Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Amgen Scholars Programme? The Amgen Scholars Programme provides hundreds of selected undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on research experience at some of the world's leading educational institutions. The Programme seeks to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing a science or engineering career and spark the interest and broaden the perspective of students considering a scientific career. Ultimately, the Programme aims to increase the number of students pursuing advanced training and careers in the sciences.

2. What criteria do I need to meet to become an Amgen Scholar in Europe? Amgen Scholars Europe Programme applicants must be:

Undergraduate students enrolled in colleges and universities in Europe*; and
Undergraduate students who have not completed their bachelor's or first degree (or its equivalent) prior to participating in the programme.

Europe programme applicants must also have:

A strong record of academic performance; and
An interest in pursuing a PhD

* Eligible students must attend a college or university in a country that is participating in the Bologna Process. Currently, the participating countries include: Albania; Andorra; Armenia; Austria; Azerbaijan; Belgium; Bosnia-Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Georgia; Germany; Greece; Holy See; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; Malta; Moldova; Montenegro; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Russian Federation; Serbia; Slovak Republic; Slovenia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Turkey; Ukraine; United Kingdom.

3. Do I need to be a citizen of one of the above European countries to apply to participate in the Amgen Scholars Programme? No. There is no citizenship requirement for the Amgen Scholars Programme in Europe.

4. If applicable, am I required to obtain the appropriate visas to participate in the Amgen Scholars Programme? Yes. It is the students' responsibility to acquire the necessary visas to attend their respective summer programme (in England, Germany, or Sweden) and the symposium in England. For more information on entry requirements for the UK, see the University of Cambridge's International Office website.

5. Can students who are only spending a short period of time (i.e. a semester or year abroad) at a European institution of higher education apply to participate in the Amgen Scholars Programme in Europe? No. To be eligible, students must not only be currently enrolled at a college or university in Europe, but also intend to earn their undergraduate degree at a college or university in Europe.

6. Is there one application form for all of the programme sites in Europe? No. Each programme site in Europe has its own application process.

7. Can I apply to more than one programme site in Europe? Yes. You can apply to as many programme sites in Europe as you would like, but each programme site does require a separate application.

8. Is there a common application deadline for all programme sites in Europe? No. In Europe, the application deadline varies for each programme site, but all are during the same month. For more information, see the details on the individual websites.

9. Are there certain application requirements common to all programme sites in Europe? Yes. The application at each programme site in Europe will, at a minimum, require the submission of an official transcript, a letter of recommendation and a personal statement.

10. Do I need to provide formal evidence of my English language ability? Formal evidence is not required. However, if you already have a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Langauge) certificate or similar, please include it with your application.

11. How do I apply? Information about applying to the Amgen Scholars Programme at Cambridge is available on the Applying page. If you are interested in applying to the Amgen Scholars Programme at another University, please visit the main Amgen Scholars website.

12. Are there common summer programme dates for all programme sites in Europe? No. There are different start and end dates to help accommodate varying university timetables. In 2011, the Amgen Scholars Programme at Cambridge will start on Sunday 10th July, and run until the end of the Annual Symposium on Friday 9th September.

13. What is the expected number of Amgen Scholars at each programme site in Europe, and in total? The University of Cambridge, LMU Munich and Karolinska Institute will each host approximately 25 Amgen Scholars each summer. With three host universities in Europe, we expect there to be approximately 75 Amgen Scholars in Europe each summer.

14. Do I need to attend the Karolinska Institute, LMU Munich or the University of Cambridge - or a college or university in Sweden, Germany or the UK - during the academic year to apply to the Amgen Scholars Programme? No. Eligible students enrolled at colleges and universities throughout Europe may apply. Note that eligible students must attend a college or university in a country that is participating in the Bologna Process (see the list of countries under Question 2).

15. Will there be an opportunity to meet Amgen Scholars participating in the Europe programme at other sites, and to learn more about biotechnology and drug discovery and development? Yes. In September, each Amgen Scholar in Europe will attend a symposium to hear firsthand from leading scientists working in industry and academia. The symposium will be held in England, and will provide students with a great opportunity to network with other Amgen Scholars from across Europe.

16. Is the cost of travel to and from this mid-summer symposium, as well as room and board, covered by the Programme? Yes. As the Annual Symposium is also held in Cambridge, Amgen Scholars at the University of Cambridge will transfer to the symposium venue immediately following the end of their Summer Programme.

17. Can I apply to participate in the Amgen Scholars Programme in Europe if science or engineering is not the main subject area of my degree? Yes. Although we expect that the majority of Amgen Scholars will have science or engineering as the main subject area of their degree, students in any subject area may apply.

18. Do I need to have research experience prior to being admitted to the Programme in Europe? No. The Amgen Scholars Programme encourages applications from students experienced in research as well as newcomers to the field. Applications are particularly encouraged from students who attend colleges and universities that have limited opportunities for students to conduct research.

19. Which areas of academic research will the Programme offer? In Cambridge the research areas are: cancer, cardiovascular science and medicine, developmental and regenerative biology and medicine, ecology and conservation, evolutionary biology, epidemiology and public health, functional genomics, systems biology and genetic medicine, infection and immunity, medical imaging, metabolic medicine, integrative and comparative physiology, neuroscience, psychology and mental health, plant biology, structural and molecular cell biology, women's health.

20. When will I find out if I am accepted into the Programme in Europe? Notification dates for applicants to programme sites in Europe can be found on the application pages of the individual programme websites.

21. Can I participate as an Amgen Scholar for more than one summer? No. You are invited to participate as an Amgen Scholar for one summer only. This ensures that each summer a new cohort of Amgen Scholars in Europe will have the opportunity to benefit from this type of hands-on research experience.

22. Can I participate as an Amgen Scholar in both the U.S. and Europe? No. You are invited to participate as an Amgen Scholar at a college or university in the region of the world (U.S. or Europe) where you are currently enrolled and intend to receive your undergraduate degree.

23. 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.

24. Whom do I contact with questions about the Amgen Scholars Programme in Europe? Please contact the European Coordinating Centre for the Amgen Scholars Programme. Telephone: +44 1223 747 459.

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