mcgill neuroscience admission requirements

We have researched the Mcgill Neuroscience Admission Requirements. Hence, this article on mcgill neuroscience masters admission requirements. Below, in this article, you will find mcgill neuroscience acceptance rate. Read on to discover them.

Each year, undergraduate students across Canada apply to study Neuroscience at the graduate level at McGill University. If you are interested in Neuroscience as a degree choice, read on to find out more about the admission requirements for McGill University’s Neuroscience programs.

Did you know that the majority of Canadian Health Scholarships offered for undergraduate programs are awarded to Neuroscientists? Find out about Neuroscience programs in Canada, including admission requirements and a breakdown of how all majors within this program work. These programs, sometimes referred to as “medical neuroscience” or just “neuroscience”, include a wide range of interdisciplinary disciplines centered on everything from cognitive psychology to neuroengineering. The neuroscientists I have talked to on a number of occasions bring up one thing: the neurosciences can be stressful. Lots of research publications and articles.. but if you are interested in the brain, you might want to check it out!

mcgill neuroscience masters admission requirements

Master’s (M.Sc.)

Our Master’s of Science (M.Sc.) degree involves conducting neuroscientific research that leads to a written-thesis, in a maximum of three years. Successful applicants to IPN’s M.Sc. program demonstrate academic excellence, some laboratory experience, and the confirmation of an IPN thesis supervisor.

Details regarding our admission criteria are clearly specified in the diagram down below:

Doctoral (Ph.D.)

Our Doctorate degree (Ph.D) involves conducting neuroscientific research that leads to a written thesis in about four to five (maximum seven) years. The Ph.D. thesis must constitute original scholarship, and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. 

Applicants holding either a graduate degree (Master’s) or an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s) from a recognized institution are eligible to apply to our Ph.D. program.

However, take careful note that the admission requirements for the IPN Ph.D. program will differ, depending on if you have a Master’s or a Bachelor’s. Applicants with only an undergraduate degree wishing to apply to our Ph.D. program must display exceptional academic standing, research experience and publication(s), as entry into this program is extremely competitive. Additionally, their applications are further reviewed by IPN’s second admissions committee.

Choose one of the following to learn about its corresponding admission criteria: 

  1. I have a Graduate Degree
  2. I have an Undergraduate Degree

I have a Graduate Degree: 


I have an Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor’s): 

Rotation Program (Ph.D.)

The IPN Rotation Program is a Ph.D. stream that admits a select group of candidates each Fall term. The program is open to both undergraduate and Master’s students.

The objective of our Rotation program is to allow its students to start their graduate work in neuroscience by sampling several labs and supervisors. Through a series of rotations in three different labs, students get to experience diverse research fields and lab environments in order to identify their field of interest, all the while expanding their lab skills and knowledge.

Admission into our Ph.D. Rotation Program is highly competitive. Every year, we receive >60 applications to fill a maximum of 7 open positions. 
 

MDCM & Ph.D.

With research constantly growing and evolving in the field of medicine, today’s physicians are now pursuing graduate degrees in research to complement their medical degree.

McGill’s medical students can choose to complete the Ph.D. portion of their MDCM/Ph.D. degree within the Integrated Program in Neuroscience.

Please refer to McGill’s website for information regarding admissions.

Application Process

CHECKLIST

Verify Application Deadlines
Verify Admission Requirements
Supervisor Requirement
Online Application Form
Education History & Transcripts | Personal Statement | Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
Two Letters of Recommendation | Proof of English Proficiency


NOTE: The IPN will be hosting a virtual Info Session on December 1, 2021 at 7PM EST. Here is the link to register for the IPN Online Information Session: https://future.mcgill.ca/register/ipn_ois

Graduate Recruitment Events https://www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/events.

VERIFY APPLICATION DEADLINES

Take careful note of our application deadlines for the Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 semesters here

VERIFY ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Read through the admission requirements of our M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs here

SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENT

Except for Rotation applicants, all applicants to the IPN must have found and confirmed a thesis supervisor in order for their files to be considered and evaluated for admission. It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify IPN supervisors with whom they wish to work with and to contact them. Applicants should begin reaching out to potential supervisors as early as possible. Read our ‘Finding a Supervisor’ page for advice on how to contact and secure a thesis supervisor, and browse through our database of IPN supervisors

Note that applicants can secure a supervisor before or after they have submitted their online application. All applicants’ files, once submitted and completed, will be uploaded onto an internal database that is accessible to all IPN supervisors. If a supervisor finds an applicant they’re interested in, they will contact the applicant directly. This increases the applicant’s chances of finding a supervisor. Nevertheless, it is still the applicant’s responsibility to continue contacting potential supervisors. Applicants have until the ‘Find a Supervisor’ deadline to secure a supervisor and to inform our admissions office. Failure to secure a supervisor by this deadline will result in the refusal of their application for the term they have applied to. 

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

Application to our programs is done via McGill’s uApply. You must pay the application fee and submit your online application by the deadline. After this, you will be able to upload supporting documents and complete the application. Once you have answered all the questions and uploaded all the documents, please e-mail our Admissions Office to advise us that your application is complete. 

For technical issues regarding uApply, please contact uApply‘s Support Team directly. 

Please note that uApply is not currently compatible with mobile devices (phones, tablets). Login from a computer only. 

Important Notes: The online application form will request your basic information, education history, the names and contact information of two (2) referees, and the name of your prospective thesis supervisor (If you haven’t found a supervisor yet, simply write that you are currently looking for one. Please note that this will not affect your chances of being admitted into the program).

Education History & Transcripts

Be sure to accurately include the names of the institutions you attended (and/or are attending), and the correct dates of attendance and graduation. If you did not finish, and will not finish a program of studies, select the option “Attended to” and state the date by which you finished or will finish studying. If you will graduate at a later date, select the option “Graduation Date” and indicate the date. The names and dates that you indicate on the form must match the information on your transcripts. If applicable, you must also include, as a separate entry, details of any exchange courses and/or other courses taken at different institutions and that counted towards your degree.
 

Unofficial copy (or copies) of each transcript from each university-level institution you have attended must be uploaded. If the transcript does not indicate that a degree has been conferred, a copy of the degree certificate (diploma) will also need to be uploaded. If you have completed an exchange semester(s) or extra course(s) at a host institution, which added credits towards your degree, then these transcripts must also be uploaded. Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by an English or French translation provided by the institution issuing the transcript, or by a certified translator. WES (World Education Services) transcripts are not acceptable. 

Personal Statement

Format:

About 2 pages, single-spaced, uploaded in PDF format

Content: 

•  Your academic background, emphasizing on the highlights of your education (special projects you’ve worked on, etc.)
•  Your research interests
•  Reason(s) for pursuing your graduate studies in IPN
•  Explanation(s) as to how IPN will help you reach your short- and long-term goals

Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)

Content: 

•  Education
•  Research/Teaching Experience
•  Publications & Presentations
•  Fellowships & Grants
•  Skills & Certifications
•  Honours & Awards
•  Extracurricular activities & Community Service

Two Letters of Recommendation 

Applicants are encouraged to request two recommendations from academic or professional employers who can evaluate their potential for graduate studies and independent research, and who can fully attest to the applicant’s capabilities.

McGill University will send an email to each referee you identify on the application form, asking for a reference in support of your application to be admitted. If no response is received, a reminder message will be sent every two weeks. If your referee declines the request, you will be advised by email to provide an alternate. Referees will be invited to login to a secure portion of the McGill website where they can upload the letter(s) of reference. 

Format: 
•  Must clearly indicate the program the student is applying to
•  Must be dated and not be older than 12 months
•  Must indicate the referee’s position and full contact information at their institution

Proof of English Proficiency 

Depending on your circumstances, submission of proof of English proficiency may either be not required, required, or an exemption. Read the descriptions down below to determine if you need to submit proof.
 

Not Required

You must satisfy 1 out of the 4 following conditions:

  • Mother tongue (language first learned and still used on a daily basis) is English
  • Has obtained, or is about to obtain, an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction
  • Has obtained, or is about to obtain, an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized institution in Canada or the United States of America (anglophone or francophone)
  • Has lived and attended university, or been employed, for at least 4 consecutive years, in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language

Required

If you do not meet any of the 4 conditions listed above, you must submit proof using ONE of the following two options:

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

  • Minimum acceptable score: Overall 86, no less than 20 in each of the four component scores

2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

  • Minimum acceptable score: Overall 6.5 or greater (Academic module)

Results Transmission: 
In each case, you must ensure that the official test results are sent directly, via electronic transmission, to McGill (Institution Code: 0935) by the testing service. Students cannot upload their results themselves, nor can administration upload paper copies of their results. If need be, contact the test center where you took the test and request that your test scores be sent electronically to McGill. You can verify receipt of your results directly in uApply. Please allow an appropriate delay as McGill receives IELTS results on an ongoing basis; We have received several reports from applicants of significantly delayed delivery of scores from various IELTs test centres. If you choose to take the IELTS test, please allow extra time for delivery and make sure that the test centre is clear on the mechanism to send results to McGill.

IMPORTANT – Due to the current COVID-19 situation: 

  • ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in several locations. To find out if you are eligible to take this at-home test, or if you can reschedule your in-person test to an at-home one, please visit ETS’ website. In addition, their Frequently Asked Questions web page may answer some of your pressing queries. 
  • IELTS has launched the IELTS Indicator, a new online test that can be taken at-home. It tests your skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking. For more information, visit the IELTS Indicator website

Exempt

Applicants who have completed a degree program at universities in certain countries or territories may be exempt from showing proof of proficiency in English.

Please view McGill’s web page for the comprehensive list of exempt countries/territories.


APPLICATION IS COMPLETE

Once you have successfully completed your application, e-mail our Admissions Office (ipn.admissions@mcgill.ca) to inform us that your application is complete. 

mcgill neuroscience acceptance rate

Application Deadlines

NOTE: The IPN will be hosting a virtual Info Session on December 1, 2021 at 7PM EST. Here is the link to register for the IPN Online Information Session: https://future.mcgill.ca/register/ipn_ois

Please note that the deadlines stated below are IPN’s official deadlines, and take precedence over any other deadline mentioned on any other McGill page. Furthermore, dates are subject to change; it is your responsibility as the applicant to check this page regularly.


Fall 2022 (September)

Please note that the following dates are tentative and are subject to change. Fall 2022 application will open on uApply on September 30, 2021

Canadian Applicants
AND McGill Students
1st DeadlineDeadline for ApplicationJanuary 30, 2022*
2nd DeadlineDeadline for ApplicationJune 1, 2022
3rd DeadlineDeadline to Find a SupervisorJuly 10, 2022
International Applicants1st DeadlineDeadline for ApplicationJanuary 30, 2022
2nd DeadlineDeadline to Find a SupervisorMay 19, 2022
Ph.D. Rotation ApplicantsDeadline for ApplicationDecember 1, 2021

Note: Canadian applicants who are also applying to the CGS M Award: Deadline for uApply application is January 15, 2022

*Effective for Fall 2021 and onwards:

Attention Canadian/McGill applicants: We have 2 application deadlines by which Canadian/McGill applicants can submit their applications to the IPN. The initial recommended deadline is January 30, 2022. You must apply by this deadline in order to ensure your best chance of finding a supervisor* and to be considered for a recruitment award.

*You do not necessarily need to secure a supervisor by this deadline, but you must submit your online application form and supporting documents by this deadline.

While you can still apply to the IPN by the final deadline (June 1, 2022), you must understand that our supervisors’ labs may no longer be recruiting students at that point, and recruitment awards may no longer be available.

Therefore, while the final deadline for our Canadian/McGill applicants is June 1, 2022 for the Fall 2022 term, it is highly recommended that you submit your applications as early as possible within the application cycle.


Winter 2022 (January)

Please note that the following dates are tentative and are subject to change.

Canadian Applicants
AND McGill Students
1st DeadlineDeadline for ApplicationNovember 10, 2021
2nd DeadlineDeadline to Find a SupervisorNovember 25, 2021
International Applicants1st DeadlineDeadline for ApplicationSeptember 10, 2021
2nd DeadlineDeadline to Find a SupervisorSeptember 25, 2021

Best Countries To Study Abroad

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Studying abroad is a great way to develop additional social, academic and language skills, whilst adding an unparalleled depth to your university experience. Study overseas can enhance your university years, and will also ultimately give you a competitive advantage when it comes to finding employment, as recruiters seek out those who have proactively pursued different ways to broaden their experience. If you are considering completing all or some of your university studies overseas, check out this summary of the best countries to study abroad.

France

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Romantic Paris consistently tops lists of the best cities for students. Although the vibrant night life, thriving cultural scene, and the prospect of long walks along the left bank of the Seine are surely partly the reason, the almost non-existent tuition fees also help. Whilst much undergraduate teaching is carried out in French, graduate education is often available in English. Or take the opportunity to brush up your French and attend a course given in the ‘language of love’.

United States

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The choice of Universities in the US is quite mind-boggling. From internationally renowned ivy league institutions to hubs of innovation and cutting edge thought, whatever you study here you will have opportunities to add to your life experience. Over 750000 international students attend university in the US every year, and despite the high costs of fees, students love living in both Boston and San Fransisco enough for both cities to rank among top student cities. But if you sign up to study and decide that you would like a change of scenery, switching between universities in the US is not unusual.

Germany

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As one of the economic powerhouses of Europe, Germany has more going for it than just Oktoberfest. It is also one of the best known European destinations for free (or almost free) university tuition fees, which might explain why outside of anglophone nations (the UK, US and Australia) it is the country with the highest number of international students. Head to Munich to attend an internationally rated university without breaking the bank, or Berlin to join the thriving tech hub and immerse yourself in the German take on hipster culture.

Canada

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Toronto ranked recently as the most desirable city for students, among an impressive three Canadian cities in total to make the top 15. With cities this attractive it is no wonder that 6.5% of students in post secondary education in Canada come from abroad. With a vibrant culture, stunning natural environment and massive regional variations, Canada offers lots to explore for visiting students, in addition to several internationally ranked universities.

Taiwan

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Taipei was recently ranked as the most affordable city for students around the globe. Tuition fees are low, and the high quality of education can make this a great choice. Learn more about the local history and politics, as well as experiencing life in a new culture, where old and new come together in a vibrant symphony.

Argentina

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Argentinian students enjoy free university tuition, and although international students must pay a nominal enrolment fee, the costs are still low outside of the private institutions. The University of Belgrano gets a special mention, as a modern and well equipped facility just outside of downtown Buenos Aires, with great global connections. Take the time in Argentina to perfect your Spanish and maybe even learn to tango.

Australia

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Australia is one of the world’s most popular places for international students – and with sandy beaches, year round sunshine and a relaxed outdoors lifestyle, it is no surprise. Australian universities welcome international students and are well prepared to support newcomers. Considering its relatively small population, Australia has an unusually high number of institutions making the top hundred for university academic rankings, making it the perfect destination for sun, sand and academic success.

South Korea

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Who didn’t love Gangnam style? Get to the heart of K-Pop by studying in Seoul. And if you’re not a catchy-pop-tune kind of person, then you will be delighted to hear that the capital – as well as being a seriously fast paced fun place – is home to 14 internationally rated universities. Get outside your comfort zone and learn about an amazing culture whilst improving both your academic record and your CV.

United Kingdom

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The UK has a wide variety of high quality universities, and although fees vary across institutions and can be fairly high, it is worth seeking out scholarship opportunities. Students often work to support their studies, and flexible opportunities to fit around university schedules are not unusual. With a melting pot of cultures, a mix of location from cutting edge urban to sleepy rural idyll, students in the UK never need to be bored.

Denmark

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If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland then you may be eligible for free university tuition in Denmark. And if you are intending to pursue a PhD, there are even opportunities to study whilst earning a salary as this higher level study comes fully funded. The costs of living are undeniably high, but Denmark provides a fascinating base to explore Europe and experience nordic culture at its best.

Wherever you go, studying overseas is about more than the academic qualifications you may gain.  Showing the curiosity, organisational skills and ambition to arrange a period of study overseas is a great selling point. Whether you are heading off for your entire university program, for a semester or two, or even to study during the summer holidays, you are gathering armfuls of skills and experiences that will stand you head and shoulders above competitors when it comes to looking for graduate jobs. Take the opportunity to combine study and travel, and immerse yourself in a new culture to broaden your horizons. You won’t regret it.

How to Choose the Right Time to Study Abroad

When to Study Abroad - Kaitlyn Nemickas SIT Chile Identity Justice Comm Development

While it would be much easier if this were the case, there isn’t one single time that is right for everyone to study abroad. There are several factors to take into consideration, including:

  • Timing: When does the school year start and end for the school you want to go to? Many schools in other parts of the world have academic calendars that may overlap your next school year at home.
  • Duration: Do you want to go for one semester? If so, which semester? The full year? Six to eight weeks over the summer?
  • Academics: Are there any prerequisites you should complete before you go abroad? Are there equivalencies for any course requirements you have yet to fulfill? Will going abroad at a certain time delay your graduation, and if so, is that something you’re willing to do? Make sure to meet with an advisor and discuss all of the courses you need and which ones you can earn equivalencies for.

Trying to balance all of those factors is hard! In the rest of this article, we’ll break down each time when you might study abroad so you can get a quick sense of when the right time to study abroad is for you.

Studying Abroad in High School

When to Study Abroad - Dominique L. Carpe Diem Education Alum

While not all high schools offer international programs, if you happen to go to one that does, it’s certainly worth considering. Studying abroad in high school offers a myriad of advantages.

For one, gaining international experience at a younger age can set you up for success later in your studies and eventual career. Your time overseas will be a fantastic material for those tricky college admissions essays. If you’re considering applying to university in a foreign country and want to test it out before taking the leap, going abroad during high school can serve as a trial period.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to studying abroad during high school. Whether you or your parents are funding this excursion, going overseas during high school may mean that you won’t be able to pursue international opportunities in college without taking on additional loans.

If this is your first time living apart from your family for a long period, there’s a chance you may struggle with homesickness, loneliness, or culture shock, and have trouble adjusting without your usual support system.

Read more about the pros and cons of studying abroad in High School →

Studying Abroad as a Freshman

How Long to Study Abroad - Kaitlyn N., SIT Chile Alum

If the college of your choice allows you to study abroad as a freshman, why not seize the opportunity? You’ll likely be leaving home for school anyway, so you may as well ‘shoot for the moon’ and go to a foreign country.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people, just as you would have on campus at your home school, but you’ll have the added bonus of being somewhere entirely foreign. You’ll learn to manage issues on your own and attain a stronger sense of independence than you would at a school within driving distance from home.

For the same reasons studying abroad in high school may inspire homesickness, going overseas immediately upon enrolling in university may have a similar effect. You’ll also miss out on freshman orientation and other social activities that universities often organize to help you integrate better into the school community where you’ll be for the next four years.

It may also be disorienting for you to deal with transferring your credits straight off the bat, while you’re still learning the ropes of registering for courses and planning your own schedule.

Read more about the pros and cons of studying abroad as a Freshman →

Studying Abroad as a Sophomore

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Most universities require that you declare a major by the end of your sophomore year. Studying abroad as a sophomore gives you the chance to experiment with your interests and take classes that normally wouldn’t have been available to you before you lock in your major.

You’ll also have two more years of school after you return to fulfill the remaining course requirements you need, so there’s not as much pressure to find the right combination of course equivalencies.

Personally, my second year of college was when I felt like I truly settled into university life and found the social and extracurricular groups that would stay with me beyond my studies. By going abroad during your sophomore year, you risk missing out on nurturing the friendships you began and cultivating the interests you began dabbling in as a freshman.

Read more about the pros and cons of studying abroad as a Sophomore →

Studying Abroad as a Junior

The Pros & Cons of Studying Abroad as a Senior

Choosing to study abroad as a junior is the most popular time to study abroad in college, and many universities recommend taking this route. Because of this, schools often build their international programs to occur during students’ third year, making the process easier for you.

If you plan from your freshman year, you’ll have more time to get all your ducks in a row before you leave. In most cases, you’ll also have finished most of your general education requirements by your junior year and will have some more flexibility in the classes you can take while overseas.

With that in mind, that doesn’t mean you’ll be home-free with your college degree by the time you’ve reached junior year. You’ll still need to make sure that your host institution has course equivalencies for the credits you still require for your program. This process can be challenging and stressful, as foreign school systems validate credits differently, and it’s up to you to make sure that you’re taking all the classes you need while you’re away.

Read more about the pros and cons of studying abroad as a Junior →

Studying Abroad as a Senior

The Pros & Cons of Studying Abroad as a Junior

Studying abroad as a senior is the choice I personally elected for, as it fit better with my program and schedule. By this time, you’ll have completed most of the requirements of your major and settled into a comfortable routine. (Some people are even so on top of it that they’re able to study abroad as a second-semester senior!)

If you’re ready to shake things up and experience something new in your last year, this is your chance! It can also be a last hurrah of sorts before you graduate. Besides, going overseas that much closer to graduation gives you the chance to pad your resume with international experience that you can apply to work almost immediately.

That being said, there are still possible downsides to studying abroad in your last year. For example, writing a thesis while away can pose more challenges. Make sure to also take note of any limitations your school may impose on overseas opportunities in your last year and how those may affect graduation.

For me, my exchange program was constrained to the fall semester to ensure that I’d receive all my credits in time for graduation. If you are able to study abroad for the full year, that may mean missing out on senior year activities with your friends.

Read more about the pros and cons of studying abroad as a Senior →

Studying Abroad Over the Summer

Is It Better to Study Abroad in High School or College?

For some, studying abroad during the school year isn’t possible because of rigorous program requirements. Fortunately, most schools have international opportunities over the summer in addition to the school year. For many students, summer is the ideal time to wander the globe or find a summer gig to get some experience on their resume.

Studying abroad over the summer combines the best of both worlds, allowing you the chance to expand your knowledge while simultaneously exploring a new destination.

However, because of time constraints, summer study abroad programs are often abridged, concluding in a matter of weeks, as opposed to months when you go during the school year. This makes it harder to fully immerse yourself in a new culture or environment. Additionally, since the summer months are prime tourist season, travel is often significantly more expensive during this time.

Regardless of when you choose to study abroad, the most important thing is that you go if you have the opportunity. Studying abroad is beneficial in so many ways, beyond fluffing up your academic record or resume. My own experience studying abroad was full of learning experiences both inside and outside of the classroom that helped shape who I am today. The skills that I learned and the friends I’ve made during my time abroad will stay with me for life. You’ll undoubtedly feel the same wherever you choose to study abroad.

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