Award of a fully funded scholarship at a top U.S. university is the kind of chance many international students wait years for. The Louisiana State University (LSU) Graduate Assistantship Scholarship offers exactly that: an opportunity to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in the U.S. with full funding, plus a living stipend and health coverage. LSU is committed to supporting graduate students through assistantships that combine research, teaching, or service duties with financial aid. This program is especially attractive for those pursuing research in aquatic biology, ecology, fisheries, or similar fields, and aims to relieve the financial burden so you can focus on your work and academic growth.
In this article, we’ll break down the benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines, and step-by-step application instructions for the LSU Scholarships 2026.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: USA
- Host University: Louisiana State University (LSU)
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships/PhD Scholarship
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Monthly stipend, etc.
Scholarship Benefits Louisiana State University Scholarships 2026
Here’s what successful recipients can expect:
- Full tuition waiver (no tuition cost) and in many cases waiver of nonresident fees via assistantship benefits at LSU.
- A graduate assistantship stipend — for 12-month appointments, PhD students receive $30,667 minimum under LSU’s stipend advancement plan.
- For 9-month (academic year) assistantships, the base stipend is $23,000 (for terminal degree students).
- 75% of graduate student health insurance premium is covered by LSU for graduate assistants.
- Opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, fieldwork, lab work, and collaboration with faculty mentors
- Access to university resources (libraries, labs, professional development, etc.)
- Competitive fellowship or scholarship supplements may be awarded to outstanding candidates.
See Also:
- University of Michigan Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in USA
- American Tomorrow Leaders Scholarship Program 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in USA
- Louisiana State University Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in USA
Eligibility Requirements Louisiana State University Scholarships 2026
To be considered for the LSU Graduate Assistantship Scholarship 2026, applicants typically need to satisfy all of the following (and more, per departmental specifications):
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology, zoology, fisheries, wildlife management, ecology, or a related field
- Demonstrated research experience (in labs or field settings)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain one, especially for fieldwork)
- Minimum GPA: Usually 3.0 overall (or 3.5 in the last 60 credit hours)
- GRE scores preferred but not always mandatory, depending on department
- Willingness to travel overnight for field research, and work in sometimes challenging environmental conditions
- For PhD candidates, prior master’s degree or strong record may strengthen the application
- Some departments prefer proficiency in data tools (e.g. R, GIS) or experience in aquaculture or physiological assays
Because each departmental program (for example in ecology, fisheries, or renewable natural resources) may have additional requirements, it’s best to review the specific call or contact the faculty in charge before applying.
Documents Required for Louisiana State University Scholarship 2026
Here are the documents you should prepare (and tailor) for this scholarship application:
- A cover letter / statement of interest explaining your motivation, research interests, and how they align with the lab or project
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume, including academic achievements, work or research experience, publications (if any)
- At least two academic or professional reference letters
- Unofficial or official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- (If required) GRE score report
- (If required) Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS) or waiver if the department allows it
- Any writing sample, publications, or research proposals (if requested)
- A proposed research statement or project description (if the call asks for it)
- Copies of identification (passport) and any other institutionally required forms
- If applicable, proof of ability to travel or work in field settings
Always cross-check with the specific department’s call, as some may ask for additional documents (e.g. portfolio, supplementary essays).
Scholarship Deadline
- The general deadline for this LSU Graduate Assistantship Scholarship 2026 is January 8, 2026.
- Departments might have internal deadlines or earlier cutoffs, so aim to submit materials well ahead of that date.
- Because selection may include shortlisting and interviews, early submission increases your chances.
Detailed Steps on How to Apply for Louisiana State University Scholarships 2026
Here is a step-by-step guide to applying:
- Identify the relevant faculty or lab
- Read the departmental call (e.g. in the School of Renewable Natural Resources or a related department)
- Find the professor (e.g. Dr. Kaelyn Fogelman (kfogelman@agcenter.lsu.edu)in the LSU aquatic stress response lab website) and understand their research focus
- Prepare your documents
- Write your cover letter / statement of interest tailored to the research project
- Update your CV, get reference letters, compile transcripts and test scores or English waiver
- Contact the professor / project lead
- Send a well-crafted email expressing interest, including your CV, cover letter, transcripts, and research alignment
- Ask if they are accepting new graduate students for 2026
- Submit formal application to LSU Graduate School
- After being selected or endorsed by the faculty, apply through LSU’s official graduate admissions portal
- Make sure you fulfill all departmental and university admission requirements
- Follow up
- If shortlisted, respond to requests for interviews or additional information promptly
- Keep track of any internal departmental deadlines
- Await offer & accept
- If selected, you may receive a combined offer: graduate admission + assistantship
- Confirm your acceptance and complete the onboarding and visa processes (for international students)
- Begin appointment
- Usually the assistantship begins in January or the following semester (depending on the program).
- Carry out your duties (research, teaching, etc.) alongside your graduate studies
Because different departments may vary in their instructions, always follow the official faculty or departmental instructions in addition to LSU’s Graduate School guidelines. Click HERE to get more information about the graduate programs at LSU RNR.
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Get Standard CV and Scholarship Essay/Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter from a Professional.