University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship 2027 | Step-by-Step Process

The University of Saskatchewan in Canada is offering a funded PhD research opportunity for qualified graduate students interested in ecology, population biology, statistics, and related fields. The project focuses on the population ecology and movement patterns of Greenland white-fronted geese using long-term datasets.

The successful candidate will work with extensive records involving thousands of individually identified birds and GPS-tracked individuals, while collaborating with researchers and institutions in Canada, Ireland, and Denmark.

University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Canada
• Host Institution: University of Saskatchewan
• Department: Department of Biology
• Study Level: PhD
• Field: Ecology, Population Ecology, Statistics, or Related Fields
• Eligible Countries: International applicants
• Funding: Up to CAD $35,000 per year plus tuition and fee support
• Study Mode: Full-time research
• Expected Start: January or September 2027
• Application Deadline: August 21, 2026

About the University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship

This opportunity supports a PhD research project led by Dr. Mitch Weegman at the University of Saskatchewan.

The research will investigate the factors affecting the productivity and population structure of Greenland white-fronted geese. The project will make use of approximately 40 years of ecological data, including records from thousands of neck-collared birds and hundreds of GPS-tagged individuals.

The research is part of an international collaboration involving the National Parks and Wildlife Service in Ireland, Aarhus University in Denmark, and the University of Saskatchewan. The successful student may also have opportunities to participate in additional research projects related to population and movement ecology.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold an MSc and undergraduate degree in ecology, statistics, or a closely related discipline.
• Have a strong quantitative and statistical background.
• Have experience with R or similar statistical programming tools.
• Knowledge of Bayesian methods is an advantage.
• Have knowledge or experience in migratory bird ecology and management.
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be capable of contributing to discussions and collaborations with researchers.
• Have a valid driver’s licence.
• Be prepared to publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.

Scholarship Benefits

The successful candidate may receive:

• Funding of approximately CAD $35,000 per year.
• Compensation or support toward tuition and university fees.
• Opportunities to compete for additional internal and external scholarships.
• Graduate teaching assistantship opportunities where available.
• Research experience working with long-term ecological datasets.
• Opportunities for international research collaboration.
• Opportunities to contribute to academic publications and scientific presentations.

Funding may come from a combination of scholarships, assistantships, and other competitive sources.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following:

• Letter of interest summarizing their academic and research experience.
• Curriculum vitae or resume.
• University transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the initial application stage.
• Contact information for three academic or professional referees.

Applicants should preferably combine the documents into a single PDF before submitting them.

Research Area

The PhD project focuses on the population ecology of Greenland white-fronted geese. The research will examine long-term patterns in breeding productivity and population structure while using data collected over several decades.

The project offers opportunities to develop expertise in quantitative ecology, statistical analysis, animal movement, and conservation research.

How to Apply for the University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship 2027

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the PhD research project and confirm that your academic background matches the requirements.
2. Prepare your letter of interest, CV, academic transcripts, and details for three referees.
3. Combine the documents into a single PDF where possible.
4. Submit the application materials to Dr. Mitch Weegman using the contact details provided on the official project listing.
5. Indicate your preferred start date, either January or September 2027, where applicable.

Application Deadline

August 21, 2026

The expected start dates for the successful candidate are January 2027 or September 2027.

APPLY HERE