Application Process

The process begins with the receipt of a complete application along with all documentation requirements. In order to be considered for admission to our graduate program, an application must be submitted by the stated 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 interest (see "documentation requirements")
• Academic background
• Transcripts from all universities/colleges attended
• Academic CV
• 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 5 (individual and overall). 
  • 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 $185 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.

Click here to apply

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.

Application opens November 1, 2026

Click here to apply (currently CLOSED)

The admission process has three steps.  Prior to applying, applicants should familiarize themselves with academic requirements for entry, as well as program funding.

Step 1: Supervisor Match
It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure a supervisor. They will need to contact faculty members whose research interests align with theirs. Submitted applications are accessible to faculty members, however, we recommend that applicants email their CV, transcript and a brief explanation of shared research interests. Supervisor availability depends on space and funding, so qualified students do not always find a supervisor.

Step 2: Academic Review
When a prospective supervisor makes a request to the program, the application will go through an academic review by the program committee. Those without a prospective supervisor will not have their application reviewed by the program.

Step 3: Offer
After successfully passing through steps 1 & 2, an applicant will be sent an offer and welcome letter through their application account. The welcome letter will outline the minimum funding commitment.