How to Apply
The deadline for applications for the fall 2026 academic year is 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2025. All materials, including letters of recommendation, should be submitted no later than the Dec. 1 deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
Incoming classes matriculate in September of the academic year. Accepted students cannot matriculate in winter or spring quarters.
All applicants are required to fill out the Northwestern University application through The Graduate School website.
Students who are interested in a joint PhD program (eg. the JD-PhD) must express their intent at the time of the initial application to the PhD. NUIN will not approve applications to joint-programs after students have already entered the PhD program.
NUIN Admissions Information Sessions
We will be hosting two virtual information sessions for applicants. Please join to learn more and ask any questions you may have!
Session 1: October 17, 2025, 12–1 pm CT (No longer accepting RSVPs)
Session 2: November 7, 2025, 12–1 pm CT
Session 3: November 21, 2025, 12–1 pm CT
Please RSVP for information session here.
What Does a Successful Applicant Look Like?
NUIN favors a model of holistic application review. While we do not have a strict GPA requirement, the average GPA of incoming classes is between a 3.6 and a 3.7. Applicants should have a solid grounding in the "hard sciences" (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics), either through formal courses or as a result of relevant experience. Successful applicants will have had significant laboratory research experience, preferably, though not necessarily, in a neuroscience laboratory.
It is important that you describe your unique background, experience, and motivation for pursuing a PhD. The personal statement is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to the admissions committee and tell them about your interest in the NUIN program.
Application Components
Letters of Recommendation
Each applicant is required to have three letters of recommendation. Ideally, at least one of these recommendations will be from a supervisor of research. The letters should be requested and submitted online via the CollegeNET tool. If submitting the letter this way is not possible, please ask your recommender to email their letter to nuin@northwestern.edu. We are unable to accept more than three letters of recommendation.
Academic Statement
As part of the CollegeNET online application, applicants need to submit an academic statement (also called a “research statement”) describing their unique background, experience and motivation for pursuing a PhD in neuroscience at Northwestern. The Academic Statement must be 1,000 words or less.
The NUIN admissions committee is interested to know what led you to pursue PhD training in neuroscience, how your research and lived experience has prepared you for the rigors of a PhD program, and how a PhD in neuroscience will help you achieve your future goals. Tailor the document to highlight research at Northwestern that lead you to apply to the NUIN program.
Personal Statement
- Pivotal experiences, opportunities, and/or challenges that have influenced your educational and professional development.
- Leadership experiences, community outreach, service initiatives, or research projects you have participated in or plan to pursue that aim to positively impact others or the broader community.
Resume/CV
CollegeNET gives applicants an opportunity to upload a resume. While not required, applicants are encouraged to do so. A resume should summarize your relevant research experience and past and current positions.
Transcripts
You are required to submit one unofficial transcript from each postsecondary institution you have attended. Transcripts may be “unofficial" (for example, the versions that many institutions allow students to download themselves). Please make sure your transcripts are legible before uploading them. If you are accepted and choose to attend Northwestern, then you will need to submit official paper transcripts. For additional information on transcripts, please see TGS Admissions.
Standardized Tests Scores & GPA
NUIN does not require GRE general or subject score submissions.
English Language Proficiency (International students only)
For the most up-to-date information on TOEFL requirements please visit the TGS Admissions FAQ page and the TGS Application Requirements – Test Scores page.
NUIN cannot waive this requirement except for applicants with undergraduate or graduate degrees from institutions in the United States or institutions where English is the language of instruction. See TGS Admissions - Test Scores for details on The Graduate School's English proficiency requirement and waiver process.
Faculty of Interest
See our list of NUIN-affiliated faculty. The ability of faculty to take new students may change from year to year. We encourage you to review faculty profiles and websites to learn more about their research.
Writing Sample
NUIN does not require a writing sample.
Application Fee
The application fee is $95 and must be paid via credit card at the time of application submission. Your application will not be processed without payment of the fee.
Domestic ApplicantsApplication fee waivers are available from The Graduate School for eligible applicants. The fee waiver process is embedded in the application itself. The number of waivers issued each year is limited, and all waivers are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information regarding the process, please see TGS Admissions.
International Applicants
Unfortunately, NUIN is not able to offer application fee waivers to international applicants at this time.
Accommodations
Potential applicants to NUIN who require accommodations should let us know by contacting nuin@northwestern.edu. We will work with AccessibleNU to provide the necessary accommodations to apply or to visit campus for an in-person interview. If accepted to Northwestern, AccessibleNU is available to provide possible services and accommodations to the student. The SSD office may be contacted by email at accessiblenu@northwestern.edu or by phone at 847-467-5530.
Get additional information regarding admission procedures of The Graduate School.
Contact Us
For questions concerning program details and admissions, please contact nuin@northwestern.edu.