Apply for any of these three funded Graduate Assistantships in Agriculture to contribute to research and sustainable development. This opportunity includes MS or PhD graduate positions in Crop Science, PhD positions in Precision Agriculture, and Robotics and PhD scholarships in soil science.

The financial commitment to studying abroad is enormous. However, funded opportunities for international students save costs. The study abroad scholarships in this article offer benefits varying from tuition, and stipend to health benefits.

This guide aims to provide information on the following funded opportunities.

• Crop Science graduate position (MSc/PhD) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign US
• Precision Agriculture and Robotics Fully funded PhD position at Mississippi State University
• Soil science scholarship (PhD) at the University of Alberta

1. Crop Science Graduate Position (MSc/PhD) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign USA

With the recent trend in Controlled Environment Agriculture, there has been a huge improvement in Agricultural output. Minimizing the risk posed by environmental factors like heat waves, drought, and pests, Controlled Environmental Agriculture has gained acknowledgement for playing a crucial role in attaining Agricultural sustainability. But, there is a huge challenge.

Controlled Environmental Agriculture (CEA) like vertical farming and greenhouse has limits to the cultivars and types of crops that are grown in such conditions. Furthermore, CEA crops need enhancement to improve their nutritional quality and cultivar development.

With the ongoing research in CEA, the Santiago Laboratory in the Department of Crop Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign needs master’s or doctoral degree students with an interest in studying and research in the area of CEA. The graduate student participating in the research will receive a stipend and health benefits.

Therefore, you can apply for the available graduate student position to contribute to research in controlled environment agriculture. The selected candidate will find out the identities of the regulated molecular switches that will promote the amount of vitamins present in leafy green vegetables grown under Controlled Environment Agriculture.

Moreover, the outcome of the research will contribute immensely to the improvement and development of crop cultivars. The new cultivars with improved nutritional quality will be achieved through plant breeding.

Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Crop Science Research Assistantship Requirements

Pay attention to the qualifications for the open Crop Science graduate position at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Meeting the qualifications allows you to receive consideration for the graduate position. These qualifications include

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in Plant related fields like Botany, Crop Science, Horticulture, Botany, Agriculture, Plant breeding, and others
• Be highly motivated
• Have an interest in Plant and crop production
• Possess outstanding communication and collaboration skills
• Has experience in diverse laboratory techniques like Gel electrophoresis Phenotyping, RNA and DN Extraction, enzyme extraction and assays, and PCR
• Being familiar with Controlled Environment Agriculture and possessing a background in plant breeding is an advantage
• Possess working knowledge of MS Office applications including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive

Application Information

Individuals with interest in the Controlled Environment Agriculture Graduate Assistantships should send their application to James Santiago at jpsant7@illinois.edu The application should include a cover letter, the name of 2-3 referees and an updated CV.

Benefits Of Crop Science Graduate Position

The successful applicant for the graduate position will benefit the following

• Monthly stipend
• Health Insurance
• Access to opportunities that enhance professional growth
• Opportunity to work in a diverse and collaborative environment

2. Fully funded Graduate Assistantships in Agriculture in Precision Agriculture and Robotics

Join an innovative community of Agricultural Engineers and contribute to cutting-edge projects in Precision Agriculture and Robotics. The research position is open to a prospective PhD graduate student at the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University, USA.

About The Project

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Drs. Dong Chen and J. Alex Thomas son at the Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering (ABE). Dr. Dong is an assistant professor in the ABE department Possessing over 20 publications in conferences and top journals.

Dr. J. Alex Thomasson is a professor and the Head of the Department of ABE at Mississippi State University. He also doubles as the Director of the Agricultural Autonomy Institute.

Dr Thomasson’s research contributions cover the following areas: Precision Agriculture, image analysis, agricultural autonomy, drones, optoelectronic sensors, remote sensing, and cotton production and processing.

Qualifications for The PhD Student

Check out the eligibility qualifications for the applicants of the funded PhD opportunity in Precision Agriculture

• Possess bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE), Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and other similar fields
• Research experience in control, mechanical design, optimization, and sensors
• Practical computer skills in ROS, mechanical design, python/C++, and 3D modelling software
• International applicants should have at least 79 for TOEFL and 6.5 for IELTS

How to Apply

Send your application to Dr. Chen chendon9@msu.edu The application should contain your CV, transcript, research interests, and English Test Scores. The subject line should be “Ph.D. Position Applicant: FirstName_LastName” The qualified candidates will receive further instructions from Dr. Chen.

3. Fully Funded PhD Scholarships In Soil Science

Application is open for the University of Alberta graduate position in Soil Science. The research focus for the PhD program is on Forest Soil Carbon. The role is for individuals with MSc in Soil Science, Geology, and Environmental Studies or related fields.

With most carbon found below the earth’s surface in Canada, the project aims to quantify the soil carbon formation and persistence in different ecozones. The successful candidate for the PhD position researches the indicators to determine the potential of soil carbon storage and its vulnerability to environmental changes.

Dr. Sylvie Quideau from the Department of Renewable Resources in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences is offering the open PhD position. The successful applicant will commence the program in September 2025. The soil carbon research project receives funding from the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC).

Here are crucial details that will enable you to win the Soil Science funded PhD position. Keep reading to find out.

Eligibility for the University of Alberta Scholarships in Soil Science

To be successful in your application for the graduate position in Soil Science at the University of Alberta, you must meet these criteria

• Completed or about completing a master’s program in Soil Science, Geology, and Environmental Studies or related fields
• Interest in promoting the importance of soils for forest health
• Excellent communication skills
• Exceptional Organisational skills
• Proficiency in English (Written and oral)
• Be highly motivated

Preference will be given to individuals with experience in forest fieldwork and using stable isotopes. A valid driver’s licence is required.

Benefits Of Receiving The Funded PhD Position

The soil carbon PhD opportunities at the University of Alberta offer the following benefits

• 5-Year stipend of 28,000 – 30,000
• Opportunity to access available graduate teaching assistantships
• Opportunity to still apply for other available graduate scholarships

Application Requirements

Requirements for the soil science PhD scholarships in Alberta for international students or Canadians include

• CV including two references
• Transcripts
• Statement of Interest

See the breakdown of the graduate program

How To Apply For The PhD In Soil Science Scholarships

Applicants are to apply early for the PhD position. As such, email your statement of interest in the form of a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and references to sylvie.quideau@ualberta.ca