Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 in UK | Fully Funded

Applications are now open for the Ellison Scholars Programme 2027, a fully funded opportunity for outstanding international students who want to complete a DPhil—Oxford’s name for a PhD—at the University of Oxford.

The programme is offered by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT). Selected scholars will combine doctoral study at Oxford with practical research designed to address major global challenges. Applications must be submitted by 1 December 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time.

This opportunity is currently available for graduate DPhil applicants only. The undergraduate application round for entry in 2027 has already closed.

Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 Details

What Is the Ellison Scholars Programme?

The Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 supports talented researchers who want to use science, technology and innovation to solve important problems affecting people worldwide.

Successful candidates will study for a DPhil at the University of Oxford while contributing to an EIT research project. This combination allows scholars to develop their academic knowledge and apply it to research with potential real-world impact.

Applicants should understand that receiving conditional scholarship funding does not automatically guarantee Oxford admission. Candidates must also successfully complete the University of Oxford’s separate admissions process.

Available Research Areas

Applicants can explore DPhil projects across several EIT research areas. Current routes include:

• Pathogen research
• Materials and Devices for Life Sciences
• Plant Biology
• Economics
• Generative Biology
• Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
• Correlates of Immunity

The application route is not identical for every research area. Some applicants apply through the main Ellison Scholars portal, while others must use a relevant Oxford doctoral training programme or another application route listed by EIT.

Candidates should carefully review the instructions for their chosen project before submitting an application.

Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 Benefits

The Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 is officially presented as a fully funded doctoral scholarship. Its major benefits include:

• Full funding for DPhil study at the University of Oxford
• A generous stipend for living expenses
• Financial support for required programme-related travel
• Initial funding for technology and equipment
• Access to specialist research facilities
• Training and professional development
• Guidance from experienced researchers and industry leaders
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful EIT projects
• Membership in an international community of researchers and innovators

The exact funding conditions will be explained in the scholarship offer. Applicants should carefully read their final funding agreement before accepting it.

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Eligibility Criteria

The Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 welcomes applications from qualified candidates worldwide. Applicants generally need to:

• Meet the academic requirements for their selected Oxford DPhil course
• Possess, or be completing, the relevant university qualifications
• Demonstrate an excellent academic record
• Show strong research ability and intellectual curiosity
• Select a project connected to their experience and interests
• Explain their motivation for joining the EIT research programme
• Demonstrate creativity and an ability to solve difficult problems
• Show evidence of collaboration, determination and integrity
• Meet any English-language requirement set by Oxford
• Complete both the scholarship and university admission stages

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants will be assessed competitively according to their academic performance, research potential and suitability for the selected project.

Selection Criteria

The selection team will look for candidates who demonstrate:

Academic and Research Excellence

Applicants should provide evidence of strong academic results, relevant research experience and the ability to understand complex ideas.

Project Alignment

The proposed research and previous experience should connect clearly with the selected EIT project.

Innovation

Candidates should demonstrate creativity and an ability to develop original approaches to research problems.

Collaboration

Applicants must be prepared to work with researchers, supervisors and scholars from different academic and professional backgrounds.

Tenacity and Integrity

The programme values candidates who can overcome challenges, work responsibly and follow high ethical standards.

Documents Required

Requirements may differ between research projects, but applicants should generally prepare:

• An updated academic CV
• University transcripts
• Degree certificates, if available
• Passport or identification details
• Contact information for referees
• A research proposal, where required
• Evidence of relevant research or professional experience
• English-language test results, if required
• A portfolio of relevant achievements or projects
• Any additional documents requested for the selected DPhil project

Applicants should use the official application guide to confirm the exact documents and word limits. Do not upload unnecessary documents unless the portal requests them.

How to Apply for the Ellison Scholars Programme 2027

Follow these steps to submit an application:

1. Visit the official graduate application portal.
2. Review all available DPhil projects and research areas.
3. Select a project that matches your qualifications and research interests.
4. Confirm whether your project uses the main EIT portal or a separate Oxford application route.
5. Read the selection criteria and application guidance.
6. Create an online application account.
7. Complete every required section of the application form.
8. Upload your academic and research documents.
9. Add the requested referee information.
10. Review your application carefully and submit it before the deadline.

Early preparation is strongly recommended because research proposals, academic references and supporting documents can take considerable time to complete.

Candidates who receive conditional EIT funding will subsequently apply for the appropriate University of Oxford DPhil course. Oxford will assess them independently according to its graduate admissions requirements.

Applicants can also explore the University of Oxford graduate courses before choosing their research route.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 is:

1 December 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time

Late applications may not be accepted. International applicants should convert the deadline into their local time and submit in advance to avoid internet or portal problems.

Important Points to Remember

• The currently open scholarship is for DPhil/PhD study.
• The 2027 undergraduate application round is closed.
• Application routes vary between research areas.
• Scholarship selection and Oxford admission are separate processes.
• Candidates should only follow instructions published by EIT and Oxford.
• Applicants should never pay an individual or unofficial agent to secure this scholarship.

Final Thoughts

The Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 is an excellent fully funded opportunity for ambitious researchers who want to study at the University of Oxford and contribute to practical projects with global importance.

Applicants with strong academic records, relevant research experience and a clear connection to an EIT project should begin preparing immediately. Carefully reviewing the project requirements and submitting a focused, evidence-based application can improve the overall quality of your submission.

Related Fully Funded Scholarships

Applicants interested in the Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 may also explore these opportunities:

• MAPP Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
• Doha Institute Scholarships
• King Abdulaziz University Scholarship
• University of Notre Dame Doctoral Program 2027