Admissions

The Graduate Program in Neurosciences is a multidisciplinary program committed to excellence in training young neuroscientists. The students accepted into the program, many with diverse backgrounds, reflect outstanding undergraduate records in the physical, biological, and social sciences as well as a demonstrated commitment to research.

Although there are no strict course requirements for admission, a suggested undergraduate preparation includes at least one year each of general biology, calculus and physics, two years of chemistry (general, physical, or organic), as well as advanced course work in other areas of science, such as biophysics, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, neurobiology, microbiology, and immunology.

How to Apply

You must apply online by December 2, 2013. A completed application contains:

• The completed online application
• Payment of application fee ($80 U.S. citizens and residents; $100 international)
• Uploaded transcripts only; scan the front and back side, even if the back is blank. All transcripts from postsecondary institutions including community colleges and study abroad should be submitted. Please do not send hard copy transcripts unless you are asked to do so upon admission.
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE)* scores (Biology subject test recommended but not required)
  •  Our Institution Code is 4836 and our Department Code is 0213
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Previous research experience
• Official TOEFL* scores (international applicants for whom English is a second language)

*Take all GRE and TOEFL tests by November 1 in order to ensure your scores will arrive by the deadline.

The Graduate Program in Neurosciences admits students for the fall quarter only. Top candidates are invited for interviews. Offers of admission are issued by March 15. Those applicants choosing to be admitted must notify the Department of Neurosciences in writing no later than April 15.

International Applicants

International students are welcome to apply to the Graduate Program in Neurosciences. However, each year we receive an overflow of highly competitive applications yet because of restrictions in funding, in recent years only a few exceptional international applicants have been selected.

The specific financial aid offered will be determined at the time of admission based on available resources.

Students who have access to independent funding (through fellowships or other sources) should note that fact in their applications. Similarly, students should note if they will be able to travel to UCSD for interviews if needed.

Address inquiries to:

Graduate Program in Neurosciences 
University of California, San Diego 
9500 Gilman Drive 0634
La Jolla CA 92093-0634

Phone: (858) 534-3377
Fax: (858) 534-8242
E-mail: neurograd@ucsd.edu 

Recruitment and Interviews

Invitations to interview for the fall 2013 application cycle will be sent mid-January. Our recruitment event will take place between February 27, 2013 thru March 1, 2013. Interviews will be scheduled on Wednesday, Feb 27 and Friday, March 1.

Official offers will be sent to succesful candidates in early to mid-March.

Office of Graduate Studies