All applications for the Brown Neuroscience Graduate Program must be submitted online at the Brown Graduate School website. Candidates interested in applying for the Brown-NIH Partnership Program must complete an online application at the NIH Graduate Partnership Program website.

Any material that cannot be submitted online should be mailed to:

Brown University Graduate School
Box 1867
47 George Street
Providence, RI 02912 

All application materials must be submitted by December 1, 2025, at 5 pm Eastern Time.

The application fee is $75. However, US Citizens or permanent residents who can demonstrate either financial need or participation in certain specialized programs may apply for an application waiver.

GRE scores are not required as part the application. Foreign students must submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language.

The GRE reporting code for Brown University is 3094 and the Neuroscience Department code for Neuroscience is 0213. The TOEFL reporting code for Brown University is 3094 and the Neuroscience Department code is 30

Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate degree in a component discipline of neuroscience such as biology, psychology, neurobiology, chemistry, physics, applied mathematics, engineering, or computer science. However, the Program does not have any specific course requirements for successful admission.

A subset of applicants are invited to interview at Brown University in late February. This visit allows candidates to meet the Program faculty trainers, see our research facilities, and interact with current graduate students. Applicants are selected for interview by the Admissions Committee.

Admission decisions begin rolling out in early March.

Target enrollment for the Program is 10 to 12 students.

Our students will receive a competitive stipend, tuition, health insurance, and health services fee. Students also receive a one-time transitional stipend at the beginning of graduate study to help defray the cost of moving to Providence and transitioning to Brown.

All Neuroscience graduate students attend conferences each year. Financial support comes from the Neuroscience Graduate Program, as well as the Division of Biology and Medicine.

Health insurance is covered by the program and Brown University. The health insurance benefits are described on the Graduate School website. 

On average, Neuroscience graduate students at Brown University complete their thesis work in 5.3 years.

View timeline to the PhD

Please see the coursework page for details.

View Courses and Degree Requirements

A laboratory rotation usually consists of a one semester research project under the supervision of a Program faculty advisor. Lab rotations allow students to experience the scientific research, environment, and mentorship style in several labs before joining a particular lab for their thesis work. Students are usually required to complete two lab rotations in their first year.

View Courses and Degree Requirements

Typically, graduate students select their Thesis Advisor prior to the start of their second year of study. Only approved faculty trainers in the Neuroscience Graduate Program can serve as thesis advisors. New faculty members can be added to the list of approved trainers after review by the Steering Committee.

More about the Thesis Committee

Neuroscience Graduate Program students serve as teaching assistants for one semester in their second year. This teaching requirement ensures that students understand the importance of, and challenges associated with, teaching in the academic setting. Students interested in additional teaching experience may enhance their teaching capabilities by joining activities sponsored by Brown University’s Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning.

More about teaching requirements