FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the Amgen Scholars Program?

The Amgen Scholars Program provides hundreds of selected undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on research experience at many of the world’s leading educational institutions. The Program seeks to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing science or engineering careers and to  broaden the perspective of students considering scientific careers. Ultimately, the Program aims to increase the number of students pursuing advanced training and careers in the sciences.

  1. Is there only one host institution in the Australia Program?

Yes. The Amgen Scholars Australia Program is hosted by the University of Melbourne.

  1. What is the application deadline for the Australia Program?

The application deadline is 30 August for the 2020 Summer Program, which will occur in January and February.

  1. How do I apply?

Applications will open 12.00pm 1 July 2019.

Read more about the application process on the Applications page.

  1. Research Projects

View 2020 Research Projects

  1. What is the expected number of Amgen Scholars in Australia?

The University of Melbourne will host approximately 15 Amgen Scholars each summer with two places reserved for students from the University of Melbourne.

  1. Do I need to have attended the University of Melbourne during the academic year to apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?

No. You don’t need to be from the University of Melbourne but to be eligible you must be a student at an accredited college or university from across the Australia, New Zealand and Oceania. Foreign nationals need to have work and study rights in Australia to participate in this program.

  1. What about housing, food and travel expenses to and from the summer program in Australia?

Financial support is available to all students accepted to the Amgen Scholars Program. Financial support will cover travel, accommodation and associated costs and will be confirmed once successfully admitted to the program.

Amgen Scholars receive the following benefits:

  • Stipend in the amount of up to $3,600, which will be paid in two installments.
  • All accommodation and meals provided at Queen’s College
  • Travel Costs including flights and public transport to and from campus
  • Additional Benefits include access to athletic and recreational facilities, on campus activities, such as seminars, lectures, and much more!

  1. Will there be an opportunity to present my research project as well as learn more about biotechnology and drug discovery and development?

Yes. In February, each Amgen Scholar in Australia participates in a symposium at Melbourne to share their research projects and hear firsthand from leading scientists working in industry and academia.

  1. Can I apply to participate in the Amgen Scholars Program in Australia if I am not a science or engineering major?

Yes. Students in any major may apply, although it is expected that most of the Amgen Scholars will have science, life science or engineering majors. Students are expected to have a major in a discipline appropriate to the research project they participate in, with approval from their research lab.

  1. Do I need to have research experience prior to being admitted to the Program in Australia?

No. The Amgen Scholars Program encourages applications from both students experienced in research and newcomers to the field. For students who attend colleges and universities that have limited opportunities for students to conduct research, the Program is a great way to gain such experience.

  1. Which areas of academic research will the Program offer?

The program will look at disciplines related to the discovery, development, manufacture and delivery of human therapeutics, as well as the overall biomedical and biotechnology enterprise.

  1. When will I find out whether I’ve been accepted into the Program?

Successful applicants will be notified by 1 November, 2019.

  1. Can I participate as an Amgen Scholar for more than one summer?

No. Students are invited to participate as an Amgen Scholar for one summer only. This ensures that each summer a new cohort of approximately 15 Amgen Scholars in Australia will have the opportunity to benefit from this type of hands-on research experience.

  1. Can I apply to participate as an Amgen Scholar in Australia as well as in the US, Europe, or Canada?

No. Students are invited to apply as an Amgen Scholar at colleges or universities in either Australia, the US, Europe, or Canada, primarily based on where they are currently enrolled and intend to receive their undergraduate degree. Students applying for the Australian program will need to be enrolled in an accredited university or college in Australia, New Zealand or Oceania. See the Eligibility section of this website for more information.

  1. Can I apply to participate as an Amgen Scholar in both Australia and Asia?

Yes. The Asia Program is open to undergraduates worldwide, so students eligible to apply to the Australian (or the US, European, or Canadian) Program may indeed be eligible to apply for the Asia Program as well. See the Eligibility sections of this website for further details and information.

  1. How can I get more information about the Amgen Scholars Program in Australia?

Visit the Contact Us section of this website.