Direct Ph.D. Program

The curriculum is built on a progression from foundational coursework to independent research.

Core Coursework (Semesters 1–3):
During the first two years, students complete advanced courses covering.

These courses provide a shared foundation in computational and experimental neuroscience, ensuring students from diverse backgrounds gain essential breadth and depth.

Course Study:

Students are required to take preparatory courses in physiology, cognition, and/or mathematics (linear algebra and calculus), depending on their prior academic background. The courses are given in a self-study format, and we highly recommend taking them during the summer, prior to the start of the program. 

Lab Rotations (Year 1):
In the first year, students engage in multiple lab visits and at least one short-term research project, gaining exposure to different research approaches and identifying the best fit for their thesis work.

Thesis Research (Year 2 onward):
Beginning in the second year, students join research labs to pursue their dissertation projects. This phase comprises the core of the program and includes elective coursework and doctoral milestones (Stage A). Research areas span computational modelling, systems neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, and experimental methods.

M.Sc. in Computational Neuroscience

Students who successfully completed the first year of the direct track program and found a lab in ELSC can continue their studies for an M.Sc. degree.

In the second year of studies, they will be required to:

• Complete two courses in each topic.
• Complete the M.Sc. Seminar.
• Complete 32 credit points.
• Write a research thesis (Master’s Thesis Format)

The M.Sc. thesis is expected to be roughly equivalent to a paper in a scientific journal. The thesis defense is an oral presentation of the work before a committee and the M.Sc. adviser.

ELSC considers candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree (or are in their last year of studies) in one of the following fields: natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, engineering, computer sciences, and medicine. To be eligible for admission, ELSC requires a record of academic excellence (an average of at least 85).

International students who are not native English speakers are required to submit proof of English proficiency with one of the following exams: TOEFL (minimum score of 89), IELTS (7), AMIR (220), AMIRAM (120), or European standards (B2).

Candidates whose previous studies are from English-speaking institutes are exempt from presenting proof of English proficiency.

• Current CV.
• One-page statement of scientific interests.
• Official transcripts from each university attended.
• Two letters of recommendation.

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ELSC provides a comprehensive funding package to support students throughout their training

Tuition:

ELSC provides full tuition for the first two years of study. After the student registers as a doctoral student (Stage A), ELSC provides tuition for up to three additional years.

Stipend:

ELSC offers a generous five-year stipend of approximately 7,100 NIS per month for the first two years and approximately 4,000 NIS per month for the subsequent three years, complemented by additional funding from the research group, potentially totaling up to 10,000 NIS. This is contingent upon the student registering as a doctoral student, and subject to the funding regulations of the Hebrew University.

Additionally, ELSC encourages its students to apply for prestigious doctoral scholarships from both Israeli and international organizations. Approximately 20% of ELSC students have won excellence scholarships from organizations such as Google, IBM, the Adams Foundation, the Azrieli Foundation, and many more.

Travel Support:

Students receive annual travel grants to present research at international conferences and workshops, including support for the annual ISFN meeting in Eilat.

 Travel Support Procedure – Hebrew
 Travel Support Procedure- English
 Appendix A – Hebrew
 Appendix A – English
 Appendix B
 Expense Report

Housing and Health Insurance (International Students Only):

During the first two years of studies, international students receive full health insurance coverage and are eligible for university housing, or, alternatively, a monthly housing allowance of 2,500 NIS upon submission of a valid rental agreement.
After the transition to Stage A (doctoral status), these benefits are no longer provided by ELSC, although in some cases, host laboratories choose to continue covering health insurance and/or housing expenses at their discretion.