Are you an aspiring graduate student interested in animal science or poultry health? The University of Maryland is offering a fully funded Master’s scholarship for both domestic and international students for the Spring 2026 intake.

This opportunity comes in the form of a Graduate Teaching Assistantship in the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences.
Under the guidance of Dr. Sunch Che, students will participate in meaningful research focused on small-flock poultry health, including biosecurity, community outreach, and academic publications.
With full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, and additional benefits, this program is ideal for students seeking advanced research opportunities in animal science.
University of Maryland Scholarship 2026 Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | University of Maryland, USA |
| Level of Study | Master’s (MSc) |
| Program Type | Graduate Teaching Assistantship |
| Research Area | Poultry Health & Biosecurity |
| Start Date | Spring 2026 |
| Funding Coverage | Full tuition, stipend, health insurance |
| Eligibility | Open to all nationalities |
| IELTS/TOEFL Required? | Yes (for international students) |
| Location | College Park, Maryland, USA |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2025 |
Scholarship Details
The opportunity is available through a Graduate Teaching Assistantship at the Che Lab in the University of Maryland’s Department of Animal and Avian Sciences.
The selected candidate will be deeply involved in poultry-related research with a strong focus on improving health and biosecurity in backyard and small-scale flocks.
Responsibilities of the Selected Student
- Designing and distributing surveys (using tools like Qualtrics)
- Collecting and analyzing research data
- Creating educational materials such as fact sheets and infographics
- Writing and publishing academic manuscripts
- Assisting in outreach and educational activities
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
Academic Qualifications:
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or a closely related field
English Language Proficiency (for international students):
- IELTS: Overall 7.0 (Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7, Speaking 7.5)
- TOEFL: Total score of 95 (minimum subscores: Listening 24, Reading 26, Writing 24, Speaking 24)
Skills and Experience
- Excellent communication skills (written and spoken)
- Experience in scientific literature review and synthesis
- Basic project management and data analysis skills
- Hands-on experience working with livestock, especially poultry (broiler chickens)
- Preferred: Proficiency in Python or IT tools
- Preferred: Prior publications or conference presentations
Scholarship Benefits
If selected, the graduate student will receive:
- Full tuition coverage for the duration of the program (2.5 years)
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance and fringe benefits
- Mentorship and academic support from a leading researcher in poultry science
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
To apply for the University of Maryland Master’s Scholarship:
- Prepare your application documents, including:
- Updated CV/Resume
- Academic transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable initially)
- Any relevant certifications, publications, or references
- Send your application via email to Dr. Sunch Che at:
sche@umd.edu - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so early submission is encouraged.
- For additional program information, visit the University of Maryland Department of Animal and Avian Sciences website.
Deadline
Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
For more details about the scholarship, visit the official website here.
FAQs
-
Can international students apply for this scholarship?
Yes. Students from all countries are eligible, provided they meet academic and language requirements.
-
Is it mandatory to submit IELTS/TOEFL scores?
Yes, for non-native English speakers applying for teaching assistant roles, proof of English proficiency is required.
-
How long is the scholarship valid?
The funding supports a 2.5-year Master’s program.
-
Can I apply if I don’t have poultry experience?
While experience with poultry is preferred, applicants with general livestock experience and strong research interest may still be considered.
-
What type of visa do I need for this scholarship?
Admitted international students typically apply for an F-1 student visa, with support from the University of Maryland.
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