UC NeuroscienceUniversity of California, Berkeley

Program Info

Official source

Degree: Ph.D.
Duration: Not published
Fields: Biology, Neuroscience
Tuition: To be confirmed
Application opens: Sep 24, 2026
Application deadline: Nov 19, 2026

Dates and tuition are specific to the 2027 intake.

Program Overview

Historical admission data is not published.

Documents Required

Statement of purpose

2–3 double-spaced pages.

Resume/CV

May include publications, presentations, honors, awards, fellowships, summer research, traineeships, and student organization participation.

Personal history statement

1–3 double-spaced pages. Should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose.

Recommendation letters x 3

Exactly three letters. Prefer supervisors from laboratory, research, or academic settings who can address intellectual ability, creativity, scientific leadership, and scholarly potential.

Unofficial transcript(s)

From each college and graduate institution attended (scanned copies). International applicants should also upload degree certificate(s). Official documents typically required after accepting admission.

Published Score Requirements

Official sources are the final authority

Academic: Bachelor's degree with GPA 3.0/4.0; Or equivalent from an accredited institution. Graduate Division minimum when applicable.
Prerequisites: Relevant academic background; Strong preparation includes at least one year of college-level coursework in biology, physics, chemistry, calculus, or engineering; additional cognitive science, psychology, biophysics, or neurobiology coursework is advisable. At least two years of laboratory research experience required (part-time acceptable; lab classes do not count).
IELTS: 7.0 overall (Speaking 8); Graduate Division overall minimum; Neuroscience speaking minimum is 8. For tests on or after January 21, 2026, Graduate Division also cites Speaking/Writing 6.5 section floors for admission.
TOEFL: New scale: 5.0 overall (Speaking 6) | 90 overall (Speaking 26); Graduate Division minimum total for tests on or after January 21, 2026 (with Speaking/Writing 4.5 university floor); Neuroscience speaking minimum is 6 on the new scale.; Graduate Division minimum total for tests taken June 1, 2025–January 20, 2026. Neuroscience speaking minimum (26) is higher than the general Graduate Division floor. Institution code 4833.
GRE: Optional; GRE listed as optional on the Neuroscience admissions requirements and Graduate Division program listing.