Program Overview

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Introduction to the Amgen Scholars Program

The Amgen Scholars Program is a national program designed to increase research opportunities for students committed to pursuing careers in the sciences. This program provides outstanding science undergraduates with research experience and increases participants' competitiveness as candidates for admission to prestigious graduate and professional institutions. Additionally, this program encourages participants to pursue a Ph.D. or the joint M.D./Ph.D. degree and research careers in the sciences and biotechnology. Applicants from diverse populations and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Program Information

Benefits

• Research with world-renowned faculty
• Participate in hands-on research in a UCB faculty member's lab
• Receive a $5,000 stipend plus a meal allowance
• Obtain transferable college course credit
• Live in provided housing
• Round-trip airfare travel cost, if needed
• Variety of social activities
• Access to UC Berkeley campus facilities
• Participate in the Amgen Scholars North America Symposium in July (all expenses paid)
• Attend networking events with faculty, administrators, and graduate students
• GRE Prep Courses Available

Eligibility

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (international students are ineligible; please view Amgen Scholars' international programs for opportunities outside of the U.S.)
• Undergraduate students enrolled in four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and other U.S. Territories
• Sophomores who have completed 4 quarters or 3 semesters of college, juniors, and non-graduating seniors who are returning in the fall to continue their undergraduate studies (Freshmen and students enrolled in community colleges are ineligible to apply)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Interested in research and the pursuit of a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.
• Prior research experience preferred
• Previous Amgen Scholars are ineligible to apply

Requirements

• Full-time direct participation on a research project
• Attend weekly seminars or workshops
• Meet weekly with the graduate student assistant for the program
• Submit preliminary and final abstracts
• Attend the Amgen Scholars North America Symposium in July 2026
• Present research findings in poster and oral presentations
• Complete Amgen Foundation and UCB Amgen Scholars Program Evaluations and Surveys

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Submit an Online Application - Open November
• Submit a Statement of Purpose (included in the online application)
• Submit requests for two letters of recommendation (name and email address of letter writer required)
• Upload college transcript(s) via the Online Application, including Fall 2025 grades. (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
• Supporting documents are due by application deadline, February 1, 2026
• Review program FAQs

Program Schedule

• Application Deadline: Sunday, February 1, 2026
• Program Dates: June 8 - August 14, 2026
• Housing Check-In: Sunday, June 7, 2026
• Amgen Scholars Program Orientation I: Monday, June 8, 2026
• Amgen Scholars Program Orientation II: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
• Start in Lab: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
• Weekly Faculty Seminar Series/Workshops: 8:45-10:00 am (Day TBD)
• Oral Presentations: Tuesday, August 11, 2026, (125 LKS)
• Poster Presentation: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 12-1:30 pm (LKS, 2nd Floor Atrium)
• Closing Celebration Luncheon: Thursday, August 13, -1:30 pm
• Housing Check-Out: August 14, 2026 (depart by 12 noon)

Program Activities

The program includes various activities such as research projects, seminars, workshops, and networking events.

Research Areas

The program offers research opportunities in the following areas:

• Biochemistry, Biophysics, & Structural Biology
• Bioengineering & Synthetic Biology
• Biophysics
• Cell Biology, Development & Physiology
• Chemical Biology
• Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
• Chemistry
• Computational Biology
• Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, & Development
• Immunology & Molecular Medicine
• Innovative Genomics Institute
• Integrative Biology
• Molecular Therapeutics
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Plant Biology

Other US Amgen Scholar Sites

Information about other US Amgen Scholar sites is available.

Program Evaluation and Surveys

Participants are required to complete Amgen Foundation and UCB Amgen Scholars Program Evaluations and Surveys.

Application Process

The application process includes submitting an online application, a statement of purpose, and requests for two letters of recommendation. Unofficial transcripts are accepted, and supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.

Transcripts and GPA

Unofficial transcripts are accepted, and the cumulative GPA must be 3.2 or higher. The program uses a 4.0 GPA scale, and applicants with a 5.0 GPA scale must convert their GPA to a 4.0 scale.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation must be submitted by the application deadline, and applicants should ask people who have experience working with them in a research setting to provide letters.

Program Participation

Participants are required to participate for the entire 10 weeks, except for students on a quarter system who must arrive late and participate approximately 9 weeks. Participants can only participate once in any Amgen Scholars Program.

Notification of Acceptance

Applicants will be notified starting March 1st, and there will be up to 10 summer positions available. Placement will be based on the applicant's research area and lab availability.

Program Details

The program provides a unique opportunity for students to gain research experience and increase their competitiveness for admission to prestigious graduate and professional institutions. The program encourages participants to pursue a Ph.D. or the joint M.D./Ph.D. degree and research careers in the sciences and biotechnology.