Applying to the BNS program
Essential information for applicants
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Register and apply here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/apply/apply-now
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Select our program: For area of study select Neuroscience. For location select Newark. For program select Behavioral and Neural Sciences (PHD).
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Gather required materials: personal statement, three letters of reference, undergraduate transcripts, recent TOEFL if applying from abroad. A recent GRE result can also be submitted, but is optional.
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Tell us your research interests: In your personal statement, please tell us your research interests, and identify at least two of our faculty whose work interests you.
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Deadline is December 15th. Late applications accepted on a case-by-case basis.
More information
After initial screening by the Admissions Committee, files are reviewed by the training faculty and eligible candidates are invited to interview, either virtually or in-person. Four to six outstanding students are admitted each year. The overall size of the program is about 30 students.
Applicants are selected based on merit and aptitude for research as determined by their scholastic records, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and interviews with the BNS faculty. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized institution of higher education in the United States or abroad is required to enter the program; in general, a B average or better is expected. Foreign students must take the TOEFL examination.
Each year the Deadline for applications is December 15 and interviews take place in January and February. Late applications may be considered on a case by case basis (contact the Program Director for information).
Start your application by going to the Rutgers Graduate Admissions Portal and registering a new Community ID if necessary. Please make sure to select 'Newark' for the location, and ‘Behavioral and Neural Sciences’ for the program.
After completing the online application, please email the Program Director to let us know that you applied. We will let you know if we need further information, or if we would like to invite you for an interview. During the whole process, you can also check the status of your application online.
Stipends and financial support
All BNS students, regardless of nationality, receive a 12-month renewable graduate assistantship of $40,635, plus tuition remission and a medical benefits plan. This funding support is provided for the full 5 years of the program, contingent on maintaining good academic standing. There is a maximum of 4 weeks of vacation time per year (with permission of advisor or program director). Travel funds of up to $750 per year are available for each student to present their research at major national or international meetings.
Beyond these graduate assistantships, exceptionally qualified applicants will be considered for the prestigious Rutgers Presidential Fellowship. Successful candidates are expected to have demonstrated outstanding academic accomplishments and exceptional promise for success in research in their chosen discipline. Candidates are nominated by the BNS Program Director.