The following is a guide for those considering applying to our graduate program in Neuroscience. If you don’t see your specific question answered, please reach out to our offices at neuro@uga.edu.

At this time, the University is moving forward with Fall 2021 applications. However, certain aspects of the admissions process may be modified, e.g., remote interviews. Those decisions will be announced closer to the upcoming application season.

Though students first matriculate through the Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) for their initial fall term, all receive a PhD in Neuroscience.

Neuroscience students matriculating through the ILS program receive full funding for the first semester with no teaching obligation. Funding in future semesters may be in the form of a research assistantship (RA), teaching assistantship (TA), intramural or extramural fellowship, or a combination of these funding mechanisms. The specific assistant amounts depend upon the lab a student matriculates into after their first semester.

Yes. All full-time assistantships are accompanied by a tuition waiver.

Yes. All graduate students are expected to pay University fees every term. As of Spring 2020, they total $1,778 each semester for full-time enrollment for both domestic and international students. These are updated regularly. To see a breakdown of UGA’s current fee structure, please see here.

For additional information regarding the University’s fees, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid directly at (706) 542-6147.

Development of instructional skills is an important part of your graduate education and training. While there are no teaching requirements for the first semester of the ILS program, your home department may have a teaching requirement and your advisor may require you to serve as a teaching assistant at some time during your graduate program. This is a question that should be explored with all potential advisors.

At this time, we only accept applications for the upcoming Fall term. To apply to the Neuroscience program, all applicants (domestic and international) must apply through UGA and also the Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) program around Dec. 1. Please check the ILS website for updated application information and modified deadlines. The Neuroscience program abides by their guidelines.

Since the Neuroscience program accepts students through ILS, please contact their office directly regarding their application (ilsinfo@uga.edu). For questions concerning your general UGA application, please contact the University’s Graduate School Office (gradadm@uga.edu) for assistance. All others should be directed to neuro@uga.edu.

Yes. However, they are not required for program consideration and admission. The institutional code for ETS reports (i.e. GRE scores) is 5813. 

Applications are screened in December and early January. Assessments focus on research experience, letters of reference, GPA, overall potential for graduate study, and perceived fit with the program. Excellence in one or more areas can offset deficiencies in other areas; explanations for deficiencies should be described in your Personal Statement. Top domestic applicants will be invited to visit the UGA campus in early February for in-person interviews and interactions with current students and research faculty. Top international applicants will have a Skype-based interview. Offers of admission will be extended to successful applicants shortly after interviews. Typically, approximately 80% of interviewees are extended an admission offer.

APPLICATION PROCESS (both steps must be completed)

1. Complete an online ILS Background & Interest form. This form can be submitted at any time, but preferably soon after you submit your online application to the UGA Graduate School. This form is critical to the evaluation of your application. Before completing the form, review the ILS website to identify Interdisciplinary Groups, Departments, and Faculty that are of interest to you.
2. Submit an official online application to the UGA Graduate School, and route required transcripts (unofficial transcripts sufficient for initial application review) and letters of recommendation as instructed during the application process. The UGA Graduate School website provides detailed descriptions of admissions requirements, the application fee, and other pertinent information. International applicants should review supplemental requirements prior to applying.

Note: GRE Subject Tests and GRE Personal Potential Index reports are NOT required as part of the application process, but are accepted.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

The Statement of Purpose that is submitted to the UGA Graduate School during the application process can be the same as the Personal Statement requested on the ILS form, as long as the length and content are within the stated guidelines. We highly recommend that your statement include the following at the very least:

• your reason(s) for pursuing graduate study
• your interests (e.g. names of faculty, interdisciplinary groups, and/or graduate programs)
• evidence of scholarly activity (e.g. research experiences, manuscripts published/in preparation)
• any special circumstances of which you wish to make us aware
• if applicable, explanations for any perceived deficiencies in your application

IMPORTANT CODES

Select Integrated Life Sciences, PhD, Fall term as the major during the application process. If there is a department option, select Neuroscience.

The institutional code for ETS reports (i.e. GRE scores) is 5813.

Neuroscience is open to all international students holding degrees from accredited undergraduate institutions as long as country-specific academic credentials and requirements are met. The University of Georgia, however, sets overall minimum requirements for English proficiency. Applicants completing at least least one year at a U.S. academic institution may request to have the English proficiency requirement waived.  Applicants residing in countries where English is not the primary language must demonstrate English proficiency. Such applicants will benefit from having a TOEFL Speaking Test score of 22 or higher or an IELTS Speaking Test score of 6.5 or higher. Applicants with lower test scores can be admitted, especially when the applicant demonstrates outstanding ability in another area (e.g. research, experience, etc.), but students must enroll in English proficiency courses during their first year of study.

Processes are generally the same for both domestic and international students. The deadline is the same (around the 1st of Dec.). The only distinctions are ones that you would anticipate: demonstrating English proficiency and squaring your visa materials in your home country. For assistance regarding this process, please see the University’s materials for international applicants here. ILS also provides guidance via the PDF here.

Absolutely. We seek to secure assistantship funding for all of our students, regardless of their country of origin. Though, please note that non-US citizens are often ineligible for federally-funded mechanisms, such as grants and scholarships. However, there is supplemental support available through the University’s Graduate School in the form of small travel and research grants.

Neuroscience PhD Program Information

Domestic candidates (PDF)

International candidates (PDF)

Graduate School Admissions FAQs