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Unraveling the mysteries of the mind and the brain is one of the most fascinating endeavors in all of science. At ELSC, we believe that the clue to solving this mystery lies in multidisciplinary collaboration.
This program is arguably one of the largest graduate programs in computational neuroscience in the world. A large percentage of our graduates become independent researchers in various fields of neuroscience both at Israeli universities and abroad.
Our 5-year Ph.D. program provides our outstanding students with the theoretical and experimental tools that will allow them to employ a broad range of approaches in order to understand how the nervous system efficiently performs a wide variety of functions, such as perception and action, learning and memory, thought and creativity.
Our students take advanced courses that provide a comprehensive background in neuroscience: physiology of the nervous system; theoretical neural and cognitive sciences; cognitive psychology; machine learning and information processing; and advanced research methods in neuroscience.
All scientific activities, as well as the classes, are conducted in English. The first three semesters of the program are comprised of the core courses, after which students join research labs and engage in their thesis research. Each student is provided with an individualized program, consisting of both required and elective courses, that allows them to meet the necessary requirements for the doctorate. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to participate in international conferences, and to visit similar research centers around the world. Generous scholarships and travel fellowships are available from the first year of the program.
The Program is composed of formal course work and research. The curriculum has three parts:
- Prerequisite Courses - the admissions committee provides an individualized list of prerequisites to each student based on their prior background. Students take these courses during the first semester.
- Required Courses - mandatory courses in advanced physiology, modeling, and psychology are held during the second and third semesters.
- Elective Courses - students may choose from a variety of courses offered by the Program or by other graduate programs at the Hebrew University. Students normally complete the coursework in four semesters.
Students also complete a Ph.D. thesis according to guidelines set by the Hebrew University Committee for Graduate Programs. These projects are often interdisciplinary, offering students the unique opportunity to work in conjunction with two different labs. Research usually takes 3 years before the Ph.D. thesis is ready to be submitted.
Candidates should send the following documents using the electronic registration form at http://grs.ekmd.huji.ac.il
- Current CV
- One-page statement of scientific interests and objectives
- Two or more letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from each university attended
- Proof of English proficiency (required only for non-native speakers of English). The minimum requirements are 80 points (TOEFL iBT), 213 points (TOEFL CBT), 550 points (TOEFL paper), 6.5 points (IELTS), grade C (ESOL).
Candidates who pass the initial screening will be requested to register at the office of overseas students of the Hebrew University. The registration fee is $100. Note that registration does not ensure acceptance to the program. Candidates will be interviewed remotely by the program selection committee. Successful candidates will be invited for a personal interview.
Accepted students are entitled to the following support:
1. Full tuition support for five years of their Doctoral studies.
2. Fellowship payment for living expenses of approx. $1200 per month (4800 NIS), until completion of the first 2 years of studies.
3. The payments for the next three years of studies will resume after acceptance to the first Phase of the Doctoral Program, set by the Authority of Research Students,
(usually after the first two years of studies, depending on the student's academic achievements). The exact amount of the fellowship will not be less than the amountof the first two years, and will be determined jointly by the student’s advisor and ELSC.
4. Dorm accommodations during the first two years of studies.
5. Health insurance for the first two years of studies.
