FAQs

The Amgen Scholars Programme provides 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. Ultimately, the programme aims to increase the number of students pursuing advanced training and careers in the sciences.

2026 Cambridge ASP Dates: 6 July - 28 August

2026 European Symposium: 2 - 5 September

Scholars will need to arrive on Sunday 5 July

In September, all Amgen Scholars in Europe will attend a symposium to hear first hand from leading scientists working in industry and academia. The symposium will be held in Cambridge, England. The event is an excellent opportunity for networking between scholars from the five European programmes. 

Accommodation and meals are provided for all scholars throughout the symposium. 

• Wednesday 2 September - arrive, welcome activities
• Thursday 3 - Friday 4 September - main symposium activities
• Saturday 5 September - departure

See our Eligibility page. 

See 'Guide to applying'.

The application submission deadline for all European programmes is 1 February 2026. 

Applications for the Cambridge Programme will close 23:59 GMT 1 February 2026.  

You can apply to as many of the programmes as you wish, but be aware that each programme has its own application process. 

Yes. When you submit your application, your Project Supervisor will be emailed with a link to a form to complete - this will ask them to provide a brief outline of the project.

There will be a deadline included for them to submit the form (5th February 2026). We strongly advise you to tell your Project Supervisor to expect this email. We also advise they submit this as soon as possible to prevent last minute issues.

You will need to name one referee in your application form, and include their email address . When you submit your application, they will then be automatically emailed with a form to submit, and a deadline for submission. We strongly advise you to tell your referee to expect this email. We also advise they submit this as soon as possible to prevent last minute issues. 

Do not send additional references, name additional referees or send separate letters - these will not be checked and may result in your application being rejected. 

The deadline for referees to submit their reference forms is 5th February 2026. 

Your referee should be someone who knows you in an academic capacity, ideally a university lecturer or tutor, who can speak about your academic performance. It makes most sense to choose someone who has taught you and knows you well, as they will be able to complete the reference form more completely.

Your referee will be asked to submit an online form (see 'Guide to applying')

In the form, they will be asked to provide a comment or ranking on several areas relating to the applicant's academic performance and ability. They will also be asked to comment on the applicant's English language skills.

At the Cambridge ASP, we aim to inform all applicants regarding the outcome of their application by early March 2026. Notification dates for the other European programmes can be found on the individual programme websites.

Yes. Each European ASP will - at a minimum - require the submission of an academic transcript, a letter of recommendation (or reference form) and a personal statement. You should check each site's individual requirements. 

An academic transcript is an official document from your university that summarises a student's academic progress and performance to date. It should include the university and course title, alongside grades for each module taken.

If your transcript is not in English, please provide a translation alongside the official copy.

Yes. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply again. 

No, but you need to be an undergraduate student at a European* university. See the 'Eligibility' page for more information on who is eligible. 

*Eligible students must attend a college or university in a country that is participating in the Bologna Process.

No. To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled at a college or university in Europe AND intend to earn their undergraduate degree at a college or university in Europe.

Formal evidence is not required, but scholars will need a good working knowledge of English in order to participate fully.

No. We encourage applications from students with research experience 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.

Yes. It is the participant's responsibility to acquire the necessary visas to attend their respective summer programme and the symposium (in Cambridge, England). The European host institutions will help scholars with this process.

It best practice for students to consider their research areas of interest and make a short list of faculty to contact in these fields (you should use the Find a Supervisor portal to identify suitable Project Supervisors). You can then compose a carefully considered email, stating the research areas you are interested in or an idea of a research project that you have. You can include a CV or other relevant information in this first email.

A generic email sent to a large number of faculty is not likely to yield a positive response.

The Cambridge ASP is very competitive and that means academics are often contacted by far more people than they are able to offer research projects to.

If you have not heard back from an academic then it is likely that they are not able to offer you a project and you should move onto contacting alternative potential Project Supervisors.

You may also wish to consider the content of the email you are sending, and if this could be improved.

The deadline for both referees and potential supervisors to submit their forms is 5th February 2026. They will have been emailed with the form when you submitted your application. 

Please see the Global Amgen Scholars Programme statement on the use of generative AI.