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Amgen scholars Canada

Amgen Scholars

University of Toronto

PROGRAM DATES:
25 May - 31 July 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
1 February 2026

The Amgen Scholars Canada Program at the University of Toronto will provide a unique opportunity for Canadian undergraduate students to participate in innovative biomedical research with world-renowned faculty and to develop the skills necessary for graduate school and for careers in research, in the public and private sector. Scholars will interact with some of Canada’s most distinguished researchers at University of Toronto’s downtown campus or at nearby fully affiliated teaching hospitals and research institutes. Scholars will engage in hands-on research alongside faculty, postdocs and graduate students and join in all lab activities. Scholars will participate in professional development activities, including training in science communication, networking and team work. The program will culminate in a research day where scholars present their research to faculty, postdocs and grad students.

The University of Toronto offers an exceptional research environment for students. Our scientists have delivered revolutionary advances in health research, from the discovery of insulin to the discovery of stem cells. Toronto provides a unique biomedical ecosystem, with only one school of medicine in the Greater Toronto Area of 6 million people, half of whom are born outside Canada.

The University of Toronto is first in Canada and second in the world behind Harvard for the number of publications in medicine and related fields. It includes a multidisciplinary health network of graduate and undergraduate teaching and research units and is partnered with nine fully affiliated teaching hospitals each with its own research institute, as well as student and faculty incubators that provide cross-disciplinary research and entrepreneurial experiences.

During the program, students will be housed on the historic university campus in downtown Toronto, the most desirable student city in the world (QS rankings). Students will be encouraged to explore the remarkable diversity of Toronto and the surrounding region through social and community-building events organized specifically for them.

AI-based Application Success Predictor

1. Strong Academic Record

A solid academic performance (high GPA/grades) is regularly highlighted by host institutions as a core part of competitive applications — even if there’s no fixed minimum. It signals readiness to handle research.

Why this matters:
Selection committees use transcripts to assess a student’s mastery of fundamentals and potential to contribute to research projects.

2. Letters of Recommendation That Highlight Research Potential

Strong recommendation letters greatly influence decision-making. Effective letters comment on analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, persistence, and ability to complete a research project — all critical for summer research success.

Tip: Ask mentors who know you well and who can speak specifically about your research promise — not just good grades.

3. Compelling Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose

This is where you explain your motivation for research and how the program fits your goals. Applicants who articulate clear interests in science/biotech and research fit tend to stand out.

What helps:

A personal story of research curiosity

Clear connection between your background and your proposed research interests

Demonstration of long-term research/graduate career aspirations

4. Research Experience or Demonstrated Potential

Prior research experience helps but is not required — programs explicitly state they welcome both experienced students and those new to research.

What you can highlight if you lack experience:

Relevant coursework with lab components

Class projects that involved experimental work or data analysis

Independent study or volunteer lab work

This shows initiative and helps compensate for formal research history.

5. Clear Interest in Science & Long-Term Goals

Many host institutions value applicants who are clearly committed not just to a short-term summer opportunity, but to further scientific training (e.g., graduate study) and a research career.

6. Effective Communication Skills

Success in science involves communicating research — both verbally and in writing. Strong writing in your application and good interview presentation (if required) are strong predictors of positive outcomes.

Relevant signals of communication strength:

Well-structured personal statement

Clear explanations of research interest

Good letters highlighting written/oral abilities

🎯 What Predicts Success Within the Program

Once selected, several factors are commonly associated with positive outcomes — such as producing publishable work, strong symposium presentations, or securing further opportunities:

⭐ Engaged Mentorship

Programs pair scholars with faculty mentors; those who connect well with mentors often have a more productive experience.

⭐ Initiative and Curiosity

Scholars who proactively seek understanding, ask questions, and explore beyond minimum requirements tend to learn and produce more.

⭐ Collaboration & Networking

Engaging in seminars, events, and discussions with peers and scientists often expands skills and opens doors to future research opportunities.

📌 Summary: Proven Success Drivers

Predictor	Relevant to Selection?	Relevance
Academic performance (GPA)	✔️	High
Strong recommendations	✔️	High
Clear research goals	✔️	High
Prior research experience	⚡ Helpful but optional	Medium
Communication skills	✔️	High
Motivation & fit with research	✔️	High

(Based on program requirements and advice from multiple Amgen Scholars host sites.)

🧠 Final Tips to Improve Your Success Odds

Start early: Begin building research experience and relationships with potential recommenders well before the application season.

Tailor your statement: Make it specific to the host institution’s focus areas.

Get feedback: Have mentors or research advisors review your application materials.

Prepare for interviews (if any): Practice explaining your interests and past work clearly.

Specialties

Biochemistry

Molecular Biology

Technology Development

Clinical Trials

Others

Eligibility Requirements

Amgen Scholars Canada Program applicants must be:

Canadian citizens or Canadian permanent residents;
Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited four-year universities in Canada; and
Students in their second, third, or non-graduating fourth year of undergraduate studies.

Canada Program applicants must also have:

A cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above
An interest in pursuing a Ph.D.

Eligible Countries:

Canada

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Amgen Scholars

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada

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