Student Finances
Tuition
Graduate students pay tuition 3 times per year; at the start of each term. Current tuition rates, payment methods and refund schedules are posted on the SGPS website.
Detailed tuition accounts are available through your online Student Center account.
Funding
Most students can expect to receive minimum annual funding to cover the cost of tuition which could include (pending eligibility) a Western Graduate Research Scholarship (WGRS), Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA); as well as a stipend supplied by their supervisor's grant account (GRF). Students are guaranteed funding for the following periods of time if academic progression and eligibility requirements are met.
MSc students: 6 terms (2 years)
PhD students: 12 terms (4 years)
PhD students (Roll-Over & Direct Entry): 15 terms (5 years)
In order to help you calculate an accurate estimate of how much funding you will need to pay for tuition, fees, housing,food and many other necessities for a 12-month academic year, please use the Graduate Student Affordabilty Calculator.
As an Interdisciplinary program, individual student's funding packages will follow their supervisor's home department and/or Faculty funding models. While funding packages will vary amongst students in the program, you can expect to receive a similar funding package to other students within the same lab.
We have provided general funding information below, but please direct specific questions to the Program Coordinator in Neuroscience.
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
This will include Supervisors with primary appointments in Anatomy & Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Clinical Neurological Sciences, Medical Imaging, Medical Biophysics, Microbiology and Immunology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry and Physiology & Pharmacology.
Base Funding packages effective Sept 1, 2024 (to assist with tuition and living costs)
MSc students (domestic) – $18,500/year
MSc students (international) - $26,300/year
PhD students (domestic) – $27,720/year
PhD students (international) – $27,720/year
GTA positions are guaranteed for PhD students without award funding. The value of this funding is included in the minimum funding level listed above. If GTA application deadlines are missed, the funding package may be reduced.
While GTA positions are not guaranteed for other students, the program will work with participating departments in Schulich to find placements. It is expected that all students will apply for a position. A GTA position will increase the funding levels listed above. MSc students without external awards will retain the full value of a 0.5 GTA (approximately $7300).
Faculty of Social Science
This will include Supervisors with a primary appointment in Psychology
Base Funding packages effective Sept 1, 2024 (to assist with tuition and living costs)
MSc students (domestic) – $27,050/year
MSc students (international) - $38,050/year
PhD students (domestic) – $28,050/year
PhD students (international) - $28,050/year
Student funding packages for 2025 incoming students are still being determined. Details will be posted as soon as they become available.
Faculty of Science
This will include Supervisors with a primary appointment in Computer Science, Biology and Mathematics. General information is available on the Departmental websites, but please direct specific funding questions to the Program Coordinator in Neuroscience
Faculty of Health Science
This will include Supervisors with a primary appointment in Communication Science & Disorders, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Kinesiology and Physical Therapy. Funding details are available on the Faculty of Health Sciences website.
Scholarships and Awards
We strongly encourage all of our students to apply for external funding to not only enhance your CV*, but also supplement your funding package. Details regarding Provincial and National scholarships (including those available for International students) are available on the SGPS website. Other awards may be available through the home Faculty of your supervisor or external organizations.
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
Faculty of Social Science
If awarded a scholarship, please contact the Program Coordinator to determine how your overall funding package will be adjusted.
*We recommend that you follow the format of this sample CV, unless specific criteria are listed in the award application.
If you're applying for CIHR Doctoral, NSERC Doctoral, SSHRC Doctoral, CGSM, the Jonathan and Joshua Memorial Scholarship or the Harold Brett Memorial Fellowship, you must complete our Student Award Information Sheet.
Cost of Living
In addition to annual tuition, it's important to consider other living costs that you will incur. This can help ensure that you will have enough funds to cover your expenses during your time at Western. Your funding package will only cover a portion of your expenses. Creating a personal budget before arrival will help ensure that you're well prepared. Resources found here can help keep you on track.
Receiving Payments
To receive your funds via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), your direct deposit banking information must be setup with Western's Human Resources office.
For more information please visit: Important Information for Graduate Students on My Human Resources
Financial Assistance
Still in need of Financial Assistance?
• Western Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) offers a variety of financial support programs• You may be eligible for OSAP. Contact the Financial Aid Office with inquiries.
