What is the organizational structure of the NGP and who do I apply to?

The NGP is part of an umbrella program at UVA called the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program (BIMS). The BIMS program is a part of the School of Medicine (SOM). You must apply through BIMS in order for the NGP to consider your application.

How do I apply to the Neuroscience Graduate Program?

Follow these instructions.  Be sure to choose “Neuroscience” or “Neuroimmunology” as the first of the three Research Interests on your application. Make sure you mention your desire to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience in your Statement of Purpose. Your application will be sorted based on your first area of interest, and if you wish to be considered for admission to the NGP, you must indicate Neuroscience as your primary area of interest. All applications must be submitted online. Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts of their entire post-secondary academic record to the online application, including all undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework. Transcripts that are not stated in English must be accompanied by a translation into English.

Please do not request and mail official transcripts as part of the application process.  Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the faculty’s review of your application.  If you are offered admission to the BIMS program, you will be asked at that time to send official transcripts from each college or university you have attended to the Admissions Office.

How early can I apply?

The application system becomes available on September 1st of the Fall semester for the following year.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline for the Neuroscience Graduate Program is December 1st.   All materials required for the application should be submitted and received by December 1st.  These deadlines are for admission for the following summer/fall semester. We do not offer spring admissions.

Do I have to have a Master's degree?

No. Applicants who are offered admission need only to have completed a Bachelor's degree.

Does the NGP accept international applicants?

Yes. Admission is offered to exceptional international applicants.

How do I know my application (and other materials) has/have been received?

The application process can be monitored online once the application has been submitted electronically. Applicants create a user name and password as part of the application process and can return to the application check the status of the application and supplemental documents (i.e., recommendation letters).

What happens once my application has been accepted?

After review of the application, competitive applicants will be invited by one of our Admission Committee Chairs for an expense-paid interview and recruiting visit.  The applicant’s choice of research interests, as indicated by selection of Research Disciplines #1, 2, 3 on the application will be used to coordinate interviews with faculty from the BIMS Graduate Group.

How long is the application review process?

The admissions period runs from December until late March.