Ellison Scholars Program at Oxford University PhD Scholarship (2027 Entry)

Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) & University of Oxford DPhil / PhD United Kingdom (Oxford)

Ellison Scholars Program - Fully Funded PhD at Oxford University

Scholarship Description

The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme is a prestigious, fully funded doctoral scholarship offered by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) in partnership with the University of Oxford. The program provides exceptional students with the opportunity to undertake fully funded DPhil (PhD) study at Oxford while contributing directly to pioneering research at EIT.

Graduate Ellison Scholars work alongside EIT Oxford research teams on ambitious projects focused on solving humanity's most enduring problems. This is an opportunity for exceptional individuals to become global innovators of the future, solving humanity's most enduring problems through science and technology. 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.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at the University of Oxford in Oxford, United Kingdom, with research conducted in collaboration with the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford. Scholars work alongside EIT research teams on ambitious projects focused on solving humanity's most enduring problems.

Scholarship Deadline

Applications for the October 2027 entry are now open. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.

Applications Open: September 16, 2026

Application Deadline: December 1, 2026

Entry Date: October 2027

Recommendation: Apply early — applications are reviewed upon receipt. Early applications are encouraged.

Host Institution

The University of Oxford – one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, consistently ranked among the top institutions globally. The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is a mission-driven research institute founded by Larry Ellison, dedicated to solving humanity's most enduring problems through science and technology.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: DPhil (Doctoral/PhD) – full-time study at the University of Oxford.

Fields: EIT is particularly interested in students with skills in fields such as:

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Economics
Mathematics
Robotics
Plant Sciences
Machine Learning
Chemistry
Biology
Engineering
Medicine
Microbiology

EIT's Research Areas (Humane Endeavours):

Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

Target Group

Exceptional international students from around the world who are seeking to undertake fully funded doctoral study at the University of Oxford. Applicants must meet the University of Oxford's entry requirements for their chosen doctoral course. The program 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.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: Full duration of the doctoral program (typically 4 years for DPhil).

Award Value: For international students, the scholarship is valued at approximately £100,000 per year (around 127,000 US Dollars).

Scholarship Benefits Include:

Full funding for doctoral study at the University of Oxford, including all course fees.
Generous living stipend to cover all living expenses, which significantly exceeds standard UK research council rates.
Travel and research funding — including flights and research costs.
Programming and accommodation support.
Access to world-class facilities, resources, and interdisciplinary research environments.
Mentorship from world-leaders in their field.
Membership of a global community committed to solving humanity's greatest challenges through science and technology.
Year-round programme of activities designed to support academic, professional, and personal development.

📊 Summary of Benefits:
Full tuition: All Oxford course fees
Stipend: Generous living stipend (exceeds UK research council rates)
Travel & Research: Funding included
Additional: Mentorship + facilities + community + development programme

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

Admission requirements: Must meet the University of Oxford's entry requirements for the chosen doctoral course.
Academic excellence: Outstanding academic record, particularly in relevant disciplines (e.g., first-class degree, distinction in a master's programme, minimum GPA 3.7/4).
Alignment: Must demonstrate alignment with the chosen EIT project, including a genuine interest in its goals and a well-matched research proposal.
Innovation: Visionary learners who embrace technological advancements with creativity and challenge the status quo.
Nationality: Open to applicants of any nationality.

Selection Criteria (EIT looks for):

Alignment: Proven ability to make meaningful and substantial contributions to the project's development and impact. A genuine interest in the chosen EIT project and a well-matched research proposal.
Excellence: High-performers who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to apply knowledge critically and effectively to solve complex challenges. Evidenced by outstanding academic record, competitive scholarships, fellowships, awards, and significant contributions to research projects.
Innovation: Visionary learners who embrace technological advancements with creativity, challenge the status quo, and explore innovative solutions to achieve transformative outcomes. Evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, patents, and creative contributions.

✅ Eligible Candidates

Meet University of Oxford's entry requirements.
Outstanding academic record (first-class degree, distinction, or GPA 3.7/4+).
Research aligned with an EIT project.
Open to all nationalities.
Strong commitment to solving global challenges.
Applicants with skills in computer science, AI, engineering, biology, etc.

❌ Ineligible Candidates

Do not meet Oxford's entry requirements.
Insufficient academic record.
Research not aligned with EIT projects.
Lack of demonstrated research experience.

Application Procedure

Explore available DPhil projects – Visit the EIT Graduate Research Areas page to review the full list of DPhil projects available for October 2027 entry at the University of Oxford. Projects align with one of EIT's research areas: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology; Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture; Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2; and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
Prepare your application – Gather the required documents, including your academic transcripts, CV, research proposal, and any other supporting materials.
Submit your application – Applications open on September 16, 2026 and close on December 1, 2026. Submit your application through the EIT application portal.
Selection process – Following completion of the application form, there is a selection process by EIT faculty. Successful candidates will be awarded the scholarship, conditional on their offer from Oxford.
Apply to Oxford – Shortlisted applicants will then need to apply for a DPhil or PhD at the University of Oxford.
Final selection – The final list of scholars is announced after the Oxford admissions process.

Important notes: Early applications are encouraged as they are reviewed upon receipt. The EIT strongly encourages candidates to apply by the October 1st deadline, as they may close applications once all places are filled. The scholarship is conditional on receiving an offer from the University of Oxford.

Official Website & Application Links

EIT Oxford – Graduate Ellison Scholars Official Page

EIT Graduate Research Areas: Available DPhil Projects

University of Oxford: https://www.ox.ac.uk

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💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The Ellison Scholars Program is one of the most generous and prestigious doctoral scholarships in the world, offering exceptional students the opportunity to pursue a fully funded DPhil at the University of Oxford while contributing to pioneering research at the Ellison Institute of Technology. With approximately £100,000 in annual funding, scholars receive comprehensive support covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and research costs, along with mentorship from world-leading experts and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Key strategies for a successful application:

Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement — a first-class degree, distinction in a master's programme, or a minimum GPA of 3.7/4 is typically expected.
Align your research proposal with an EIT project — show genuine interest and a well-matched proposal.
Highlight your research experience, publications, and any contributions to major research projects.
Submit your application early — applications are reviewed upon receipt and may close once places are filled.
Prepare for the selection process by EIT faculty, followed by the Oxford admissions process.
Contact potential supervisors or EIT faculty if you have questions about specific projects.

Important reminders: The scholarship is conditional on receiving an offer from the University of Oxford. Applications close on December 1, 2026. The program is open to applicants of any nationality. EIT is particularly interested in students with skills in computer science, AI, engineering, mathematics, robotics, plant sciences, chemistry, biology, medicine, and related fields.

Ellison Scholars Program 2027 – FAQ

What is the Ellison Scholars Program?

It is a fully funded doctoral (DPhil/PhD) scholarship program offered by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) in partnership with the University of Oxford, where graduate students directly contribute to progressing an EIT project.

What does the scholarship cover?

Full funding for doctoral study at Oxford, including all course fees, a generous living stipend (significantly exceeding UK research council rates), travel and research funding, and the equivalent of paid internships.

Who is eligible to apply?

Exceptional international students who meet the University of Oxford's entry requirements, with outstanding academic records (first-class degree, distinction, or GPA 3.7/4+), and research aligned with an EIT project.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is December 1, 2026 for October 2027 entry. Applications open on September 16, 2026. Early applications are encouraged as they are reviewed upon receipt.

What fields of study are eligible?

EIT is particularly interested in students with skills in computer science, AI, economics, mathematics, robotics, plant sciences, machine learning, chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine, and microbiology.

What are EIT's research areas?

EIT focuses on four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology; Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture; Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2; and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.

How do I apply?

Explore the available DPhil projects on the EIT Graduate Research Areas page, prepare your application materials, and submit through the EIT application portal by December 1, 2026. Shortlisted applicants then apply to Oxford for admission.