Gund Ph.D. Research Fellowships

• Primary advisor must be a Gund Faculty Fellow who agrees to advise you. Gund Affiliates are not eligible to be the primary advisor for these fellowships. 
• Co-advisors can be any full-time faculty member of UVM's Graduate College.

Gund Institute Research Assistantship candidates should:

1. Contact potential faculty advisors directly to discuss your interests. This should include a Gund Faculty Fellow who can serve as your primary advisor. It is important that you confirm their interest and eligibility to serve as your advisor. They must have an appointment in the college you are applying to.

2. Submit all required applications:

• Apply via the Graduate College to your advisor's UVM college or school by the deadline (deadlines vary) and no later than the Gund application deadline (even if the program deadline is after the Gund deadline). Indicate in your statement of purpose that you are also applying for a Gund Institute PhD Research Assistantship. 
• Submit the separate Gund Ph.D. Research Assistantship application by January 6.
• Additional funding opportunities, if applicable:
  • See UVM’s Funding Your Graduate Degree webpage.

Applications must include a statement of interest which:

• includes the specific Ph.D. degree you want to pursue
• describes any initial discussions with potential advisors

We seek doctoral students who will conduct research to understand and solve critical and interconnected environmental challenges,

All applications will be reviewed against five main criteria:

• Academic qualifications
• Research experience
• Clearly articulated research interests
• Research focus on interconnected environmental problems and integrated solutions
• Commitment and contributions to diversity and inclusiveness

Gund Institute Research Assistantship applicant eligibility:

• These assistantships are for individuals who have not yet started their PhDs who will start their degree program in the fall 2027 semester.
• Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously studied at UVM and who already have a Master’s degree, but all qualified candidates will be considered.

The next cycle of applications will open in fall 2026 for fall 2027 admission. If you'd like to be notified when the next cycle opens, please fill out the Gund Institute PhD Fellowship Interest Form. We do not fund students starting in the spring semester or who have already started their PhD degree.

• Applications Open: Fall 2026

Application Deadline:

• Submit the Gund-specific application in InfoReady by the deadline (January 5, 2027).
• Submit your application to a Ph.D. program through UVM colleges/schools before the Gund deadline.
• Gund makes offers: March-April 2027
• Students accept offers: March-April 2027
• Start Date: Fall semester 2027

The Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont is a research center dedicated to understanding and tackling the world’s most critical environmental challenges. Driven by the belief that research should inspire action, the Institute takes a cross-sector approach to solving environmental issues with stakeholders from government, business, and broader society. With over 300 scholars in Vermont and across the world, the Institute brings together a network of internationally recognized researchers from diverse disciplines, including the natural and social sciences, business, health, technology, engineering, and the humanities.

Founded in 1791, UVM is the leading public university where discovery, creativity, community, and action coalesce to secure a thriving future for people and planet. Recognized among the nation’s top R1 research institutions, Vermont’s land-grant university attracts $260 million annually for groundbreaking research and enrolls approximately 14,000 students from 50 states and 75 countries. At UVM, students, faculty, and staff work together in pursuit of a healthier, greener future. Learn more at uvm.edu.  

Learn more about Burlington, Vermont, a top college town, known for its livability, access to nature and recreation, thriving food scene, and rising identity as a technology and innovation hub.