- ~USD 18,600/yearAnnual Value
- Fully Funded (partial fees remain)Funding Type
- Up to 3 yearsDuration
- October 2, 2026Application Deadline
- January 8, 2027Start Date
- ~20 hours/weekWorkload
At a glance
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Provider
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a fully funded graduate assistantship for Master's students, focusing on botanical research and herbarium management. This assistantship provides a stipend of $4,500 per semester and a tuition fee waiver of $4,806, starting in January 2027. The position offers an annual value of $18,600 and can be renewed for up to six academic semesters, totaling three years. Students selected for this role will engage in hands-on work at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Herbarium (UCHT), contributing to its expansion and digitization efforts. The UCHT currently houses over 50,000 specimens, with a goal to reach 65,000. This assistantship allows students to develop a master's thesis in areas such as floristics, invasive species, rare plant conservation, or herbarium studies, combining academic study with practical experience. While the assistantship covers significant costs, students should anticipate a remaining maintenance fee balance of around $1,100, in addition to expenses for books and parking. The application deadline for this opportunity is October 2, 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Stipend — A stipend of ~USD 4,500 per semester, totaling ~USD 18,600 per year (est.) for assistantship duties.
- Tuition Fee Waiver — A tuition/maintenance fee waiver of ~USD 4,806 per semester.
- Research Experience — Hands-on experience in botanical research, herbarium management, and specimen digitization.
- Thesis Opportunities — Opportunities to develop a Master's thesis in various botanical research areas.
- Professional Development — Development of research and professional skills in an academic environment.
- Event Organization — Major responsibilities in organizing the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage.
How to apply
The application process for the Graduate Assistantship involves submitting specific documents directly via email. Successful candidates will also need to complete an application to the UTC Graduate Program.
- Prepare Documents — Gather all required application documents, including your cover letter, CV, and reference contacts, and compile them into a single PDF file.
- Send Email Application — Email the compiled PDF file to Joey Shaw at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga using the email address specified in the official job announcement.
- Specify Subject Line — Ensure the email subject line is "UCHT Herbarium Assistantship" to ensure proper routing of your application.
- Apply to Graduate Program (Conditional) — If selected for the assistantship, you will subsequently need to apply to the UTC Graduate Program to finalize your admission.
Eligibility
Academic DegreeUndergraduate degree in a related field
GPA RequirementUndergraduate GPA above 3.0
Botanical BackgroundAt least one undergraduate botany course or equivalent relevant training/experience
Key SkillsGood communication skills and a strong work ethic
Preferred SkillsKnowledge of Symbiota/SERNEC portals, basic R or Python skills, experience with researchers or the public
Previous professional experience is not a prerequisite for this position. The preference for specific technical skills and experience indicates a strong advantage for candidates possessing them.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Spring 20272026-10-02
Selection
Selection for the assistantship is based on a review of application documents, including the cover letter, CV, and references. Candidates are assessed on their undergraduate academic record (GPA above 3.0), botanical background, communication skills, and work ethic. Strong preference is given to applicants with knowledge of Symbiota/SERNEC portals, basic R or Python skills, and experience interacting with researchers or the public, indicating a merit-based selection process focused on both academic and practical aptitudes.
Verified sources
- Pakistanis Can Apply for Fully Funded Master’s in the US With $4,500 Per Semester Assistantshippropakistani.pkannouncement
About the provider
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is a public university in Chattanooga, Tennessee, part of the University of Tennessee System. Established in 1886, UTC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Graduate Assistantship?
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It is a fully funded Master's assistantship at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) for students pursuing botanical research and herbarium management in the United States.
What does the assistantship cover?
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The assistantship provides a stipend of ~USD 4,500 per semester and a tuition/maintenance fee waiver of ~USD 4,806. It covers most, but not all, educational and living expenses.
What is the annual value of the assistantship?
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The annual value of the stipend component is ~USD 18,600, in addition to the tuition fee waiver provided by UTC.
Who is eligible to apply for this assistantship?
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Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in a related field with a GPA above 3.0, a background in botany, good communication skills, and a strong work ethic.
Which countries are eligible?
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The scholarship listing does not specify country restrictions, implying eligibility for all international students who meet the academic and botanical requirements for study in the US.
Which study level(s) does this scholarship support?
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This assistantship specifically supports students undertaking a Master's degree at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
What is the application deadline for the next cycle?
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The application deadline for the cycle starting in January 2027 is October 2, 2026.
How do I apply for the assistantship?
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You must send a single PDF file containing your cover letter, CV, and contact information for four references to Joey Shaw at UTC via the email address provided in the official job announcement.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents include a one-page cover letter, a Curriculum Vitae (CV), and contact information for four professional or academic references.
How are recipients selected?
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Selection is based on academic merit, botanical background, communication skills, and work ethic, with a strong preference for candidates demonstrating specific technical skills relevant to herbarium management and research.
What is the duration of the assistantship and is it renewable?
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The assistantship can continue for up to six academic semesters, or three years, subject to satisfactory performance and renewal.
Where can I confirm the current details of the scholarship?
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You should confirm all current-cycle details, including specific deadlines and application procedures, on the official University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Graduate Program website.