The Amgen Scholars Australia Program is hosted by the University of Melbourne. Undergraduates from across Australia, New Zealand and Oceania are eligible to apply to participate. See the eligibility section for further details.
Australia Program Dates
4 January - 23 February 2024
31 August 2023
Eligibility
Amgen Scholars Australia Program applicants must be:
- Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities in Australia, New Zealand or Oceania; and
- Undergraduate students who have completed two years of an equivalent Australian bachelor degree in a scientific field before the summer program begins and after the summer program ends will resume undergraduate studies for at least two semesters
Applicants must also have:
- A weighted average mark equivalent to 75% (GPA 3.2) or above in relevant 1st and 2nd year subjects; and
- Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership, and
- Interest and enthusiasm for a research higher degree in life sciences
Australia Symposium
A signature component of the summer program is the symposium where students hear firsthand from leading scientists working in industry and academia. Over the course of the symposium, Scholars have the chance to share their summer research projects with their peers and deepen their understanding of drug discovery and development.
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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 spark the interest and 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.
What criteria do I need to meet to become an Amgen Scholar in Australia?
Amgen Scholars Australia Program applicants must be:
- Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities in Australia, New Zealand or Oceania
- Undergraduate students who have completed two years of an equivalent Australian bachelor degree in science or related life sciences
Applicants must also have:
- A weighted average mark equivalent to 75% (GPA 3.2) or above in relevant 1st and 2nd year subjects
- Completed their 2nd year of study in a relevant degree by program start
- Demonstrated academic excellence and leadership
- Interest and enthusiasm for a research higher degree in life sciences
Is there only one host institution in the Australia Program?
Yes. The Amgen Scholars Australia Program is hosted by the University of Melbourne.
What is the application deadline for the Australia Program?
The application deadline is August 31, 2023 for the 2024 Summer Program (which will occur in January and February 2024).
How do I apply?
Information about applying to the Amgen Scholars Australia Program is available by following the appropriate link to the University of Melbourne application.
What is the expected number of Amgen Scholars in Australia?
The University of Melbourne in Australia will host approximately 10 Amgen Scholars each summer.
Do I need to have attended the University of Melbourne during the academic year to apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?
No. Eligible students at colleges and universities from Australia, New Zealand and Oceania may apply.
What about housing, food and travel expenses to and from the summer program in Australia?
Financial support is a critical component of the Amgen Scholars Program. Please note that details vary by host institution. See each institution’s Amgen Scholars Program website for more information.
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. They also are invited to the Asia Symposium in the August following their completion of the Amgen Scholars Program at the University of Melbourne.
Can I apply to participate in the Amgen Scholars Program in Australia if I am not a science or engineering major?
Yes. Though it is expected that the majority of Amgen Scholars will be science or engineering majors, students in any major may apply.
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.
Which areas of academic research will the Program offer?
Areas of potential focus include any disciplines related to the discovery, development, manufacture and delivery of human therapeutics, as well as the overall biomedical and biotechnology enterprise.
Note that the terminology used to define research disciplines may vary across institutions. Please see the University of Melbourne’s Amgen Scholars Program website for more information.
When will I find out whether I've been accepted into the Program?
Applicants to the University of Melbourne in Australia should be notified by early November.
Can I be an Amgen Scholar in more than one summer?
No. Undergraduates may be an Amgen Scholar in one summer only. Each summer a new cohort of approximately 10 Amgen Scholars in Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania will have the opportunity to benefit from this type of hands-on research experience.
Can I apply to the Amgen Scholars Program in multiple regions (Australia, U.S., Europe, Asia, or Canada)?
No. Applications may be submitted to the Amgen Scholars Program in one region only, primarily based on where the applicant is currently enrolled and intends to receive their undergraduate degree. See the Eligibility sections of this website for further details and information.
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 Australia (or the U.S., Europe, or Canada) 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.
If I am not selected this year, can I apply again?
Yes. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you can certainly apply again.
Whom do I contact with questions about the Amgen Scholars Program in Australia?
If applicable, am I required to obtain the appropriate visas to participate in the Amgen Scholars Program in Australia?
Each selected Scholar is responsible for acquiring the necessary visas to attend their respective summer program in Australia, and the Asia Symposium in Japan if they attend. See each institution’s Amgen Scholars Program website for more information.
Is the cost of travel to and from the Amgen Scholars symposium in August, as well as room and board at the symposium, covered by the Program?
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