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?

Once your completed application is received, it will be reviewed by the Neuroscience Graduate Program Committee. We strive to have applications reviewed and notification of eligibility sent with 6-8 weeks of receipt. An official University offer letter will not be sent until an applicant has secured a supervisor.

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?

$150 Canadian Dollars. We do not offer application fee waivers.

What does the application require?

Please refer to the “How to Apply” link on our website at: https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/neuroscience/graduate/future_students/how_to_apply.html

Why do you use a rolling admission deadline?

Early applications are encouraged for the best supervisor availability. Lab space will begin to fill and the process of finding a supervisor will become more difficult.

Who should I approach for my referees?

We require two academic references who can provide a detailed evaluation of your past academic and/or professional performance, as well as your suitability for graduate studies. Ideally referees should be able to evaluate your oral and written communication skills, critical thinking skills, and research potential. If you have research experience, it is recommended that your faculty supervisor acts as a referee. Post-docs, managers or lab supervisors are not acceptable references.

I applied at the deadline. Can my referee still submit their reference?

Yes, however, your application will not be reviewed for academic eligibility until we have received a complete application.

I am applying to the Master’s program; will my Year 2 undergraduate grades be used in calculating my admission average?

Generally, an undergraduate student applying in Year 4 of their program will have their second- and third-year grades used to calculate the average. Your admission average will be calculated by the admissions team in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS). If you have specific questions regarding what grades will be used, please email gradapps@uwo.ca.

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?

Proof of English Language Proficiency will only be waived for students who have attended a post-secondary institution for 2+ years in a country where English is the primary language. Instruction in English in a country where English is not the first language will not be grounds for a waiver.

What if I am not able to find a faculty supervisor but am academically eligible?

An applicant that was deemed academically eligible for admission but is not able to secure a supervisor is not able to register in the program. Your application can be used for entry for up to one year. Contact the program office to discuss options if you find a faculty supervisor after the start term you applied for.

Program Design

Do you offer part-time registration?

No. Our program is only offered on a full-time basis.

Can I register in your program and attend remotely?

No. Our program is a full-time research-based program that requires you to be present in your lab in-person. Our course requirements also require in-person attendance.

What courses and milestones will be required?

Please refer to our “Program Requirements” link on our website (under Policies and Guidelines) at https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/neuroscience/graduate/policies_and_guidelines/program_requirements.html 

Can I register for additional elective credits?

Yes, you can register for additional elective credits and some courses may be recommended by your supervisor and/or advisory committee. We recommend that you always discuss course registration with your supervisor before registering for classes.

Financial Support, Benefits and Cost of Attendance

Will I receive funding as a graduate student in Neuroscience?

Yes, all Neuroscience graduate students attending full-time who meet progression requirements will receive a funding package. A guaranteed funding level will be confirmed in your official offer. General information is available in our “Student Finances” link on our website at https://www.schulich.uwo.ca/neuroscience/graduate/student_finances.html. Please refer specific questions to the Program Office at neuroscience@uwo.ca.

What will it cost to attend?

The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) has developed a Graduate Student Affordability Calculator to help prospective students estimate anticipated costs associated with attending a graduate program at Western University. This interactive tool is available online at: https://grad.uwo.ca/finances/affordability_calculator.cfm.

Can I apply for scholarships before I’m admitted?

Prospective students are eligible to apply for award funding. Further details are available online at:

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?

Graduate students pay tuition three times per year at the start of each term (Sept, Jan, May). Current tuition costs are posted on the Registrar’s Office website at: https://registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_refund_schedules.html

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).

Will I have health and dental coverage?

Yes. The graduate student Health & Dental plan details can be found on the Society of Graduate Studies (SOGS) website at https://sogs.ca/healthplan/

Do I receive a bus pass?

Yes. All full-time students are part of the universal bus pass program. Details are available through the Society of Graduate Studies (SOGS) website at: https://sogs.ca/buspass/