waterfowl Center