Graduate Ellison Scholars Programme 2027

The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme provides fully-funded doctoral (DPhil/PhD) study at the University of Oxford, where graduate students directly contribute to progressing an Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) project. These projects tackle global challenges through cutting-edge technology, offering graduate students the chance to collaborate with world-leading experts to develop innovative solutions.

This highly competitive scholarship selects the world’s most exceptional research talent, whose insight, drive, and creativity mark them as outstanding scholars and future innovators ready to advance EIT’s mission from day one. Being an Ellison Scholar is not simply funding - it is recognition of the experience and achievements each Scholar already brings to EIT and to the University of Oxford. The Ellison Scholars programme further enriches their development through specialised experiences and tailored training, putting them on an elevated and accelerated progression track.

• Table of Content
• About Ellison Institute of Technology
• Graduate Ellison Scholars PhD Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Graduate Ellison Scholars PhD Scholarship
• Requirements for Graduate Ellison Scholars PhD Scholarship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Graduate Ellison Scholars PhD Scholarship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Graduate Ellison Scholars PhD Scholarship

Application Deadline	01 Dec 2026
Country to study	United Kingdom
School to study	University of Oxford
Type	PhD
Sponsor	Ellison Institute of Technology
Gender	Men and Women

Aim and Benefits of Graduate Ellison Scholars PhD Scholarship

This is a fully-funded opportunity.

Graduate Ellison Scholars will:

• Work on an EIT project while completing fully-funded doctoral study at the University of Oxford
• Contribute meaningfully to EIT’s work and help to solve global challenges
• Receive mentorship from world-leaders in their field
• Access state-of-the-art facilities to develop and deploy world-benefitting technologies

Requirements for Graduate Ellison Scholars PhD Scholarship Qualification

• EIT is particularly interested in students with skills in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, economics, mathematics, robotics, plant sciences, machine learning, chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine or microbiology. Applicants must demonstrate skills aligned with their chosen areas.
• Applicants must meet the University of Oxford’s entry requirements to be eligible for the scholarship.
• Eligible applicants need to demonstrate how they meet the selection criteria in their application.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Graduate Ellison Scholars PhD Scholarship

Selection Criteria

Alignment

Applicants must demonstrate alignment with their chosen areas for EIT Graduate Funding through:

• Proven ability to make meaningful and substantial contributions to the project's development and impact – i.e. the research and innovation experience that would allow them to quickly contribute to the project.
• A genuine interest in their chosen EIT Project, reflecting their commitment to its goals.
• A well-matched research proposal that aligns with the project's objectives.

Excellence

They are high-performers who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, intellectual curiosity and the ability to apply knowledge critically and effectively to solve complex challenges.

How this might be evidenced:

• Outstanding academic record, particularly in relevant disciplines (e.g., first-class degree, distinction in a master’s programme, a minimum GPA 3.7/4).
• Competitive scholarships, fellowships, competitions, academic awards or similar accolades at undergraduate or, where relevant, postgraduate level.
• Significant contributions to a major research project, laboratory work or field study.

Innovation

They are visionary learners who embrace technological advancements with creativity, challenge the status quo and explore innovative solutions to achieve transformative outcomes.

How this might be evidenced:

• Peer-reviewed publications, patents or other recognised contributions to innovative research.
• Participation in interdisciplinary or cutting-edge research projects.
• Awards or recognition for innovative research, academic presentations or technological advancements.

Collaboration

They are trusted collaborators who build strong relationships, foster teamwork and demonstrate the ability to bring people together to achieve success.

How this might be evidenced:

• Involvement in collaborative research projects, co-authored publications or multi-institutional studies.
• Contribution to team-based initiatives such as lab management, journal editing or academic committees.
• Experience in organising academic conferences, workshops or research symposia.

Tenacity

They are tenacious achievers who view setbacks as opportunities to learn and adapt and demonstrate resilience and determination to overcome challenges and achieve success.

How this might be evidenced:

• Completion of a rigorous research project, dissertation or thesis despite significant challenges.
• Persistence in securing research funding, scholarships or competitive opportunities.
• Long-term commitment to a research area, demonstrated through sustained academic contributions.

Integrity

They are trustworthy people who value honesty, foster openness and build trust through commitment to collective success.

How this might be evidenced:

• References or endorsements highlighting ethical conduct and reliability.
• Roles and responsibilities that require high ethical standards, such as student representative or community leader.
• Honesty and accuracy in the application form.

 

Application Timeline

*Application routes and requirements vary by Program. Candidates should carefully review the information for their chosen research area to ensure they follow the correct application route.

APPLICATION TO EIT

September - December 2026

• Applications open mid-September and close on 1 December.
• Early applications are encouraged as they will be reviewed as received.

 

APPLICATION TO OXFORD UNIVERSITY

January - March 2027

Selected candidates who receive a conditional offer of funding are invited to apply to the University of Oxford for the relevant course. Candidates are assessed through the University’s independent admissions process. Those who receive an offer from the University are confirmed as Graduate Ellison Scholars.

 

ELLISON SCHOLARS ANNOUNCED

April 2027 

Graduate Ellison Scholars are announced and onboarded, supported by the Education & Scholarships team as they prepare for their arrival in Oxford.

 

ELLISON SCHOLARS BEGIN THEIR STUDIES

October 2027

Graduate Ellison Scholars start their course at the University of Oxford and their engagement with EIT Oxford.

Check also:
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

December 1, 2026

How to Apply

For more information, kindly visit EIT scholarship webpage.