Ellison Scholars Programme 2027: Fully Funded Oxford

Graduate Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 in the UK: Fully Funded DPhil Study at the University of Oxford

Applications are now open for the Graduate Ellison Scholars Programme 2027, a fully funded doctoral scholarship at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Run by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) in partnership with the University of Oxford, the programme supports exceptional researchers to complete a DPhil while contributing directly to an EIT research project, for study starting in October 2027.

This is a graduate-only opportunity. Do not confuse it with the Undergraduate Ellison Scholars Programme: the undergraduate round for October 2027 entry closed on 31 July 2026. This post is about the graduate programme, which opened on 16 September 2026 and closes on 1 December 2026.

What does the scholarship cover?

Graduate Ellison Scholars receive full funding for doctoral study at the University of Oxford, including:

• Course fees for the DPhil
• A generous living stipend
• The opportunity to contribute directly to pioneering EIT research and innovation projects, working with leading academics, technologists and industry experts
• Access to world-class facilities, resources and interdisciplinary research environments
• Membership of a global community of researchers, innovators and problem-solvers

Who can apply?

Applicants must meet the University of Oxford's entry requirements for their chosen DPhil course to be eligible for the scholarship.

EIT assesses applicants on:

• Alignment: a genuine interest in the chosen EIT project, a well-matched research proposal, and the experience to make a meaningful contribution quickly
• Excellence: outstanding academic achievement and intellectual curiosity, for example a first-class degree, a distinction at master's level, or a minimum GPA of 3.7/4
• Innovation: creativity and a willingness to challenge the status quo, shown through publications, patents, cutting-edge research, awards or presentations
• Collaboration: the ability to work in teams, shown through collaborative research, co-authored work, lab or committee roles, or organising academic events
• Tenacity: resilience and sustained commitment to a research area
• Integrity: honesty, openness and trustworthiness

Fields and research areas

EIT is seeking talent across a wide range of disciplines, including artificial intelligence and computer science, engineering, economics, biology, plant sciences, mathematics, chemistry, robotics, medicine and microbiology, and related fields. Check the official EIT project list for the DPhil projects available for October 2027 entry, and choose a project that matches your skills and research background.

How to apply, step by step

Application routes and requirements vary by research area, so read the instructions for your chosen area carefully before you start.

1. Explore the official Graduate Ellison Scholars programme page and the full list of DPhil projects available for October 2027 entry.
2. Check that you meet the University of Oxford's entry requirements for the relevant DPhil course, and check the correct application route for your research area.
3. For the direct EIT route, submit your application to EIT. Applications opened on 16 September 2026 and close on 1 December 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as EIT reviews applications as they are received.
4. Selected candidates who receive a conditional offer of funding are invited to apply to the University of Oxford for the relevant course between January and March 2027.
5. Candidates are assessed through the University of Oxford's independent admissions process. Those who receive an Oxford offer are confirmed as Graduate Ellison Scholars.
6. Graduate Ellison Scholars are announced in April 2027, with onboarding support from EIT's Education and Scholarships team, before starting their course at Oxford in October 2027.

Application deadline

Deadline: 1 December 2026, for the direct EIT application route for October 2027 entry.

Do not wait until the final day: EIT reviews applications as they are received, and some research areas follow a different Oxford route. Confirm the exact route and timing for your chosen project on the official EIT pages before you apply.

Where to apply

Apply and read the full official details here:

Graduate Ellison Scholars Programme — Ellison Institute of Technology

EIT: Applications now open for the Graduate Ellison Scholars programme

For general enquiries, EIT lists [email protected].

Always verify the current requirements, project list, application route and deadline on the official Ellison Institute of Technology pages before you submit, as routes vary by research area.