Illinois State University Scholarship 2025 | Fully Funded Graduate Opportunities in the USA

Applications are now open for the 2025 Illinois State University Graduate Scholarships. These opportunities are available for international students pursuing MSc or PhD programs through fully funded Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships, which cover full tuition and a living stipend.

This guide outlines everything you need to know—eligibility, benefits, required documents, and a step-by-step application process:

🎓 Illinois State University Scholarship 2025 Overview:

• Host Country:  United States 
• Study Destination: Study in USA
• Program Level: Post graduate MSc/PhD
• Eligible Applicants: Open to all international students
• Coverage: Fully Funded | Includes Tuition & Living Stipend
• English Language Requirement: No IELTS Required
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2025

🧪 Scholarship Focus & Lab Research Details:

Graduate positions (MSc and PhD) are open in the Goldar Lab at the School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, starting in Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026.

The lab research centers on:

• Plant-insect interactions
• Chemical ecology
• Environmental gradients
• Climate change impacts

Using Plant Defense Theory, the lab investigates how ecological interactions shift depending on plant organs and environmental stress. Research includes:

• Lab, greenhouse, and field experiments
• Interactions with herbivores and pollinators

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, candidates must:

• Show strong motivation for PhD or MSc study
• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology
• Be proficient in English (speaking and writing)
• Have background or interest in:
  • Plants/insects
  • Chemical ecology
  • Evolutionary ecology
  • Population genetics/genomics
  • Statistical methods (an asset)

🎁 Scholarship Benefits

• Fully funded Teaching and Research Assistantships
• Covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend
• Access to a supportive and collaborative academic environment
• High-quality supervision and mentorship
• Located in Normal, Illinois, a city known for a good quality of life, outdoor activities, and proximity to major U.S. cities

📄 Documents Required

Applicants need to prepare and submit the following:

1. A brief personal statement outlining:
   • Research interests
   • Academic/research experience
   • Career aspirations
2. An updated CV or résumé
3. A writing sample (e.g., published article, thesis, or manuscript)
4. Names and email addresses of up to 3 academic references

📝 How to Apply – Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare all required documents listed above.
2. Write a concise email expressing your interest in the graduate position.
3. Attach all documents to your email.
4. Send your email directly to:
   📧 xlopezg@ilstu.edu (Dr. Xosé López Goldar – Lab Supervisor)

📎 Visit the Lab Website to Learn More or Apply

If you’re interested in pursuing a fully funded graduate degree in biological sciences in the U.S., this opportunity at Illinois State University is a great starting point. Apply by June 30, 2025, and take the next step in your academic journey