Admission Requirements

Both the Master’s and PhD programs in Neuroscience are full-time, research-based programs that require in-person attendance.  Applicants who meet academic requirements but do not secure a supervisor will not be admitted.

Master's Program (MSc)

Applicants must hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree (Honours preferred) from a recognized institution. A minimum average of 80% in the final two years is recommended, equivalent to a high second-class standing at some universities.

It is strongly recommended that applicants have completed university-level courses in biological and natural sciences. Second-year biological science courses are particularly helpful for success in the required Principles of Neuroscience course. Students from diverse academic backgrounds are welcome to apply.

PhD Program

Applicants must hold an Honours or Master’s degree in Neuroscience or a related field with a strong research component, or an MD, DDS, or DVS degree with neuroscience specialization. A minimum average of 80% in the final two years is recommended; direct-entry PhD applicants require at least 85%.

Students entering the program after completing an undergraduate degree, and those with graduate degrees from foreign countries whose academic transcripts are difficult to assess, are admitted to the MSc program. They may subsequently change their registration to the doctoral program upon satisfying their advisory committee and the program committee that their progress has been exceptional. An MSc to PhD transfer must occur before the end of the fifth academic term of study.

English Language Proficiency

International applicants whose first language is not English must submit one of the following:

  • TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 5 - individual and overall)
  • IELTS (minimum overall score of 7)
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum score of 120)

Proof of English proficiency is waived for applicants who have studied for at least two years at a post-secondary institution in a country where English is the primary language.

Additional Program Information

Students contemplating a combined graduate-medical degree should consult with the Director of the program before applying.

Our graduate program is interdisciplinary, welcoming students from varied academic backgrounds. Some students may be required to take Neuroscience 9000: Fundamentals of Neuroscience, especially if they lack training in biological sciences. This course provides foundational knowledge and graduate-level skills, with a focus on sensory systems and cellular/molecular neuroscience. It does not count toward degree credits but prepares students for the required Neuroscience 9500 course.  Applicants required to take Neuroscience 9000 will be notified in their welcome letter, following consultation with potential supervisors and review by the program committee.