
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), Oxford offers highly competitive education and scholarship opportunities for talented students who want to combine academic excellence with science, technology, innovation and real-world problem solving.
Through its Education & Scholarships programmes, EIT supports fully funded undergraduate and doctoral study at the University of Oxford, alongside research projects, paid internships, mentoring, access to advanced facilities and opportunities to work with leading experts.
EIT focuses on solving some of humanity’s biggest challenges through four major areas: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology; Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture; Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO₂; and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
For students planning to begin doctoral study in October 2027, applications for the Graduate Ellison Scholars programme are currently open.
The Education & Scholarships programmes are designed for high-performing students who want to use science and technology to address major global challenges.
The Ellison Scholars programme provides substantial financial support for selected students at Oxford.
Depending on the programme, support can include:
For undergraduate Ellison Scholars, EIT specifically states that the scholarship covers tuition, living costs, paid innovation-project internships, travel and conference costs, technology setup, and arrival expenses.
Graduate Ellison Scholars receive full funding for doctoral study, including course fees and a living stipend, while working directly on EIT research and innovation projects.
The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme provides fully funded doctoral study at the University of Oxford.
Graduate Scholars work year-round with EIT teams and contribute directly to research projects designed to address major global challenges. The programme is intended for exceptional researchers with strong academic ability, research experience, intellectual curiosity and the ambition to translate research into meaningful impact.
Current graduate opportunities include research connected with areas such as:
EIT is particularly interested in applicants with backgrounds in computer science, AI, mathematics, engineering, biology, chemistry, medicine, microbiology, economics, robotics and related disciplines.
Applicants must meet the relevant University of Oxford doctoral admission requirements and demonstrate strong alignment with the EIT research area they are applying to.
EIT looks for candidates who can demonstrate:
Applicants can apply while completing their current degree, provided they meet the relevant Oxford requirements before starting the programme.
Applications for October 2027 entry opened on 16 September 2026 and close on:
1 December 2026
EIT has published the available DPhil projects and graduate funding routes for the 2027 intake.
The Undergraduate Ellison Scholars programme offers exceptional students the opportunity to study for a fully funded undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford while working on EIT innovation projects.
Undergraduate Scholars combine their Oxford studies with practical experience through internships and project work at EIT.
The programme is open to students across undergraduate subjects, although applicants are expected to demonstrate how their chosen course will help them contribute meaningfully to EIT’s research priorities and global challenges.
Students may work on projects related to:
Internships form an important part of the undergraduate programme, with students working alongside EIT teams during vacation periods.
Applicants must:
The programme is highly selective and seeks students who have already demonstrated an interest in solving global problems through science, technology or innovation.
For the October 2027 intake, undergraduate applications opened on 1 May 2026 and closed on 31 July 2026.
The next stages include semi-finalist selection, Oxford applications, finalist selection and scholarship awards. Scholars are expected to begin their studies in October 2027.
In addition to the Graduate Ellison Scholars programme, EIT supports doctoral training programmes at Oxford.
Current EIT-funded doctoral programmes include:
The Fundamentals of AI CDT focuses on foundational research in artificial intelligence and machine learning, including theory and methods with potential applications across EIT’s four Humane Endeavours.
Students undertake original research leading to a DPhil (PhD) while receiving training in advanced AI research and transferable skills.
The Generative Biology DTP is a four-year DPhil programme exploring how DNA sequences can be synthesized and used to program and engineer biological systems.
The programme is fully funded by EIT and is hosted by Oxford’s Department of Chemistry, with researchers from multiple academic divisions contributing to the programme.
Admission to these doctoral programmes is handled through the relevant University of Oxford admissions process.
The EIT opportunity is more than conventional scholarship funding. Selected students become part of a research and innovation environment focused on applying scientific and technological knowledge to real-world challenges.
Key advantages include:
Eligible Ellison Scholars can receive substantial or full financial support for their Oxford education, including tuition and living support.
Students work on projects connected to major global challenges rather than focusing exclusively on classroom-based learning.
Scholars have opportunities to work alongside leading scientists, technologists, academics and other experts.
EIT-funded students have access to advanced facilities and interdisciplinary research environments.
The programme brings together talented students and researchers from around the world who share an interest in science, technology and global problem solving.
Undergraduate Scholars receive paid internship opportunities, while doctoral students contribute directly to EIT research and innovation projects.
The graduate application process depends on the research area.
For projects in areas such as Pathogen, Materials & Devices for Life Sciences, Plant Biology and Economics, applicants begin through the EIT Graduate Ellison Scholars application process. Candidates progressing through EIT selection are then invited to apply to the relevant Oxford DPhil course.
For areas such as Fundamentals of AI, Generative Biology and Correlates of Immunity, applicants use the relevant University of Oxford application route. Exceptional Oxford offer holders may subsequently be considered for Ellison Scholar funding.
Applicants should carefully check the specific project requirements because application routes and funding arrangements can differ between research areas.
For the current Graduate Ellison Scholars 2027 intake:
Application Opens: 16 September 2026
Application Deadline: 1 December 2026
Study Begins: October 2027
The undergraduate 2027 scholarship application closed on 31 July 2026.
The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme provides full funding for doctoral study, including course fees and a living stipend. Undergraduate Ellison Scholars also receive comprehensive financial support covering tuition and living-related costs, along with other programme benefits.
No. EIT states that it currently funds undergraduate study and research degrees such as DPhil/PhD at the University of Oxford. It does not fund conventional Master’s degrees through the Ellison Scholars programme.
Yes. EIT seeks promising candidates from around the world for its Education & Scholarships programmes.
Yes. Graduate applicants can apply during the final year of their degree, subject to meeting the relevant Oxford entry requirements before starting the programme.
EIT’s major research priorities include AI and robotics, health and medical science, generative biology, food security, sustainable agriculture and climate-related research. Undergraduate study is not restricted exclusively to STEM subjects, but applicants must explain how their chosen field can contribute to EIT’s mission.
The Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford Education & Scholarships programmes offer an opportunity to combine a University of Oxford education with practical research and innovation focused on some of the world’s most challenging problems.
For prospective doctoral students, the Graduate Ellison Scholars 2027 programme is currently the key opportunity, with applications open until 1 December 2026. Applicants should begin by reviewing the available EIT research projects and identifying the Oxford doctoral route that best matches their academic and research experience.
| Type of Opportunity | Scholarships and Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Ongoing |
| Country | UK |
| Open to | All Nationalities |