Eligibility and requirements

For admission to the Master’s program the Graduate Program in Neuroscience accepts candidates with undergraduate majors in a variety of disciplines, including but not restricted to Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Kinesiology, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physics, Physiology, Psychology, and Zoology. We do not have specific course requirements, but we recommend a good foundation in neuroscience-based courses which could include biology, biochemistry, psychology, molecular biology, and statistics.

For admission to the PhD program the Graduate Program in Neuroscience accepts applicants with a Master’s degree in the Neurosciences or a discipline closely related to the Neurosciences. The program also accepts applicants with a First Class Honours degree in any of the listed (or related) disciplines, or with an M.D. degree; these students may apply for direct entry into the doctoral program without completing a Master’s degree first.

In order to be admitted to either degree program, applicants must fulfill the minimum requirements for academic performance and English language proficiency.

If the minimum requirements are not fulfilled, a candidate’s application will usually not be sent forward to the Admissions Committee. If you do not fulfill the minimum requirements we highly recommend that you contact the program before applying: ubc.neuroscience@ubc.ca. We cannot refund your application fee if you apply and your application is not considered due to not meeting the minimum requirements.

For additional information on eligibility and requirements for admission to the Graduate Program in Neuroscience (MSc program), including language requirements and sample theses, visit Master of Science in Neuroscience on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website. 

For additional information on eligibility and requirements for admission to the Graduate Program in Neuroscience (PhD program), including language requirements and sample theses, visit Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website. 

Admission requirements are detailed in the UBC Vancouver Academic Calendar and may change to reflect changes in admission requirements to the University of British Columbia more broadly. 

In addition to academic and language requirements, the Graduate Program in Neuroscience also requires an expressed interest in or experience with neuroscience research, research potential, or skills, along with social, interpersonal, communication, and emotional competencies. Please read the information on Admission Criteria in detail before preparing your application.