Brain and Cognitive Sciences

Fall Term (September)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Statistics (IDPS)

• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Computation
• Systems Neuroscience

For all applicants:

BCS does not accept GRE scores and will not consider GRE scores in the evaluation of your application.

For international applicants:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Minimum score required: 7
• Electronic scores send to: MIT Graduate Admissions
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• Minimum score required: 90 (iBT)
• Institute code: 3514
• Department code: 58
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old

Duolingo English Test (DET)

• Minimum score required: 135
• Electronic scores send to: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Graduate Admissions
• Current scores only; scores must be less than 2 years old

Review the Graduate Admissions test scores policy here.

Dept ELP Waiver Policy: Waivers may be available to eligible applicants. See Department Policies below.

• Online application
• Statement of objectives
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• English proficiency exam scores – international applicants only

Supplemental materials:

Applicants should not send published papers, theses, writing samples or other supplemental material with their application.

Department ELP Eligibility:

International applicants may request a waiver for their BCS application if they meet the following criteria:

1. You are currently enrolled in an institution where the language of instruction is English.
2. You have lived in an English-speaking country for four or more years.
3. You have earned a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English (this applies regardless of the country in which the institution is located).

The last day to request a waiver is December 1, 2025.

Instructions for requesting a Department ELP waiver:

Applicants must demonstrate they meet one of the above criteria. Please plan to submit documentation such as an official MOI from your institution or verification of your residency in order to request a waiver.

The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences aims to support all graduate students for their entire time of study at MIT, regardless of citizenship. Funding packages provide:

• 12-month stipend
• Tuition
• Individual health insurance (via MIT SHIP)

BCS typically provides a stipend at or above the MIT recommended rate.

The Department expects faculty labs to individually support students beyond year three, with funded research assistant appointments.

If you have applied for a fellowship from non-MIT sources, please contact the Academic Office. If you receive a competitive fellowship award (e.g. NRSA, NSF, NDSEG) which contributes 50% or more to the total cost of stipend, tuition and insurance, you will receive an additional $1,000 stipend supplement for each year you are actively supported by the fellowship.