Applications for the in-person MS and PhD degrees have now closed. The deadline for Fall 2026 admission was March 1, 2026. Any materials submitted outside the application cycle will not be considered for admission. The Sustainable Fisheries graduate program does not offer Spring admission.
If you’d like to receive updates about the application process and reminders about application requirements and deadlines, join the Fisheries applicant news listserv. To join, click the “Join Group” button at this link.
Complete applications include the following components:
- University of Hawaiʻi Graduate School Application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Statement (maximum of 2 US letter-size pages)
- University Transcripts
- Three Recommendation/Reference Letters
- Custom Questions
International applicants have additional requirements. Please follow the guidance and instructions on the Graduate Division webpage for International applicants.
Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.
All application components must be submitted by March 1 (11:59pm HST)
#1 The University of Hawaiʻi Graduate School Application
Begin your Fisheries application by creating an applicant account on the UH Graduate Application portal. All application materials should be submitted directly through this application portal.
Direct questions regarding the applicant portal to support@manoagrad.myliaison.com.
#2 Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A CV provides a summary of your educational and professional experiences. CVs are common in academic and research environments. Unlike a resume, which focuses on employment history, a CV allows you to highlight your accomplishments. Your CV must include any prior work experience in Fisheries and any publications if available.
#3 Personal Statement
Your Personal Statement should be a maximum of 2 US letter-size pages, single-spaced, with 11 font and 1 inch margins, and include the following components:
- Your rationale for applying to the FISH@UH graduate program. Address the following topics in whatever order you wish: (i) What are your long-term career goals? (ii) How would a graduate degree help you to pursue these goals? (iii) How do your experiences and career goals align with FISH@UH dedicated to Pacific Island fisheries science and to building collaborative, sustainable fisheries management across the Pacific?
- What research do you hope to pursue if you were admitted to FISH@UH? Address the following topics in whatever order you wish: What research would you like to conduct during your graduate studies in FISH@UH, if you were to be admitted? If possible, suggest at least one specific project that you would like to pursue. (These proposals are not binding, and they are not considered a commitment to a specific research project. The aim is to get a sense of what research questions you are interested in and how you would address those questions.)
- How have your past research, field/lab experience, academic preparation, or life skills prepared you to succeed at FISH@UH and in your chosen field?
- In addition, we recommend you use this opportunity to identify potential faculty advisors and explain why you are interested in working with these individuals specifically.
Your personal statement should be an example of your strongest writing skills. Proofread your statement carefully and ensure that your name appears in the document (e.g. in a header, footer or title.)
#4 University Transcripts
Submit a transcript for each post-secondary institution attended. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted during the application process but official transcripts will be required before enrolling at UH.
A minimum of 3 recommendation/reference letters are required. Request recommendation letters early in the application process. Make your initial request for a recommendation in person or via a personal note. Ensure that your recommendation providers have at least four weeks to prepare and submit a recommendation letter.
Solicit your letters of recommendation through the UH Graduate Application portal. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that a minimum of three recommendation letters are submitted with their application to the Fisheries program.
#6 Fisheries Custom Questions
The UH Graduate Application for the Sustainable Fisheries Graduate Program includes a section titled “Custom Questions.” In this section applicants indicate the faculty with whom they are interested in working. Your answers to the Custom Questions also provide the Fisheries program with details about your educational background and funding.
The program may contact you for additional information if needed.