How to Apply

The application process begins with the receipt of the application along with all application requirements. In order to be considered for admission to our graduate program, the following information must be submitted and on file for consideration in the department by the stated application deadline. These documents become part of Western's files and will not be returned to or copied for the applicant. Transcripts and test scores must be official.

To apply for admission, a completed application must be submitted, providing Western with the following:

• Biographical information
• Contact information
• Statement of academic intent (see "Submitting Your Application")
• Academic background
• Electronic transcripts from universities/colleges
• Professional background (if applicable)
• Academic Reference contact information (Two required)
• Proficiency in English Scores, if applicable (You must have the testing service send your score electronically to Western.)
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Western's TOEFL ID is 0984. Minimum required score is 100, with no individual score below 25 for the internet-based version
  • The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) of the British Council. Minimum required score is 7
  • Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 120.
• Application fee $150 CDN

In order to apply to graduate studies at Western, it is important that you understand the essential elements of the Western graduate school application. No application will be considered until it is complete. The responsibility rests with the applicant to ensure that all documents (e.g., transcripts, letters of recommendation, test results such as TOEFL scores) are submitted by the program’s deadline for application.

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In addition to two academic references, applications to the Graduate program in Neuroscience will require the following documentation:

Academic CV: including details of Education, Work Experience, Research Experience, Awards/Scholarships, Publications/Presentations (if any), Volunteer Activities.

Statement of Interest: 1 page maximum describing your specific interests and goals related to the Neuroscience Graduate Program. This document should address the following:

1. Describe how the program fits into your career goals. What do you expect to get out of the program?
2. What skills do you bring to the program?
3. If applying for Direct Entry admission to the PhD program (direct from your undergraduate degree), why do you feel this academic path is a good fit?
4. What made you become interested in Neuroscience?
5. Describe 1-2 accomplishments that you are most proud of.

Transcripts of all Post Secondary Institutions attended: Unofficial copies of transcripts are acceptable at the application stage.  Students that attend the program will be required to submit official final transcripts.

Impact Statement (Optional): 1-page maximum conveying the extenuating circumstance(s) that have adversely affected you, your academic performance and/or your research experience. Any specific impact of the pandemic on your academic progress can be detailed in this statement.

Final 2025 application deadlines*
Domestic applicants: June 2, 2025
International applicants: March 28, 2025

*Applies to students who have an interest in working with a Faculty Supervisor whose home department is within the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Health Science or Faculty of Science. Applicants with an interest in working with a Faculty member whose home department is Psychology must have submitted an application no later than Friday, January 10th for fall 2025 entry.

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Our program uses a rolling admission deadline. Applications will be reviewed on a continual basis, as they are received from the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS). We strive to inform students of their academic eligibility within 6-8 weeks of our program office receiving all required documentation, including references. Our program cannot pre-evaluate copies of transcripts to ascertain if you should apply.

There are two steps in the admission procedure. The first step is the Neuroscience Program Committee will evaluate your application, once it is complete, as to whether you are academically qualified. You will be notified by the Program whether you will proceed to the next admission step.

For the second and final step in admission, the qualified student must match up with a supervisor. At this stage, names of qualified students will be circulated among potential supervisors, but it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact supervisors you are interested in. Since space and funding are not always available to a potential supervisor, qualified students do not always find supervisors. Once a supervisor agrees to accept you, and has provided the Program with an official letter of his/her funding and official acceptance of you, the Program will forward your file to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.