Grade Point Average (GPA)

The Program’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

Students already possessing a master’s degree will be considered for the PhD program provided they meet the minimum requirements for the MSc degree in Neuroscience.

In exceptional circumstances, a student may be considered for direct entry to the PhD program without a master’s degree if there is evidence that the applicant is able to successfully meet the rigor and requirements of the PhD program. In addition to the minimum admission requirements, the applicant should possess exceptional qualifications in neuroscience or a related discipline at the undergraduate level, as demonstrated by GPA, awards, research experience, publications and/or very strong letters of references. Demonstration of distinguished life achievement and/or work-related life experiences would also be considered.

Applicants to the MSc program are expected to have completed the following courses or their equivalents:

• ZOOL 342  OR PMCOL 371  
• PHYSL 372  

Students deficient in this area may be expected to take these courses as extra-to-degree as a condition of admission.

Applicants to the PhD program who do not have a sufficient Neuroscience background may be required to take additional courses to ensure an adequate background. These will be considered extra-to-degree.

The NMHI Graduate Program Committee (GPC) evaluates the background in Neuroscience of each prospective student and selects appropriate courses.

English Language Proficiency

Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:

• a TOEFL score of at least 100 (Internet-based) with at least 21 on each of the individual skill areas
• an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with 6.0 in each subtest
• equivalent scores on other language proficiency tests approved by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

Other Requirements

Applicants are also required to submit the following:

• A curriculum vitae
• A personal statement of interest
• Applicants must arrange for three letters of academic reference

Supervision

As the Neuroscience Graduate program is thesis-based, applicants must have a supervisor and funding in place before they can be accepted into the program. Applicants must have previously corresponded with an NMHI faculty member and have agreed to a tentative supervisory arrangement. Without a supervisory relationship identified, applications will not be considered.

Acceptance by a supervisor does not guarantee admission into the program. Applications are reviewed by the NMHI Graduate Program Committee. The final decision is administered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research (FGSR).

Applicants wishing to change their program to Neuroscience from other graduate programs within the University of Alberta will be considered upon receipt of a letter from the student outlining the reasons for the program change, letters of reference, transcripts, and a letter of support from the proposed supervisor. Students who have already completed the PhD candidacy examination in another program will not normally be considered.

Application Deadlines

For Canadian and US citizens (including Canadian permanent residents), the application deadline is:

• July 1 for September admission
• November 1 for January admission

For international students, the application deadline is:

• May 15 for September admission
• September 1 for January admission