Summary
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) Department of Cognitive Sciences offers a fully funded Ph.D. program designed to prepare students for research and teaching careers in academia, industry, and government. This program is renowned for its mathematically oriented research in cognitive sciences, emphasizing modern experimental and theoretical techniques for studying the human mind and brain. Admitted students receive a comprehensive financial support package for five years, covering tuition, most educational fees, and health insurance, contingent on satisfactory academic progress.
Designation
- Ph.D. in Cognitive Sciences
- Ph.D. in Cognitive Sciences with a Concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience
- Joint M.S. in Statistics and Ph.D. in Cognitive Sciences (available to current Ph.D. students only)
Research Areas
The Ph.D. programs focus on advanced experimental and theoretical research into the function of the human mind and brain. Special attention is given to providing hands-on research experience and equipping students with sophisticated mathematical and computing skills. The Cognitive Neuroscience concentration specifically studies the relationship between mind and brain, utilizing non-invasive functional brain imaging techniques and integrating cognitive and neural models of information processing.
Location
University of California, Irvine (UCI), Irvine, California, USA
Eligibility/Qualification
Academic Background
Applicants are expected to have a strong academic background. For the Cognitive Neuroscience concentration, a variety of undergraduate educational backgrounds are accepted, including but not limited to:
- Psychology/Cognitive Science
- Neuroscience
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Engineering
English Language Proficiency (for International Applicants)
All doctoral students in Social Sciences at UCI are required to meet a higher standard of English proficiency due to teaching assistantship requirements. Proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 80 or higher, with a speaking section score of 26 or better (scores valid for two years).
- IELTS: Overall score of 7 or better, with no section below 6 and a speaking section score of 8 or better (scores valid for two years).
- TOEP: Score of 5 or better (scores valid as long as enrolled at UCI).
- Having earned an undergraduate degree from an institution where English was the sole language of instruction (according to the World Higher Education Database) within the past five years.
GRE Requirement
The GRE requirement has been permanently removed for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle and beyond. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores. Submitting scores will not give applicants greater consideration.
Scholarship Description
The Department of Cognitive Sciences offers a comprehensive financial support package for students admitted into its Ph.D. programs. This package is provided for five years (fifteen quarters) of enrollment, contingent on satisfactory academic standing and progress.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Tuition: Fully covered.
- Most Associated Educational Fees: Fully covered.
- Graduate Student Health Insurance (UC-SHIP): Fully covered.
Forms of Support:
The guaranteed support takes the form of:
- Teaching Assistantship
- Research Assistantship
- Fellowship (internal or extramural)
Tuition, fees, and health insurance are covered as a benefit of employment for students holding teaching or research assistantships, and paid by the School during fellowship quarters.
Additional Costs:
An additional fee (“local fees”) is assessed quarterly for on-campus, student-funded services (e.g., Associate Graduate Students, Student Center). For 2025-26, this was approximately $272.35 per quarter and is an out-of-pocket expense for the student.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their application using UCI’s Online Application for Graduate Admissions.
Application Fee:
- $135 for U.S. citizens and lawful U.S. permanent residents.
- $155 for all other applicants.
- Fee waivers are available to qualified domestic applicants who participate in specific Graduate Preparation programs or have US veteran status.
Required Application Materials:
- CV/Resume
- Statement of Purpose: Describe your aptitude, motivation, academic plans, research interests, relevant experience, future career goals, and why UCI is a good fit.
- Personal Statement (Optional): Describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree, including educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences; challenges overcome; prior employment; leadership roles; outreach; or contributions to inclusivity.
- Official Transcripts
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation (submitted by recommenders through the application portal).
Applications are reviewed holistically, considering all submitted materials.
Last Date for Apply
December 1
Apply Link
Further information about the graduate program can be found at: https://sites.uci.edu/cogsphd/
