Neuroscience

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)



Meet Mehrdad Kashefi, PhD candidate in Neuroscience

“One great thing about the graduate program here at Western and specifically my home department here at the neuroscience program is the community of people that we have.”

Describe your research.
I study motor neuroscience - how the brain controls movement of the body.

Do you serve on any university committees?
Yes, I serve as the chair for the Big Idea Committee within the Society of Neuroscience Graduate Students (SONGS). This committee functions much like a club, where we hold weekly meetings to discuss the philosophy of science and explore its connection to our research.

Have you worked as a teaching assistant?
Yes, I have TA-ed two courses. It helps you communicate better. Also, teaching something deepens your understanding of the topic.

What’s the best advice you could give to someone considering applying to your graduate program?
Find a question that genuinely sparks your curiosity and dedicate yourself to answering it with passion and diligence. Don't fear making mistakes—everyone does. Instead, embrace them and learn from them quickly. Prioritize both your physical and mental well-being, as they are essential to your success. Remember, the ultimate goal is to live a fulfilling, happy life, and earning a graduate degree is just one step along that journey.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Susan Simpson (neuroscience@uwo.ca)
Program Coordinator

Robarts Research Institute

Western University
Robarts Rm 3203
London, Ontario N6A 5K8

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 84039

The PhD in Neuroscience is a research intensive program that emphasizes the development of individual scholarship and excellence through the collaborative interactions within this interdisciplinary program. Students in the program experience a very wide exposure to all aspects of neuroscience research from cellular molecular to cognitive neuroscience. Student with an MSc usually complete this program within 4 years. Direct entry into the program by students with a BSc is possible for outstanding candidates.


The Own Your Future doctoral professional development program will help you become a career-ready graduate with the skills necessary to excel in your studies and achieve your future goals. By participating in the program, you will assess your own strengths and opportunities for growth, choose what skills you want to enhance during your time at Western, and learn how to articulate the skills you gained in your degree to optimize your future career opportunities. To learn more, visit www.uwo.ca/ownyourfuture.

Program Length

  • 12 Terms

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Thesis-based

Funding Information

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships (if eligible):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

  • Honors or Masters degree in Neuroscience or in a related field with a strong research component, or an MD, DDS or DVS degree with some specialization in Neuroscience
  • At least an A (80%) over the final two years is recommended; this is equivalent to a high second class standing at some universities.
  • Direct Entry PhD applicants will require a minimum 85% over the final two years.

Additional Requirements

  • At present, only candidates with a degree from recognized universities are admitted directly into the PhD program.  All others interested in the PhD program are first admitted to the MSc program. They may transfer to the PhD program within the first 18 months, provided that their progress is excellent and that they have a project that could be developed into a PhD thesis.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

Application Deadline

Final 2025 application deadlines*:
Domestic applicants: June 2, 2025 International applicants: March 28, 2025

*Applies to students who have an interest in working with a Faculty Supervisor whose home department is within the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Health Science or Faculty of Science. Applicants with an interest in working with a Faculty member whose home department is Psychology must have submitted an application no later than Friday, January 10th for fall 2025 entry.