Ellison Scholars Program 2027 at Oxford University | UK

The Ellison Scholars Program 2027 is a fully funded PhD scholarship at the University of Oxford in the UK, awarded by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT). It supports doctoral study, known at Oxford as a DPhil, with course fees, a living stipend and research work on EIT projects.

It is open to international students pursuing a doctorate in fields such as artificial intelligence, biology, engineering, medicine, robotics and economics. The award covers Oxford course fees, a generous stipend, mentorship and access to advanced research facilities. The application deadline is 1 December 2026. Read the sections below for eligibility, funding details and how to apply.

The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme provides comprehensive funding for doctoral study at Oxford.

The scholarship includes:

• Full funding for doctoral study.
• Oxford University course fees.
• A generous living stipend.
• The opportunity to work directly on EIT research and innovation projects.
• Mentorship from leading researchers and experts.
• Access to advanced research facilities and resources.
• Interdisciplinary research experience.
• Opportunities to collaborate with Oxford academics and EIT researchers.
• Membership of a global community of researchers and innovators.

Is the Ellison Scholars Program Fully Funded?

Yes. The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme is officially described by EIT as fully funded doctoral study at the University of Oxford.

The funding includes Oxford course fees and a generous living stipend. EIT also provides scholars with access to research facilities, mentorship and opportunities to work on EIT research projects.

The scholarship is specifically for doctoral study and should not be presented as a general Master's scholarship.

The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme is specifically for doctoral study.

It supports:

• DPhil (PhD) programmes at the University of Oxford.
• Full-time doctoral research.
• EIT-linked doctoral projects in selected research areas.
• Selected Oxford doctoral training routes connected to EIT research.

The programme does not currently fund standalone Master's degrees. EIT states that it only funds research degrees at Oxford for graduate scholarship purposes.

The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme focuses on research areas connected to EIT's scientific and technological priorities.

Applicants may find opportunities in areas including:

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Robotics
• Engineering
• Economics
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Plant Sciences
• Chemistry
• Medicine
• Microbiology
• Materials Science
• Life Sciences
• Generative Biology
• Pathogen research
• Materials and Devices for Life Sciences
• Other interdisciplinary research areas aligned with EIT projects

The exact projects available vary by application cycle. For October 2027 entry, applicants should review the published projects and the specific application route for their chosen research area.

Research Areas and Application Routes

The application route depends on the research area selected by the applicant.

For the 2027 Graduate Ellison Scholars programme, the EIT application portal specifically accepts applications for DPhil projects in:

• Pathogen Programme
• Materials & Devices for Life Sciences (MDLS)
• Plant Biology
• Economics

Other EIT-funded doctoral opportunities use different Oxford application routes.

These include:

• Generative Biology through the DTP in Generative Biology.
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics through the CDT in Fundamentals of AI.
• Correlates of Immunity through the relevant Oxford doctoral project route.

Applicants should carefully follow the application instructions for their selected research area because the requirements and application routes vary between programmes.

The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme is open to international applicants who meet the relevant University of Oxford doctoral admission requirements.

EIT does not publish a simple country-by-country nationality list for the Graduate Ellison Scholars programme. International applicants must satisfy the Oxford admission requirements for their chosen DPhil course and the EIT scholarship selection criteria.

Applicants with non-UK qualifications can use Oxford's international qualification guidance to determine how their qualifications compare with the University's requirements.

Applicants must meet the University of Oxford's entry requirements for their chosen doctoral programme and demonstrate the qualities sought by EIT.

The EIT selection criteria include:

Alignment

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong connection between their skills and the selected EIT research area.
• The ability to make meaningful contributions to the development and impact of the project.
• Genuine interest in the chosen EIT project.
• A research proposal that is well matched to the project's objectives.

Excellence

Applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic achievement.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Ability to apply knowledge critically.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Strong academic performance in relevant disciplines.
• Significant research, laboratory or field-study experience where applicable.

EIT gives examples of strong academic evidence such as a first-class degree, distinction-level Master's degree, competitive scholarships, academic awards and substantial research contributions.

Innovation

Applicants should demonstrate an ability to develop innovative solutions and engage with technological advances.

Relevant evidence may include:

• Peer-reviewed publications.
• Patents.
• Innovative research contributions.
• Interdisciplinary research.
• Research awards.
• Academic presentations.
• Technological projects.

Collaboration

Applicants should demonstrate their ability to work effectively with others.

Evidence can include:

• Collaborative research.
• Co-authored publications.
• Multi-institutional studies.
• Team-based initiatives.
• Academic committees.
• Conference or workshop organisation.

Tenacity

Applicants should demonstrate determination and resilience, particularly through challenging research or academic projects.

Integrity

Applicants should demonstrate honesty, reliability, ethical conduct and responsibility.

Academic Requirements

There is no single academic qualification requirement that applies identically to every Graduate Ellison Scholars project because the underlying Oxford DPhil requirements vary by course.

Applicants must satisfy the University of Oxford's entry requirements for their chosen doctoral programme.

EIT's selection guidance indicates that strong candidates normally demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. Depending on the programme, this can include a first-class or strong upper-second-class undergraduate degree and/or a strong Master's qualification.

Applicants should therefore check the exact Oxford DPhil course requirements before applying.

Can You Apply During Your Final Year of Study?

Yes.

EIT states that students can apply while they are still completing their current degree. Any scholarship or doctoral offer will be conditional on meeting the relevant University of Oxford entry requirements.

This means students completing a Bachelor's or Master's degree may apply if they will have the required qualification by the time they begin the doctoral programme.

The Graduate Ellison Scholars application process has two major stages.

Stage 1: Apply to EIT

Applicants first submit an application to the Ellison Institute of Technology through the designated application route.

Applicants should:

• Review the available EIT research areas and projects.
• Select a suitable research area or project.
• Check the specific application route.
• Prepare the required academic and research information.
• Complete the EIT application.
• Submit the application before the deadline.

For the 2027 Graduate Ellison Scholars programme, applications opened in September 2026 and close on 1 December 2026.

Stage 2: Apply to Oxford

Selected candidates who receive a conditional offer of funding from EIT are invited to apply to the University of Oxford for the relevant doctoral course.

Oxford then conducts its own independent admissions assessment.

Candidates who receive an Oxford offer are confirmed as Graduate Ellison Scholars.

Applicants should therefore understand that EIT selection and Oxford admission are separate stages.

Application Timeline

For October 2027 entry, the current EIT timeline is:

• Applications to EIT: September–December 2026
• EIT application deadline: 1 December 2026
• Selected candidates apply to Oxford: January–March 2027
• Graduate Ellison Scholars announced: April 2027
• Programme begins: October 2027

EIT encourages early applications because applications are reviewed as they are received.

The exact Oxford application deadline depends on the doctoral programme and its application route.

Application Deadline

The official deadline for the 2027 Graduate Ellison Scholars programme is:

1 December 2026 at 5:00 PM UK time

EIT's official application portal states that applications must be completed by this deadline.

Applicants should not confuse the EIT scholarship deadline with the separate University of Oxford doctoral application deadline. Selected candidates will receive instructions about applying to Oxford during the next stage.