Pursuing a graduate degree can be a significant investment in your future, but it can also come with financial burdens. To support graduate students, The University of Akron offers Graduate Assistantships, providing valuable financial assistance, hands-on experience, and professional development opportunities.

What are Graduate Assistantships?

Graduate Assistantships are competitive awards that offer financial support to graduate students in exchange for part-time work in teaching, research, or administrative roles. These assistantships provide students with:

• Financial support through tuition waivers and stipends
• Practical experience in their field
• Opportunities for professional growth and networking
• Enhanced resume and job prospects

Types of Graduate Assistantships

The University of Akron offers various types of Graduate Assistantships:

1. Teaching Assistantship (TA): Assist faculty with teaching, grading, and course management.
2. Research Assistantship (RA): Conduct research under faculty supervision.
3. Graduate Assistantship (GA): Support administrative offices or departments.
4. Administrative Assistantship (AA): Assist with departmental or university-wide initiatives.

Benefits of Graduate Assistantships

1. Tuition waiver: Up to 100% tuition waiver for some assistantships.
2. Stipend: Competitive salary to support living expenses.
3. Health insurance: Access to university-sponsored health insurance.
4. Professional development: Opportunities for networking, conference attendance, and workshop participation.
5. Enhanced resume: Gain relevant work experience and skills.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Graduate Assistantship, students must:

1. Be admitted to a graduate program at The University of Akron.
2. Maintain good academic standing (3.0 GPA).
3. Register for at least 9 credit hours (full-time status).
4. Be available for part-time work (20 hours/week).

Application Process

1. Review available assistantships on the University’s website.
2. Submit application materials (resume, cover letter, transcripts).
3. Faculty/Departmental review and selection.
4. Notification of award (typically by April for fall semester).

Tips and Recommendations

1. Apply early to increase chances.
2. Tailor application materials to specific assistantship.
3. Showcase relevant skills and experience.
4. Network with faculty and departmental staff.
5. Maintain strong academic performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the stipend amount?
   Varies by assistantship and department.
2. Can I hold multiple assistantships?
   Typically, no, but exceptions may apply.
3. How long does the assistantship last?
   Academic year (renewable for up to 2 years).

Conclusion

Graduate Assistantships at The University of Akron offer a valuable opportunity for graduate students to achieve academic and professional success. By understanding the benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process, students can unlock their potential and enhance their graduate experience.

Deadline:

Open for Aplications

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY HERE

Take the Next Step!

Apply now and embark on a rewarding graduate experience at The University of Akron!

What is a Graduate Research Assistantship?

A Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) is a means of funding for graduate school that waives your tuition fee and pays a stipend in exchange for your services as a Research Aid, Teaching Aid, School/Department support staff, etc.

Eligibility

Anyone can apply for a GRA/GTA position, regardless of:

• Country of origin
• Course of study
• CGPA
• Gender
• etc.

However, the route to follow differs depending on the strength of your CGPA. Graduates with HND, 2.2, 3rd Class may need to write and pass GRE, TOEFL, WES evaluation, etc.

Step 1: Identify Your Research Interest

• Your research interest is a sub-discipline of the course you studied for your first degree.
• Your research interest may even be in a different body of knowledge that is interrelated to the one you studied in your BS.
• Example: For your first degree, you studied Mechanical Engineering, but your research interest is Thermodynamics and Fluids, which is also a sub-discipline of Physics. Thus, in searching for a GRA, you may get funding in the department of Physics.

Step 2: Create an Academic CV

• An Academic CV is distinctively different from a work CV.
• Include the following:
      – Personal info
      – Education
      – Research Interest
      – Research Experience
      – Professional experience
      – Research publications
      – Skills
      – Professorial affiliation
      – Volunteer activities
      – Referees
• Note: The content may vary depending on the position available and the country.

Step 3: Obtain Your Academic Transcript

• While seeking out Professors that may have vacancies in their Research Laboratory and department, it is customary to submit your Academic Transcript alongside your inquiry mail.
• Your academic transcript may be the official or unofficial one. However, you need to have it handy.
• There are several ways to get this from your institution.

Step 4: Search for Professors

• Once you’ve gathered all the items in steps 1-3, the next step is searching for professors in your research interest.
• Places to search for professors include:
      – Twitter
      – LinkedIn
      – ResearchGate
      – Google Scholar
      – etc.
• To search for a Professor of Chemistry on Twitter:
      – Go to the search bar
      – Type ‘Professor of Chemistry’
      – Click on people
      – Peruse through the dropdown list
• The secret is looking out for Associate and Assistant Professors, as they are usually the ones with research grants and openings.
• Copy out their emails and search out their research publications for use in Step 5.

Step 5: Cold Mailing (Fishing for Vacancies)

• One strong route of finding a GRA/GTA position is by cold mailing.
• A cold mail is a form of ‘solicitation’ mail used to fish for openings in a Professor’s Dept or Lab.
• A good cold mail is one that is able to effectively convince the recipient that you are a high-flying candidate who can add value to their research work.

Are you considering pursuing a graduate degree? Congratulations on taking this significant step in your academic and professional journey. Applying to graduate school can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can navigate the process with ease.

In post, we will provide a detailed checklist to help you prepare and submit a strong application to your chosen graduate programs. We will cover everything from international passports to reference letters, so buckle up and let’s get started.

International Passport

Before you begin your graduate school journey, make sure you have a valid international passport. This may seem obvious, but it’s essential to ensure your passport is up to date and won’t expire soon. So,

• Check the expiration date of your passport and renew it if necessary.
• Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
• Make a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a safe place.

Transcript

Your transcript is a crucial document that showcases your academic achievements. Here’s what you need to do:

• Request official transcripts from all previous academic institutions, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, community college or transfer credits, and study abroad programs.
• Ensure your transcript includes your name and student ID number, institution name and logo, course names and grades, and degree earned and date of completion.
• If your transcript is not in English, provide a certified translation.
• Check with your institution to see if they offer electronic transcripts or if they need to be mailed.

Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose/Letter of Intent

Your personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your goals, motivations, and experiences. Here’s how to craft a compelling statement:

• Write a well-structured and compelling statement (usually 1-2 pages) outlining your academic background and interests, career goals and motivation, reasons for choosing the specific graduate program, and relevant skills and experiences.
• Tailor your statement to each program you’re applying to.
• Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
• Edit and proofread your statement multiple times.

Academic CV

Your academic CV is a document that highlights your academic achievements, research experiences, and relevant skills. Here’s how to create a strong CV:

• Update your CV to highlight academic achievements and awards, research experiences and publications, relevant work experience and skills, and volunteer and extracurricular activities.
• Use a clear and concise format, with bullet points and white space.
• Tailor your CV to each program you’re applying to.
• Include relevant sections such as education, research experience, work experience, skills, and awards and honors.

Research Proposal (if applicable)

If you are applying to a research-based program, you’ll need to develop a research proposal. Here’s what you need to do:

• Develop a detailed proposal (usually 2-3 pages) outlining your research question and objectives, methodology and approach, and significance and potential impact.
• Consult with your potential supervisor or academic advisors.
• Ensure your proposal aligns with the program’s research focus.

IELTS/GRE/TOEFL

Language proficiency exams are required for most graduate programs. Here’s what you need to do:

• Check the language proficiency requirements for your chosen programs.
• Register and prepare for the required exam (IELTS, GRE, or TOEFL).
• Ensure you meet the minimum score requirements.
• Prepare for the exam by studying and reviewing material, taking practice tests, and getting tutoring or coaching.

Application Fees (if applicable)

Some graduate programs require application fees. Here’s what you need to do:

• Check if the programs you’re applying to require application fees.
• Pay the fees promptly to avoid delays in processing your application.
• Check if you’re eligible for fee waivers or discounts.

Reference Letters

Reference letters are an essential part of your graduate school application. Here’s how to go about it:

• Identify potential referees who can speak to your academic and professional abilities.
• Request letters of recommendation well in advance (at least 2-3 months).
• Provide your referees with information about the programs you’re applying to.
• Ensure your referees know the deadlines and requirements.
• Follow up with your referees to ensure they submit the letters on time.

Additional Tips

We have handpicked some additional tips to help you navigate the graduate school application process:

• Start your application process early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Use a spreadsheet or task list to keep track of the requirements and deadlines for each program.
• Regularly update your checklist to ensure you’re on pace to meet the application deadlines.
• Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from academic advisors or mentors if needed.
• Proofread and edit your application materials multiple times.

Conclusion

Applying to graduate school can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can submit a strong application. Remember to start early, stay organized, and seek guidance when needed.

Good luck on your graduate school journey.

The Northern Illinois University Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue their academic dreams in the United States.

The scholarship offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including graduate assistantships that cover tuition, health insurance, and stipends to support living costs during graduate studies.

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and submit the required documents by the deadline.

In this post, we will provide detailed information about the scholarship, its eligibility criteria, benefits, required documents, and the application process.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Northern Illinois University Scholarship 2024, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Apply for admission to study a Master’s or Ph.D. degree at Northern Illinois University (NIU).
• Meet the entry requirements for your chosen program.
• Meet the English Language requirements of the university.
• Demonstrate competence in spoken English to be appointed as a graduate teaching assistant engaged in oral classroom instruction.

Benefits

The Northern Illinois University Graduate Assistantship program for international students covers the following benefits:

• A tuition waiver.
• Stipends (determined by the university’s admission office).
• Health insurance.

Required Documents

To apply for the Northern Illinois University Scholarship 2024, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents:

• Application Form.
• CV.
• Academic Transcripts.
• Recommendation Letters.
• English Proficiency certificate (non-English speakers).

How to Apply

To apply for the Northern Illinois University Scholarship 2024, interested and qualified applicants should follow the steps below:

1. Click on the link below to visit the NIU official website.
2. Apply for admissions to a graduate program at the Northern Illinois University.
3. Proceed to apply for available graduate assistantships at several departments of the NIU.
4. Hiring is done directly through the department or unit in which you seek an assistantship.

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline

The deadline for applications is October 1, 2024.

We encourage all eligible students to apply for this scholarship and take the first step towards achieving their academic goals.

Academic studies often opens up opportunities for financial support through scholarships, fellowships and assistantships, but are these three forms of aid and their eligibility requirements really the same, or is there something we need to know??

Today, we go on a walk through all three because understanding the differences is a life saver for students in search of funding options for their academic pursuits.

1. FELLOWSHIPS

A fellowship is an award given to postgraduate students to continue their pursuit of an academic focus or interest. They are funded, short-term opportunities, that can last from a few weeks to a few years. They can be focused on professional, academic and/or personal development.

Fellowships are sponsored by a specific association, organization, institution, or government which sets the eligibility requirements. Fellows receive funding but are not considered employees of the organization providing the fellowship.

Fellowships are often designed to support various activities, including:

1. Research, either independent or as part of a larger project
2. Developing new community-based organizations
3. Training within a specific field
4. Opportunities to further explore a particular field of work
5. Graduate Study

Fellowships can provide opportunities for cultural immersion, expanding both professional and personal networks, experiential learning, and professional development – to name just a few. Even the process of applying is beneficial to students, helping them clarify goals and interests, articulate their values and plans for the future, improved presentation and interview skills, and much more.

Example:

A postgraduate student researching climate change might receive a fellowship to study the impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities.

2⃣ Scholarship

A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students for further education. Generally, scholarships are awarded based on a set of criteria such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, and financial need, research experience or specific professional experience.

Scholarships also celebrate academic achievements and provide financial comfort to students. They are usually awarded by universities, private organizations, or government bodies. This is to support students’ education by covering tuition fees, books, and sometimes living expenses.

Though scholarship recipients are not required to repay scholarships, the awards may require that the recipient continue to meet certain requirements during their period of support, such as maintaining a minimum grade point average or engaging in a certain activity (e.g., playing on a school sports team for athletic scholarship holders)

3⃣ Graduate Assistantship

Graduate assistantships are academic merit-based awards that recognize outstanding achievement and provide financial support to students as they pursue their degrees. Both the university and the student benefit from the assistantship.

The student receives professional experience and financial support, while the university gains a student assistant dedicated to advancing its mission. The student provides financial support (salary) in exchange for specific work or responsibilities.

Example:

A graduate student working as a teaching assistant might assist a professor in grading assignments and conducting tutorials.

In Summary:

1. Fellowships are research-focused awards for Graduate Students.
2. Scholarships celebrate achievements and cover educational expenses. Depending on the awarding organization or University, they are open to Undergraduates and Graduate Students.
3. Assistantships involve specific tasks or responsibilities in exchange for financial support. Obviously, graduate assistantships are meant only for Graduate Students.

A Statement of purpose is a rich but concise essay where the applicant clearly justifies their motivations for their choice of research, program, and school with strong reasons for why he/she should be considered for the admission / funding or scholarship.

It is required as part of the application process and serves as an opportunity for you to showcase your qualifications, demonstrate your commitment to the applied field of study, and explains why you are a suitable candidate for the program.

A SOP helps convince the institution on how you can give the institution the best of you. It’s about what you are willing to give and how your effort will transform your career and your field of study. This statement must be very clear, true and upfront.

The SOP should provide a clear and concise narrative that highlights your academic achievements, research experience, relevant skills, and career aspirations. It should also address how the graduate program aligns with your academic and professional goals.

Essential Components of an SOP

Here are some key elements of a statement of purpose:

• Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and providing a brief overview of your academic background, including your undergraduate degree, major, and any relevant coursework or research projects.
• Research experience: Describe any research projects, internships, or work experiences that have shaped your interest in the field and helped you develop relevant skills. Highlight specific achievements or contributions you have made.
• Academic achievements: Discuss any notable academic achievements, such as awards, scholarships, or high grades in relevant coursework. Emphasize how these achievements demonstrate your dedication and aptitude for the field.
• Motivation and goals: Clearly articulate your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in the concerned program and how it aligns with your academic and career goals. Discuss your passion for the subject matter and your long-term aspirations.
• Fit with the program: Explain why you believe the particular graduate program is a good fit for you. Discuss specific courses, faculty members, or research opportunities that align with your interests and explain how you intend to contribute to the program.
• Relevant skills and qualifications:
• Highlight any specific skills or qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, such as technical skills, research methodologies, or relevant work experience. Provide examples to demonstrate your competence.
• Future plans: Outline your intended research interests, potential thesis or dissertation topics, and how you plan to apply your graduate education in your future career. Show that you have a clear vision of how the program will help you achieve your goals.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate your enthusiasm for the program. Avoid clichés and end on a strong and memorable note.

In writing a good SOP especially for Erasmus scholarship, you must know the core values and goals of the programme. For example, if they intend to raise passionate leaders, you must be able to connect all your achievements and short/long term plans to that goal.

Remember to tailor your statement of purpose to each specific program you are applying for highlighting how your background and goals align with the program’s strengths and resources. It’s essential to showcase your unique experiences and perspectives, as well as your passion for the field of study.

The statement of purpose should convince the admissions committee that your achievements show promise for your success in graduate study.

Conclusion

A statement of purpose is an essential part of your application for a graduate program. While your academic transcripts and letters of reference reveal your academic credentials, and your extracurriculars and graduate school resume show your professional capabilities, your statement of purpose gives you the chance to present yourself as a candidate in a more well-rounded and compelling way.

This is your opportunity to make yourself stand out as an applicant! Your preparation for writing and completing the statement of purpose is not unlike your preparations with graduate school interview questions— you need to leave yourself an ample amount of time to ace it.

Of course, each school is different, and you need to make sure you have checked the specific requirements of your chosen institutions before you begin writing your statement. But no matter which school you’re applying to one thing is certain: a strong statement of purpose is crucial to your success!

UPEI supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year. Depending on your faculty or program, and year of study, you may be eligible for available awards.

Host: University of Prince Edward
Open: Two Masters of Science (MSc) Positions in Environmental Sciences (ESC) or Sustainable Design Engineering
Duration: 2 Years
Open To: Postgraduate Students (Masters)
Benefits: 21,000 CAD per year • Mac/Lenovo laptop • Opportunity to travel
Deadline: Not Specified

The MSc degree of the University of Prince Edward Island requires the demonstration of a reasonable mastery of a concentrated field of study. The latter is attested by the achieving of satisfactory standings in the minimum number of graduate courses required by the respective Faculty, the completion of a research project, and the writing of a thesis based upon the research. There will be considerable interaction and co-operation among the departments/faculties to provide courses and research facilities to meet the needs of individual students and their research projects.

A minimum of two graduate-level courses and one seminar are required. The successful candidate will contribute to research on drought, soil moisture monitoring, and environmental changes using imagery and datasets on Planet and Google Earth Engine platforms

The students will be hosted by the UPEI in Charlottetown Campus with some travel to the School of Climate Change and Adaptation in the St. Peter’s Bay area, accessible by free daily shuttles. Some occasional field trips might become necessary.

Required Skills and Prerequisites:

• Excellent English writing skills, capable of learning and communicating ideas clearly
• Background in hydrology, civil engineering, environmental engineering, computer science, or applied statistics and mathematics
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong desire to study regional and global environmental change and modeling approaches
• Strong computer programming skills in R or Python and desire to learn and expand computer skills in AI, LaTeX, Bash commands, and Linux.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Benefits:

• New Mac or Lenovo/Linux laptop or desktop (student’s choice);
• Opportunity to travel to at least one conference (AGU or EGU) as of the second year to present findings and results;
• Additional entrance scholarship from the School of Climate Change and Adaptation or the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering;
• Graduate students can apply to become Teaching Assistants (TAs);
• Regular group and one-to-one meetings to enhance students’ social and verbal scientific communication skills, to ensure progress, growth, and career planning.

Eligibility:

• You must fulfill the entry requirements for Master’s or Ph.D. studies at the UPEI. In the following it must be understood that the standard of reference is the typical Canadian university curriculum and university system.

Admission to a graduate degree program as a regular student is granted, on recommendation of the Department concerned, to:

The holder of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, or a four-year honours or majors baccalaureate or its equivalent, as set out below; or

1. The minimum requirement for admission to graduate studies in the Faculties of Science and Veterinary Medicine is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, or equivalent; or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree, or Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree, or equivalent, normally of four years’ duration, in an honours or majors program or equivalent from a recognized university or college, the applicant having achieved an average of at least second-class (“B,” i.e., 70% to 79.9%) standing in the work of the last four semesters or the last two undergraduate years.

Students are expected to be proficient in the use of English, both written and oral, when they begin their studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. Please review the English Language Requirements for graduate programs.

Please refer to the UPEI Academic Calendar for complete admissions information.

General inquiries should be addressed to Prof. Sara Sadri at ssadri@upei.ca. For more information about the group, visit https://projects.upei.ca/crc-sara-sadri/

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Application deadline: for Fall intake July 1; for Winter intake November 1; for Summer intake March 1.

Make sure you apply before the deadline!

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

Not Specified

The University of Missouri has opened applications for a MS student to help quantify patterns of occurrence and abundance of aquatic cold-water species at stream sites to determine water temperatures, fish assemblages, and macroinvertebrates that delineate between cold and cool water streams.

Host: University of Missouri
Open To: Postgraduate Students (Masters)
Benefits: Stipend: 24,000/year | Full tuition waiver | Health insurance
Deadline: Not Specified

The selected student will work directly with Dr. Craig Paukert (U.S. Geological Survey, University of Missouri) but will be expected to interact regularly with biologists with the Missouri Department of Conservation or other agencies. The selected student will be expected to conduct field work in wadeable and nonwadeable streams in the Missouri Ozarks and other regions of the state.

Required Qualifications:

• BSc in fisheries, ecology, or related program, minimum of GPA of 3.2 in last 2 years.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience operating boats, stream or river sampling techniques,
• interest in using research to solve management problems,
• demonstrated ability or interest to work with agencies,
• ability to present/publish research results.

Benefits:

Stipend: 24,000/year; includes full tuition waiver and health insurance.

Closing date: Review begins January 8, 2024, and open until filled. Start date of May 2024 or earlier.

How to Apply

Send letter of interest, resume, contact information for three references, and copy of transcripts (unofficial and email OK) in one document to:

Craig Paukert, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit,
The School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri-Columbia. 573-355-6900; paukertc@missouri.edu

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

Not Specified

The Rangeland Wildlife Ecology Lab at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is searching for a PhD graduate research assistant to investigate multiple facets of upland gamebird ecology in North Dakota. The student will be part of an inter-disciplinary team investigating sharp-tailed grouse and ring-necked pheasants in southwest and central parts of North Dakota.

• Host: North Dakota State University
• Open To: Postgraduate Students (PhD)
• Benefits: Salary starting at $26,500 per year | Full tuition waiver
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Deadline: January 31, 2024

Both of these species are economically important gamebirds in the state and have suffered population declines from loss of conservation reserve program and native grasslands. This research will use radio telemetry to track pheasants and grouse throughout the year to better understand land use impacts on survival and selection patterns. Additionally, this region of the Great Plains is one of the few places were pheasants and sharp-tailed grouse distributions overlap, allowing for unique opportunities to investigate habitat selection and the influence of landcover and management on their populations.

The School of Natural Resource Sciences at NDSU has 23 full-time faculty members with diverse expertise. We also have 19 research staff and strong administrative support. The Natural Resource Management undergraduate and graduate programs serve approximately 100 and 70 students, respectively. NDSU offers a state-of-the-art greenhouse complex, laboratory space, and seven Research Extension Centers throughout the state.

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum qualifications:

Valid driver’s license
Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk >2 miles over rough terrain
GPA > 3.0
Master of Science degree in Natural Resource Management or closely related field

Preferred qualifications:

• A strong passion for ecological research and upland gamebirds
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publication
• Strong analytical and GIS capabilities
• Previous experience with upland gamebirds and telemetry

Benefits:

How to Apply

To apply: Please send:

• Unofficial transcripts
• A cover letter expressing your interests, qualifications, and career goals
• Curriculum vitae
• Three professional references in a single pdf to torre.hovick@ndsu.edu.

Timeline:

Start Date: Spring 2024 (flexible)

Close Date: January 31st, 2024 (open until a suitable candidate is found)

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY

Deadline:

January 31, 2024

Dear Graduate School Hopeful,

If pursuing a Graduate degree abroad is your plans for 2024, below are the elementary documents you need to have in place:

Timeline: January to April

1. Passport
2. Academic Transcript
3. BS/MS certificate
4. English Proficiency letter or TOEFL or IELTS
5. Academic CV
6. WES evaluation (if your CGPA is low)
7. Secure and familiarize yourself with your potential recommenders

Timeline: May to July

Here are the things you need to learn how to write:

• Statement of Purpose
• Cold mails
• Personal statement
• Diversity statement
• Cover letter/letter of motivation
• How to send out purposeful cold mails

Timeline: January to August

Skills/Endeavors that you should be involved with that gives your application strength:

1. Volunteering
2. Community Service
3. Leadership/Human capacity building
4. Programming/Machine Learning
5. Research writing and publications

Those who got fully funded offers last year had one things in common; they were purposeful about their quest. If you wish to join the winners band, you need to start now, start early and get your documents set.

Happy New Year, Scholars.