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Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
Application and Admissions Process
Am I required to have a Faculty supervisor before I apply for the program?
No, but we do strongly encourage all applicants to begin contacting potential supervisors at the time of application. We have a two-stage admissions process:
i. Determination of academic eligibility
ii. Faculty supervision agreement (required to attend the program)
How will I know if I am academically eligible?
How do I find a supervisor for my research project?
Our website is a good place to start: https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/neuroscience/graduate/future_students/finding_a_supervisor_new.html.
When contacting a prospective supervisor, you should provide a brief outline (1-2 paragraphs) outlining why you have an interest in working with them and how your research interests align with their work. We recommend that you attach your CV and transcript.
What is the cost to apply?
What does the application require?
Why do you use a rolling admission deadline?
Who should I approach for my referees?
I applied at the deadline. Can my referee still submit their reference?
I am applying to the Master’s program; will my Year 2 undergraduate grades be used in calculating my admission average?
I am an international student in a country where English is not the primary language, but I attended a post-secondary institution where instruction was in English. Do I need to submit proof of English Language Proficiency?
What if I am not able to find a faculty supervisor but am academically eligible?
I am an international student. Do I require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for my study permit application?
Under new regulations, all international graduate program applicants applying for a study permit after January 22, 2025, will require a PAL as part of their study permit application. International graduate program applicants who submitted their study permit application prior to January 22, 2025, are not required to submit a PAL.
For international graduate applicants to receive a PAL from Western, they must:
1. Accept their offer of admission.
2. Pay their $2,000 tuition deposit (Master’s programs only).
3. Complete the PAL request form (available February 18) via the Graduate Student Web Services Portal.
Western’s registered immigration advisors are available to support students and the Western community in navigating these updates. Updated details and instructions for students and applicants are made available on the Western International website as they are confirmed. In addition, immigration questions can also be directed to international student advisors at iss@uwo.ca.
We also recommend that you access this Government of Canada website to help you forecast how long it may take to process your study permit application.
Program Design
Do you offer part-time registration?
Can I register in your program and attend remotely?
What courses and milestones will be required?
Can I register for additional elective credits?
Financial Support, Benefits and Cost of Attendance
Will I receive funding as a graduate student in Neuroscience?
What will it cost to attend?
Can I apply for scholarships before I’m admitted?
o Tri-Agency Scholarships: https://grad.uwo.ca/finances/external_funding/triagency/index.html
o Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): https://grad.uwo.ca/finances/external_funding/ogs.html
Please discuss available options with your (prospective) supervisor.
What will tuition cost?
Am I required to pay a tuition deposit?
Tuition deposits are paid in the same manner as tuition with online banking being the preferred method. If you are paying from a Canadian bank, you can find instructions here: Methods from a Canadian Bank. International payments are detailed here: International Payments. Upon payment of your tuition deposit your Western Student Center account will reflect a credit balance.
Domestic Master’s and any PhD student are not required to pay a deposit.
I have been offered a funding package but how will I receive my support?
Your funding package may include a Western Graduate Research Scholarship (WGRS), Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) income and/or support from your supervisor through a Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF).
The breakdown of your funding package will be provided to you annually. WGRS and in most cases GRF, are paid as a lump sum through your tuition account at the start of each term. GTA income is paid monthly in equal installments on the 2nd last banking day of each month within the term of your contract(s).
