SCHOLARSHIP: Kentucky State University, USA International Scholarship for Postgraduate | Master Students
The Kentucky State University (KYSU) School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science (SAAS) seeks applicants for a graduate student (M.S.) supported through a research assistantship to start in the fall of 2026. The student will work in Dr. Patrick Erbland’s lab.
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research focused on behavioral observation of fish to estimate their level of appetite. The candidate will also develop and build a prototype feeding system that dispenses food based on this appetite estimate.
About university:
Kentucky State University is a public historically black land-grant university in Frankfort, Kentucky, United States. Founded in 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, and becoming a land-grant college in 1890, KSU is the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky.
Scholarship deadline:
August 1, 2026
Scholarship details:
- Host Country: United States of America USA
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $30,000 Stipend per year
- No IELTS Required
Scholarship eligibility requirements:
To be considered for the Graduate Assistantship program at Kentucky State University, you must:
- Have a B.S. in Engineering, Biology or related field; A valid US driver’s license;
- Show willingness to work long hours (including some weekends and holidays) and tolerate harsh field conditions (e.g., heat/cold, humidity, rain, insects);
- Have the ability to follow protocols and a strong attention to detail;
- Show strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines;
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills
- Have experience in conducting field and lab work related to aquaculture;
- Have experience designing and building prototype equipment;
- Demonstrate proficiency with computer programming language(s) such as python;
- Be able to work independently and in collaboration with other researchers;
- Show commitment to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals; interest in aquaculture
Scholarship Application Guidelines:
To apply for the Kentucky State University Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates should;
- Click the green button below to go to the program webpage.
- Send the required documents by email to Dr. Patrick Erbland (patrick.erbland@kysu.edu) with “Smart Feeder MS application” in the subject line.
- Applications are open until filled.
- Review of applications will begin on June 15th, 2026. Start date is August 2026, pending successful funding of the project.
To apply, candidates must also be ready to submit the following documents;
- application Form
- cover letter describing professional interests (1-page max),
- a resume,
- unofficial transcripts of college-level work, and
- contact information for 3 professional references
Scholarship Benefits:
The program offers an annual stipend of $30,000/yr, with an opportunity for tuition grant.
