2026 University of Florida PhD Scholarship: Fully Funded $32,000 Graduate Assistantship

The University of Florida (UF), one of the top-ranked public research universities in the United States, has announced a prestigious fully-funded PhD opportunity for the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship is perfect for international students specializing in Fisheries, Wildlife Ecology, and Quantitative Sciences.

Hosted by the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS), this Graduate Assistantship offers an exceptional financial package and a chance to work on high-impact socioecological research.

Scholarship Overview & Financial Reward

This is a fully funded position, meaning the university covers all major costs associated with your doctoral studies:

Annual Stipend: A competitive living allowance of $32,000 per year.
Tuition Waiver: Full coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the PhD program.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage is included.
Research Support: Access to world-class laboratories and data from federal and state agencies.

The Research Project: Quantitative Fisheries

The position is under the mentorship of Dr. Edward Camp. The successful candidate will join a cohort of 3–4 students working on an interdisciplinary project that explores:

Socioecological Systems: How changes in marine fishery systems affect both the environment and the fishing communities.
Quantitative Modeling: Using data (GLMs, simulations, R programming) to understand fish species availability and fisher behavior.
Governance: Interacting with managers and fishers to improve fisheries management and policy.

Note: While the research focuses on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the student will be based in Gainesville and is not required to conduct extensive field work.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this elite program in 2026, you must meet the following:

Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries, Wildlife Ecology, Natural Resources, or Quantitative Fields is required.
Preferred Qualification: Applicants with a Master’s (MS) degree in a related field are highly preferred.
Technical Skills: Strong interest or experience in quantitative research (modeling in R or similar platforms) is essential.
Academic Record: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the University of Florida.
English Proficiency: While the “Scholarship Region” post mentions no IELTS, the University of Florida typically requires TOEFL/IELTS for international students unless they meet specific waiver criteria.

Required Application Documents

Prepare these documents in professional English:

Academic CV: Highlighting research experience and technical skills.
Cover Letter: Describing your research interests and career goals.
Official/Unofficial Transcripts: Showing your academic history.
Three Letters of Recommendation: From academic or professional referees.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Contact the Principal Investigator (PI)

Before applying to the university, you must email your CV, cover letter, and transcripts directly to Dr. Edward Camp at:

edvcamp@ufl.edu Review of applications is ongoing, but ensure you reach out before the March 15th deadline.

Step 2: Formal Admission to UF

If Dr. Camp expresses interest in your profile, you will then be required to submit a formal application to the University of Florida’s PhD program in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences.

Step 3: Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $30 is typically required for the formal UF Graduate School application.

Key Dates to Remember

Priority Deadline: March 15, 2026
Program Start Date: August 2026 (Fall Semester)

Official Link: UF School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences