The Ellison Scholars Program is one of the newest and most generous scholarships at the University of Oxford. Run by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) in Oxford, it pays your Oxford course fees, gives you a living stipend, and puts you to work on real EIT research and innovation projects while you study. It covers two levels: a bachelor’s degree in any subject, or a full-time DPhil (PhD). Applicants come from around the world, and the pages I reviewed state no nationality restriction.
It’s also a different kind of scholarship. You’re not just receiving funding; you’re being recruited to contribute to projects in health, food security, climate and AI. That changes how you should apply. This guide explains what’s covered, who qualifies, which route is open now, and how to build an application that shows you belong.
Ellison Scholars Program at a Glance: What’s Open Now?
| Route | Level | Status |
| Undergraduate Ellison Scholars | Bachelor’s, any subject | Application window closed (May 1 to July 31, 2026) |
| Graduate Ellison Scholars | DPhil/PhD only | Open until December 1, 2026 |
The undergraduate programme’s next application window hasn’t been announced on the pages I reviewed. This year’s ran from May to July, but I can’t confirm that next year will follow the same pattern, so watch the official site and sign up for its newsletter.
Key Benefits: What the Ellison Scholars Program Covers
The funding comes from Larry Ellison, Oracle’s Chief Technology Officer and founder of EIT. According to EIT’s FAQ, the funding differs slightly by route.
Undergraduate Ellison Scholars
- Tuition fees for the full duration of the undergraduate course
- A “generous” academic stipend for living costs in Oxford
- The equivalent of paid internships for work on EIT innovation projects
- Travel and conference costs
- Personal technology set-up
- Arrival costs, including flights, visa charges and access to healthcare
Graduate Ellison Scholars
- Tuition fees for the duration of the doctoral course
- A “generous” academic stipend for living costs in Oxford
- Travel and conference costs
- Personal technology set-up
- Arrival costs, including flights, visa charges and access to healthcare
The stipend amount isn’t published on the pages I reviewed, so I won’t quote a figure. The package also differs for students on the DTP in Generative Biology, the CDT in Fundamentals of AI and the Correlates of Immunity route, so check the relevant course page.
What you give back
Scholars don’t just receive money. Undergraduates work on EIT projects year-round, with a focus on long summer internships. Graduate scholars work full-time on a doctoral project developed jointly by Oxford and EIT. The programmes also offer mentoring from experts, training and access to EIT’s facilities.
What the Ellison Scholars Program doesn’t fund
- Master’s degrees. EIT says it only funds research degrees (DPhil/PhD).
- Study at other universities. It funds Oxford only.
- Part-time doctoral study. EIT funds full-time only, though you can email the team to discuss a part-time case.
- The four-year graduate-entry Medicine course. It’s not eligible for the undergraduate route.
Who the Ellison Scholars Program Is For: Undergraduate, Graduate and Postgraduate Students
Undergraduate students
If you’re finishing secondary school and aiming for an Oxford bachelor’s degree, the undergraduate route fits. Most applicants choose STEM-related courses, but the programme is open to all subjects if you can explain how your Oxford studies will let you contribute to EIT’s work. EIT is particularly interested in skills in computer science, AI, economics, mathematics, robotics, plant sciences, machine learning, chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine or microbiology, though the list isn’t exhaustive.
Master’s students
There’s no funded master’s route. If you want a master’s at Oxford, look at other awards, such as the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships or the Clarendon Fund Scholarships.
DPhil and postgraduate students
The graduate route supports full-time DPhil students whose projects connect to EIT’s work. You can apply while still finishing your current degree, with any offer conditional on meeting Oxford’s entry requirements. Institutional nominations are optional, but if your university offers one you can include it.
Current Oxford students
Undergraduates who have already started at Oxford, or will start in October 2026, can’t apply to the undergraduate programme. Those holding Oxford offers for October 2027 can apply. EIT doesn’t recommend deferring just to apply.
Ellison Scholars Program Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate eligibility
To apply, you need to:
- Meet Oxford’s entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate course.
- Hold, or be on track for, a qualification accepted by Oxford, such as a secondary or high school leaving certificate or diploma.
- Meet, or be on track to meet, the minimum grade requirements for your course.
- Meet, or be on track to meet, Oxford’s English language requirements.
- Be at least 18 by the end of your first academic year at Oxford (by the start of the course for Medicine).
- Meet the selection criteria below.
Predicted grades are accepted. You’ll need official evidence, such as a letter from your school or examination centre.
Graduate eligibility
You must meet Oxford’s entry requirements for the relevant DPhil course and demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria. Requirements vary by course, and some doctoral courses may require a master’s, so check each course page and Oxford’s international qualifications guidance.
The selection criteria
Both routes use six criteria. EIT says applicants who don’t meet them are strongly discouraged from applying.
- Alignment: For undergraduates, a deep understanding of global challenges in at least one of EIT’s four Humane Endeavours, backed by relevant experience. For graduates, the ability to contribute meaningfully to a specific project, genuine interest in it, and a well-matched research proposal.
- Excellence: Outstanding academic achievement and intellectual curiosity. For graduates, EIT gives examples such as a first-class degree, a distinction in a master’s or a GPA of at least 3.7 out of 4.
- Innovation: Visionary thinking, with evidence such as publications, patents or awards for innovative work.
- Collaboration: Building relationships and bringing people together, evidenced by team projects, co-authored papers or organising events.
- Tenacity: Resilience and determination, shown by completing demanding projects despite challenges.
- Integrity: Honesty and reliability, shown by references, responsibilities and an accurate application.
The four Humane Endeavours
EIT’s focus areas for undergraduate internships are:
- Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology
- Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
- Climate Change and Managing Atmospheric CO2
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
How to Apply for the Ellison Scholars Program (Step by Step)
Graduate route (open now)
Step 1: Pick your research area. EIT lists projects across its research areas. Application routes vary, so read the information for your chosen area carefully.
Step 2: Choose the right application path.
- Pathogen, Materials and Devices for Life Sciences, Plant Biology and Economics: apply first through EIT’s own graduate application platform. Depending on the area, you can apply for a published project or submit your own proposal that fits the programme’s aims.
- Generative Biology, AI and Robotics, and Correlates of Immunity: apply through the relevant Oxford route (the DTP in Generative Biology or the CDT in Fundamentals of AI) or, for Correlates of Immunity, through the link on the research areas page. Exceptional offer holders may then be nominated for consideration as Graduate Ellison Scholars, and EIT makes the final funding decision.
Step 3: Apply early. EIT says applications for the first path are reviewed as they’re received, and the deadline is December 1, 2026.
Step 4: If selected, apply to Oxford. Candidates who receive a conditional offer of funding are invited to apply to the relevant Oxford DPhil course between January and March 2027. Oxford assesses you independently, and those who receive an Oxford offer are confirmed as Graduate Ellison Scholars.
Step 5: Choose a college. You can state a preference or choose none.
Apply here: Graduate Ellison Scholars: official application information
Undergraduate route (for reference, and for future cycles)
- Check eligibility using the checker on EIT’s undergraduate page.
- Submit the online application during the window (May 1 to July 31 this cycle).
- Semi-finalists are selected in August to October.
- Semi-finalists apply to Oxford, by the October 15, 2026 deadline this cycle. Oxford’s admissions process is separate and independent.
- Finalists are those who receive Oxford offers. They go through a final selection by the Ellison Scholars team in January and February.
- Scholars are announced in March and April and start in October.
Required Documents Checklist
The pages I reviewed don’t list a full document set, and requirements vary by research area. Use the portal for your route as the final authority. Based on what EIT and Oxford describe, prepare:
Graduate applicants
- Application to your chosen project or research area, as required by its route
- A research proposal that matches the project’s aims, or a proposal of your own where allowed
- Evidence of your academic record (for example transcripts and degree results)
- Evidence for each selection criterion, such as publications, awards or research experience
- Any references or nominations your route asks for
- Oxford’s course requirements once you’re invited to apply, including English language evidence if required
Undergraduate applicants (future cycles)
- Completed eligibility check and online application
- Your secondary school qualification details
- Official evidence of predicted grades, such as a letter from your school or examination centre
- English language evidence meeting Oxford’s requirements
- The Oxford application, if you’re invited as a semi-finalist
This is a general guide. Confirm every item in the portal.
Important Deadlines and Timeline
Graduate Ellison Scholars (October 2027 entry)
- Mid-September to December 1, 2026: applications to EIT open. Early applications are encouraged.
- January to March 2027: selected candidates apply to Oxford and go through its independent admissions process.
- April 2027: Graduate Ellison Scholars are announced and onboarded.
- October 2027: studies begin.
Different Oxford routes (the DTP, the CDT and Correlates of Immunity) have their own processes and dates, so check each page.
Undergraduate Ellison Scholars (October 2027 entry, now closed)
- May 1 to July 31, 2026: application window
- August to October 2026: semi-finalists selected
- October 15, 2026: Oxford application deadline for semi-finalists
- January to February 2027: finalists identified and final selection
- March to April 2027: Ellison Scholars announced
- October 2027: studies begin
A practical timeline for the graduate route
- Now to mid-October: choose a research area and project, and read its page carefully.
- October: attend an information session or project Q&A session and draft your proposal.
- Early November: collect your evidence, finalise your materials and ask any referees.
- Late November: submit, well before December 1.
Dates can change, so confirm them on EIT’s pages.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Treating it as a standard scholarship. It’s project-based. Applications that don’t show fit with an EIT project are weak.
Using outdated blog posts. Several third-party sites list old deadlines, such as October 2024 or earlier cycles, or describe the funding loosely. EIT’s own pages are the only reliable source.
Applying for a master’s. EIT doesn’t fund them.
Waiting until December 1. Early graduate applications are reviewed as received.
Picking the wrong route. The application path depends on the research area. Applying through the wrong one wastes your chance.
Writing a generic proposal. The alignment criterion asks for a well-matched proposal and genuine interest in the project.
Ignoring Oxford’s own requirements. You must still meet them, because Oxford’s admissions process is independent.
Deferring to apply. EIT doesn’t recommend it for the undergraduate programme.
Exceeding the application limit. You can submit up to two applications to each programme, and further ones may not be considered.
Insider Tips to Improve Your Chances
These come from reading how the process is built, not from any official guarantee.
- Start with the project, not the scholarship. For graduate applicants, alignment is the first criterion. Read the project description, then show you can contribute quickly.
- Use the information and Q&A sessions. EIT runs live and recorded sessions and project Q&A sessions, and strongly recommends them. Questions asked there can save you from a mismatched application.
- Evidence each criterion with something concrete. The pages give examples, such as co-authored papers for collaboration or completing a thesis despite setbacks for tenacity. Pick your own proof for all six.
- Don’t neglect integrity. One criterion is honesty and accuracy in your application. Mistakes or exaggeration count against you.
- Use the undergraduate guide if it applies. EIT has a guide on how to evidence the selection criteria for undergraduate applicants.
- Plan for two stages. You need to impress EIT and then Oxford. Prepare your academic documents early so the Oxford stage doesn’t catch you off guard.
- Think about backup funding timing. Oxford’s own funding deadlines for most courses fall in December or January, while EIT’s route invites you to apply to Oxford between January and March. If you want a backup such as the Clarendon Fund, ask the Ellison team how the timing works for your area. EIT encourages applicants to explore other options alongside this one.
- Keep your options open. Our guides to the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Chevening Scholarships and the MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship cover other routes.
- Email with specific questions. The team is reachable at scholars@eit.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ellison Scholars Program?
A fully funded scholarship from the Ellison Institute of Technology for study at the University of Oxford, combined with work on EIT projects.
Who can apply?
Candidates from around the world. The pages I reviewed state no nationality restriction, though Oxford’s own rules still apply.
Does it cover a master’s degree?
No. EIT only funds research degrees (DPhil/PhD) for graduates.
Is the undergraduate programme open now?
No. The window for October 2027 entry closed on July 31, 2026, and the next cycle hasn’t been announced on the pages I reviewed.
Is the graduate programme open now?
Yes, until December 1, 2026, for October 2027 entry.
What does it cover?
Tuition, a stipend, travel and conference costs, personal technology set-up and arrival costs, with undergraduates also receiving the equivalent of paid internships.
How much is the stipend?
EIT describes it as generous, but I couldn’t find a published figure.
Do I need to apply to both EIT and Oxford?
For most graduate routes, yes: you apply to EIT first, then to Oxford if invited. For some areas you apply through Oxford and may be nominated. For undergraduates, you apply to EIT first and then to Oxford if selected as a semi-finalist.
Which subjects are eligible?
Undergraduate: any subject, though most applicants choose STEM. Graduate: DPhil projects in EIT’s research areas.
Can I apply while still finishing my degree?
Yes, for the graduate route. Any offer will be conditional.
How many times can I apply?
Up to two applications to each of the undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Is there an age requirement?
Undergraduates must be at least 18 by the end of their first academic year at Oxford.
Can I do the scholarship part-time?
EIT funds full-time doctoral study only. Email the team if you want to discuss a part-time case.
Does the scholarship cover study at other universities?
No. It funds Oxford only.
Conclusion: Your Next Steps
The Ellison Scholars Program isn’t a typical scholarship. It looks for people who already show the drive, skills and curiosity to contribute to real projects, and it supports them with full funding and a place in one of the world’s top universities. That’s demanding, but it’s also clear: if your work aligns with EIT’s projects, you can show it.
Here is what to do this week:
- Decide whether the graduate route is right for you, since undergraduate applications are closed for now.
- Read the research areas and pick the project that fits your skills.
- Register for an information session or project Q&A.
- Gather evidence for the six selection criteria.
- Start your proposal and aim to apply well before December 1.
- Sign up for EIT’s newsletter if you’re an undergraduate hoping for a future cycle.
- Build a backup funding list.
Whatever the result, the work you do to explain why your skills matter to a real problem will strengthen every other application. Start early and keep going.
A note from the author: scholarship details, deadlines and eligibility rules change often, and many third-party websites carry outdated information about this programme. This article reflects what the Ellison Institute of Technology’s official pages said at the time of writing. Please verify everything on the official EIT and University of Oxford websites before you apply.