Applying

Applicants to the Brown-NIH Graduate Partnerships Program (GPP) 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, there are no specific course requirements for successful admission. Students who are admitted without sufficient background in certain topics will be encouraged to take the appropriate introductory level courses at Brown and fill the gap in their scientific knowledge before enrolling in more advanced courses in that subject area. We encourage applications from members of underrepresented minority groups and those with disabilities. All students are fully supported during their time in graduate school. No forms requesting financial support need to be submitted.

Only US citizens and individuals with US permanent resident status are eligible to apply for the NIH-GPP program at this time.

Application Process

Prospective students submit applications through the NIH, specifying the Brown-NIH Program. After interviews, applicants holding offer letters will be asked to submit a formal application to Brown University.

Checklist of Materials

  • NIH Application  - typically due around Dec 1
  • Online Application Form
  • CV including sections: Research Interests, Research Experience, Publications and Presentations, Awards and Honors, Extracurricular Activities, and a Personal Statement.
  • Graduate Record Examination Scores for the General Aptitude Test -  GRE scores are not required.
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • NO APPLICATION FEE

Brown Application 
NOTE: For consideration for the Brown Neuroscience Graduate Program (NSGP), the deadline is midnight on December 1

  • Online Application Form
  • Personal Statement - All applicants are required to submit a personal statement. The statement should help us understand who you are, what motivates you, and what you hope to gain from a PhD. You should also include a description of your research experience, current research interests, and explain why you are applying to the Neuroscience Graduate Program at Brown. You should limit your statement to no more than two pages, single spaced. The document should be uploaded in pdf format.
  • Graduate Record Examination Scores for the General Aptitude Test - GRE scores are not required.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Score - International students must submit scores of the TOEFL unless they have completed their undergraduate studies in the United States, another country with English as its principle language, or attended a baccalaureate-granting institution that has its primary instruction in the English language. The TOEFL reporting code for Brown University is 3094 and the department code for Neuroscience is 30. Test results are valid for 3 years.
  • Undergraduate transcripts (and others where applicable).
  • Brown accepts unofficial, self-reported, transcripts and TOEFL scores for the initial submitted application. Official TOEFL scores are required for Brown's Graduate School to offer admission, an event that typically occurs after applicant interviews. Brown's Graduate School requires official transcripts only for matriculation before the first Fall semester.
  • Three Letters of Recommendation (not required if also submitting an NIH application)
  • Application Fee of $75 - US citizens or permanent residents who can demonstrate either financial need or participation in certain specialized programs may apply for an application fee waiver. Fee waiver applications with supporting documentation must be received by the Graduate School two weeks in advance of the application deadline of December 1.

Dates and Deadlines

Applicants interested in the Brown-NIH GPP must submit their application to the NIH by Dec 1, specifying the Brown-NIH program. After interviews, selected GPP applicants will be invited to submit a formal application to Brown University. Applicants wishing to receive full consideration for both the Brown and the Brown-NIH programs should submit all application materials to both Brown and NIH by the posted December deadline.

Interviews

Interviews for the Brown-NIH Graduate Partnership Program are held by the NIH and Brown University in late February.