Oxford University Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship (2026-2027)
Scholarship Description
The Oxford University Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship programme offered by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford in partnership with the University of Oxford. This transformative opportunity is awarded to outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for solving global problems through science and technology.
Ellison Scholars pursue a fully funded undergraduate degree in any discipline at the world-leading University of Oxford while simultaneously working on cutting-edge EIT projects. These research and innovation projects, conducted as paid internships, aim to direct scholars' efforts towards positive global impact in areas such as health and medical science, food security, climate change, and artificial intelligence.
Selection for this programme is highly competitive. The Ellison Institute of Technology seeks academically excellent individuals who have put their knowledge and passion into action and have the ambition to make a real impact on the world.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at the University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom. Scholars will study at Oxford's historic colleges and also work at the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford, a state-of-the-art research and innovation facility.
Scholarship Deadline
The application window for the Undergraduate Ellison Scholars programme opens in May and closes on 31 July 2026.
Application Window: 1 May – 31 July 2026
Semi-finalist Selection: September – October 2026
University of Oxford Application: Semi-finalists must then apply to Oxford following the University's separate admissions process.
Finalists Identified: January – February 2027 (semi-finalists who receive an Oxford offer automatically progress)
Ellison Scholars Announced: March – April 2027
Studies Begin: October 2027
Host Institution
The University of Oxford – the oldest university in the English-speaking world and consistently ranked among the top universities globally. Oxford is renowned for its tutorial system, world-class research, and historic colleges.
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford – a transformative new institute focused on solving major global problems through the advancement and translation of science and technology into scalable, high-impact solutions.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree) – any discipline offered at the University of Oxford.
Fields of particular interest (but not exhaustive): Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Economics, Mathematics, Robotics, Plant Sciences, Machine Learning, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Medicine, Microbiology, and related fields. Strong candidates who believe their skills would benefit one of EIT's projects are welcome to apply, regardless of discipline.
EIT internship focus areas:
- Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
- Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
- Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2
- Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
Target Group
The scholarship is open to international students from all countries who meet the University of Oxford's admission requirements and the Ellison Scholars selection criteria. The programme seeks academically excellent individuals who have put their knowledge and passion into action and have the ambition to make a real impact.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Duration: Full duration of the undergraduate degree programme (typically 3–4 years, depending on the course).
The Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship is FULLY FUNDED and includes:
- Full tuition fees for the entire duration of study at the University of Oxford
- Generous financial support for living costs and accommodation
- Paid internships (10 weeks each long vacation/summer) at the Ellison Institute of Technology, working on cutting-edge research projects
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities at EIT Oxford
- Mentorship and collaboration with world-leading science and technology leaders
- Opportunity to work on real-world problems with global impact
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Full tuition coverage + Living stipend + Paid summer internships (10 weeks/year)
Plus: Access to EIT's cutting-edge facilities + Mentorship from global experts + Research on real-world problems
Scholarship Eligibility
To be eligible for the Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship, applicants must:
- Meet the University of Oxford's entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate course, including:
- Hold or be on track to be awarded a secondary education/high school leaving qualification accepted by Oxford
- Meet the minimum grade requirements for the chosen course
- Meet Oxford's English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
- Demonstrate academic excellence and strong problem-solving skills
- Show a passion for using science and technology to solve global problems
- Have leadership potential and a track record of putting knowledge into action
- Align with EIT's focus areas (health, food security, climate change, AI) or believe their skills would benefit one of EIT's projects
Important: Applicants who do not meet the University of Oxford's admission requirements or the Ellison Scholars selection criteria are strongly dissuaded from applying. Use the eligibility checker on the EIT website to assess your qualifications before applying.
✅ Eligible Candidates
- International students from all countries.
- Outstanding academic record (top grades in secondary education).
- Meet Oxford's English language requirements.
- Passion for solving global problems through science and technology.
- Demonstrated leadership and initiative.
- Strong alignment with EIT's humane endeavours (health, food, climate, AI).
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Applicants who do not meet Oxford's admission requirements.
- Those with insufficient English language proficiency.
- Candidates without strong academic records.
- Applicants who lack a demonstrated passion for real-world impact.
- Students already enrolled at Oxford (open only to new applicants).
Application Procedure
- Review eligibility and requirements – Check the University of Oxford admissions page for your chosen course's specific entry requirements, grade requirements, and English language requirements. Use the EIT eligibility checker to confirm you meet the scholarship criteria.
- Prepare your application – Gather academic transcripts, proof of qualifications, English language test scores, and any other supporting documents.
- Submit Ellison Scholars application – Apply online through the EIT website during the application window (1 May – 31 July 2026).
- Semi-finalist selection – Applications are reviewed, and semi-finalists are selected (September–October 2026).
- Apply to the University of Oxford – Semi-finalists must then submit a separate application to the University of Oxford through UCAS, following Oxford's independent admissions process and deadlines (typically October 2026 for entry in October 2027).
- Receive Oxford offer – Semi-finalists who receive an offer of admission from the University of Oxford automatically progress to the finalist stage (January–February 2027).
- Final selection – Following the final selection process, Ellison Scholars are chosen from the pool of finalists.
- Onboarding and preparation – Selected scholars are supported by the Education & Scholarships team as they prepare for their arrival in Oxford (March–April 2027).
- Begin studies at Oxford and EIT – Scholars start their first academic year at the University of Oxford and their engagement with EIT Oxford in October 2027.
Internship commitment: Undergraduate Ellison Scholars complete ten weeks of paid internship at EIT each long vacation (summer) between academic years, working on existing EIT projects.
Official Website & Application Link
Ellison Institute of Technology – Undergraduate Ellison Scholars Official Page
Application Portal: Available on the EIT website during the application window (1 May – 31 July 2026)
University of Oxford Admissions: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate
EIT Contact: Sign up for the newsletter on the EIT website for updates and webinar invitations.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The Oxford University Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship is an extraordinary, fully funded opportunity for outstanding international students to study at one of the world's most prestigious universities while simultaneously working on cutting-edge research projects that aim to solve global challenges. This scholarship is not just about funding — it is about developing the next generation of leaders who will use science and technology to make a positive impact on humanity.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Academic excellence is essential – Ensure you meet or exceed Oxford's stringent entry requirements for your chosen course.
- Demonstrate real-world impact – Show evidence of putting your knowledge and passion into action through projects, research, or community initiatives.
- Align with EIT's mission – Clearly articulate how your skills and interests connect to solving global problems in health, food security, climate change, or AI.
- Prepare for Oxford's separate admissions process – The Ellison Scholarship requires you to also gain admission to Oxford through UCAS. You must succeed in both processes.
- Use the eligibility checker – Before applying, carefully review Oxford's qualification requirements and English language standards.
- Attend online webinars – EIT offers webinars where you can meet the team and learn more about the scholarship.
- Apply early – The application window is 1 May to 31 July 2026. Do not wait until the last minute.
Important reminders: Selection is highly competitive. Only applicants who meet the University of Oxford's admission requirements will be considered. Semi-finalists must apply to Oxford separately through UCAS. The scholarship includes paid summer internships (10 weeks each year) at EIT Oxford. Scholars begin their studies in October 2027, so plan your academic timeline accordingly.
If you dream of studying at Oxford and want to use your education to solve real-world problems, the Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship could be your pathway to an extraordinary future.
Oxford University Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 – FAQ
What does the Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded, covering full tuition fees for the entire undergraduate degree at Oxford, a generous living stipend, and paid summer internships (10 weeks each year) at the Ellison Institute of Technology.
What is the application deadline?
The application window is 1 May to 31 July 2026. Semi-finalists are selected in September–October 2026 and must then apply to Oxford through UCAS.
Who is eligible to apply?
International students from all countries who meet the University of Oxford's entry requirements (academic qualifications, grade requirements, and English language proficiency) and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for solving global problems.
Do I need to apply to Oxford separately?
Yes. Semi-finalists must submit a separate application to the University of Oxford through UCAS, following Oxford's independent admissions process and deadlines.
What fields of study are eligible?
Any undergraduate discipline offered at the University of Oxford is eligible. However, EIT is particularly interested in students with skills in computer science, AI, economics, mathematics, robotics, plant sciences, engineering, medicine, and related fields.
What are the internship requirements?
Undergraduate Ellison Scholars complete 10 weeks of paid internship at EIT each long vacation (summer) between academic years, working on cutting-edge research projects.
When do scholars begin their studies?
Ellison Scholars begin their first academic year at the University of Oxford and their engagement with EIT Oxford in October 2027.
How competitive is the scholarship?
The Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship is highly competitive. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a clear commitment to using science and technology to solve global problems.