One of the most extraordinary undergraduate scholarship opportunities in the world has just opened its applications — and it combines two things that rarely go together: a fully funded degree at the University of Oxford and paid hands-on innovation internships at one of the most ambitious science and technology institutes in Europe.
The Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program 2027, funded by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford, is now accepting applications from exceptional secondary school students around the globe. This is not just a scholarship that pays your fees. It is a full invitation into a world-class research community — where you will work alongside scientists, engineers, and technology leaders on real projects tackling some of humanity’s biggest challenges.
Applications close on 31 July 2026. At Gradualin, we want to make sure you understand exactly what this programme offers, who is eligible, and how to put your best foot forward before that window closes.
📋 Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Programme | Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program |
| Funded By | Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford |
| Host University | University of Oxford 🇬🇧 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Open To | All Nationalities Worldwide |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
| Study Start | October 2027 |
| Official Website | eit.org/education-and-scholarships/undergraduate |
🎓 About the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford
The Ellison Institute of Technology is a bold and unprecedented scientific institution based in Oxford, UK. Founded with a £130 million strategic alliance with the University of Oxford, EIT is laser-focused on using cutting-edge science and technology to solve what it describes as humanity’s greatest enduring challenges — from climate change and food security to cancer, infectious disease, and artificial intelligence.
EIT is not a traditional academic body. It operates at the intersection of world-class research, real-world application, and transformative technology — bringing together Nobel laureates, leading professors, and young innovators under one roof. The institute has active programmes in generative biology, AI and robotics, plant sciences, materials science, pathogen research, and economics.
What makes this scholarship genuinely remarkable is that it doesn’t just send you to Oxford — it integrates you into EIT’s live research ecosystem from your very first summer. You study at one of the world’s greatest universities while simultaneously working on projects that have the potential to change the world. Scholars collaborate with each other and with world-leading experts to solve real-world problems, while pursuing a fully-funded undergraduate degree in any discipline at the world-leading University of Oxford. Selection for this programme is highly competitive.
The Gradualin community should know: this programme is brand new. The inaugural cohort of Ellison Scholars only began their Oxford journeys in October 2025, and now — for 2027 — the second round of undergraduate applications is open to the world.
🎓 Benefits & Funding — What You Actually Receive
Here’s what makes the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program one of the most comprehensive undergraduate scholarships in existence:
- ✅ Full tuition fees at the University of Oxford — completely covered
- ✅ Generous living stipend — enough to live comfortably in Oxford (verify exact amount on official website)
- ✅ Paid innovation internships — ten weeks every long vacation (summer) between academic years, working directly on EIT’s live research projects
- ✅ Arrival costs covered — flights to the UK, visa application support, and initial healthcare costs
- ✅ Personal tech setup provided — equipment to support your academic and research work
- ✅ Travel and conference costs covered — for relevant academic and innovation events
- ✅ Access to state-of-the-art facilities at EIT Oxford’s campus
- ✅ Direct mentorship from world-leading scientists and technology experts
As an Ellison Scholar, you will work on innovative EIT projects, access state-of-the-art facilities, receive generous financial support, and work alongside science and technology leaders.
To put the total value in perspective: an Oxford undergraduate degree currently costs international students approximately £37,000–£48,000 per year in tuition alone, plus £12,000–£15,000 in living costs. The Ellison Scholarship covers all of this — making it one of the highest-value undergraduate scholarships available anywhere in the world.
🎓 The Innovation Internships — What Makes This Unique
This is what truly sets the Ellison Scholars Program apart from every other undergraduate scholarship on the planet. Most scholarships simply pay for your education and send you on your way. The Ellison programme builds something far more powerful: a career-defining research identity from the very start of your undergraduate journey.
The internships include ten weeks at EIT each long vacation (summer) between academic years. Undergraduate Ellison Scholars will work with EIT teams on existing EIT projects that aim to solve big global problems through the advancement and translation of science and technology.
These internship projects span four major focus areas:
- 🧬 Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology — working on breakthroughs in disease, vaccine research, and biology at a molecular level
- 🌱 Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture — developing solutions for global food systems and plant science
- 🌍 Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO₂ — tackling the defining environmental challenge of our era
- 🤖 Artificial Intelligence & Robotics — building the next generation of intelligent systems and robotics
These are not simulated projects or classroom exercises. They are real, funded research programmes with real-world stakes — run by some of the most respected scientists and engineers in their fields.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
The Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program is open to all nationalities worldwide. However, admission is genuinely competitive and requires meeting Oxford University’s own demanding entry standards.
To be eligible, you must:
- ✅ Have completed, or be on track to complete, a secondary education / high school leaving qualification accepted by the University of Oxford (check international qualifications at ox.ac.uk/admissions)
- ✅ Have achieved, or be predicted to achieve, the minimum grade requirements for your chosen Oxford undergraduate course
- ✅ Meet, or be on track to meet, Oxford University’s English language requirements for your chosen course
- ✅ Meet the EIT selection criteria — demonstrating academic excellence, innovative thinking, and a passion for solving global problems through science and technology
On English Language / IELTS: Oxford’s English language requirements apply here. For most courses, this means an IELTS score of 7.0 overall (with minimum sub-scores) or equivalent. However, students who completed their secondary education entirely in English may qualify for an exemption. (Always verify the specific requirements for your chosen course on the Oxford admissions website.)
Who is NOT eligible:
- Students who do not meet Oxford’s academic grade requirements for their chosen course
- Students who are already enrolled in an undergraduate programme
- Applicants who do not meet Oxford’s English language requirements (unless they qualify for exemption)
🎓 Who Should Apply — And Who Should Not
✅ Apply if you:
- Are a high-achieving secondary school student with outstanding predicted or achieved grades
- Have a genuine passion for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or related innovation fields
- Want to attend the University of Oxford for your undergraduate degree
- Are motivated by solving global problems — not just achieving personal academic success
- Have demonstrated intellectual curiosity, initiative, and impact beyond the classroom
- Are willing to commit to paid summer internships at EIT Oxford between academic years
❌ Don’t apply if you:
- Do not meet or are not predicted to meet Oxford’s entry grade requirements
- Have not yet completed secondary education and have no imminent completion pathway
- Are looking for a scholarship with no internship or research commitment
- Are not genuinely interested in technology-driven approaches to global challenges
- Are already studying at university level
🎓 Available Study Programmes at Oxford
Here’s the best part of the programme’s design: Scholars can pursue a fully-funded undergraduate degree in any discipline at the University of Oxford. You are not locked into a narrow list of subjects.
That said, 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. This list is not exhaustive, and strong candidates who believe they have skills that would benefit one of EIT’s projects are welcome to apply.
Oxford offers over 50 undergraduate courses across its 39 colleges, spanning:
- STEM Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Biochemistry, Earth Sciences
- Medicine & Life Sciences: Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Human Sciences
- Social Sciences: Economics, PPE (Politics, Philosophy & Economics), Law, Psychology
- Humanities: History, English, Philosophy, Classical Studies, Languages
- Interdisciplinary: History of Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, Physics & Philosophy
Choose the subject that genuinely excites you — then bring your full self to the EIT innovation component.
🎓 Required Documents
When you begin your Ellison Scholars application, you will typically need:
- Completed online application form — via the Ellison Scholars portal at ellisonscholars.eit.org
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) — academic achievements, activities, and relevant experience
- Valid Passport — proof of identity and nationality
- High School Diploma / Secondary School Transcript — with predicted or achieved grades
- English Language Certificate — IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent (if applicable — check Oxford exemption criteria)
- Personal Statement — explaining your motivation, academic interests, and commitment to innovation (verify exact format on official portal)
- Any other supporting documents as specified during the application process
Note: Semi-finalists will later complete Oxford University’s separate and independent admissions process, which includes Oxford’s own personal statement, reference letters, and potentially written work or admissions tests depending on your chosen course.
🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process
The Ellison Scholars programme runs in a structured multi-stage process. Here is the full journey:
Stage 1 — Check Eligibility (Now)
- Visit eit.org/education-and-scholarships/undergraduate
- Use the built-in eligibility checker — answer four questions to confirm you qualify before starting your application
Stage 2 — Submit Ellison Application (May – July 2026)
- Applications open on 1 May and close on 31 July 2026
- Complete the online application at ellisonscholars.eit.org/undergraduate
- Upload all required documents and submit before the deadline
Stage 3 — Semi-Finalist Selection (September – October 2026)
- Semi-finalists are selected. They then apply to the University of Oxford and follow the University’s separate and independent admissions process.
- This means completing Oxford’s own UCAS application, personal statement, reference letters, and any course-specific admissions tests
Stage 4 — Finalist Stage (January – February 2027)
- Semi-finalists who receive an offer from the University of Oxford automatically progress to the finalist stage. Following the final selection process, Ellison Scholars are chosen from the pool of finalists.
Stage 5 — Scholars Announced (March – April 2027)
- Ellison Scholars are selected, onboarded, and announced, and are supported by the Education & Scholarships team as they prepare for their arrival in Oxford.
Stage 6 — Begin at Oxford (October 2027)
- Scholars start their first academic year and their engagement with EIT Oxford
Pro tip: Register for an EIT online information webinar before submitting your application. Meeting the team and asking questions will help you tailor your application to what the selectors are genuinely looking for.
🎓 Important Dates
| Milestone | Timeline |
| Applications Open | 1 May 2026 |
| 🔴 Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
| Semi-Finalist Selection | September – October 2026 |
| Oxford Offer Decisions | January – February 2027 |
| Ellison Scholars Announced | March – April 2027 |
| Studies Begin at Oxford | October 2027 |
📌 Bookmark this page — and don’t miss the 31 July 2026 deadline. This window will not reopen.
🎓 Why Apply — Why Oxford, Why EIT
Let’s talk about what this actually means for your future. Oxford University is not just prestigious — it is transformative. An Oxford degree changes how the world sees you, how you see problems, and what career doors open to you. Oxford alumni lead governments, win Nobel Prizes, build global companies, and shape international policy.
What makes the Ellison Scholars Programme even more powerful is that you don’t simply arrive at Oxford as a student — you arrive as a funded innovator with a built-in research identity, a support network of world-class scientists, and paid project experience before you even sit your first-year exams.
The EIT itself is investing in excess of £10 billion in science and innovation across the UK. As an Ellison Scholar, you are embedded in that investment from day one — not as a bystander, but as an active contributor.
Here’s what makes this different from almost every other scholarship: it builds you into a research leader, not just a degree holder. By the time you graduate, you will have three summers of real EIT innovation experience under your belt, a network spanning some of the sharpest scientific minds on the planet, and a track record that sets you apart in any career — academic, commercial, or civic.
🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program open to international students from all countries? A: Yes — applicants from around the world are encouraged to apply. The scholarship is not restricted by nationality. All that matters is that you meet Oxford University’s entry requirements and EIT’s selection criteria.
Q: Do I need IELTS to apply? A: Oxford University’s English language requirements apply. Most international applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency — typically through IELTS (7.0 overall), TOEFL, or equivalent. Students who completed secondary education entirely in English may be eligible for an exemption. (Verify your specific situation on the Oxford admissions website.)
Q: Can I study any subject at Oxford with this scholarship? A: Yes. Scholars can pursue a fully-funded undergraduate degree in any discipline at the University of Oxford. STEM and innovation-related fields are particularly encouraged, but the programme is open to all subjects.
Q: How competitive is the Ellison Scholars Programme? A: Extremely competitive. Selection for this programme is highly competitive. You need both Oxford-level academic achievement and a demonstrated passion for innovation and global impact. The application requires two separate processes — the EIT scholar application and then Oxford’s independent admissions process.
Q: What happens during the internships? A: Each summer between academic years, Ellison Scholars complete a ten-week paid internship at EIT Oxford, working on real research and innovation projects in areas like AI, health science, food security, and climate technology. This is fully paid and covered by the scholarship.
Q: Is there a webinar or information session I can attend before applying? A: Yes. EIT offers online information sessions where prospective applicants can meet the team and ask questions. Register at studentportal.eit.org/informationsessionundergraduates before applying.
🎓 Official Sources & Application Links
- Official Programme Page: https://eit.org/education-and-scholarships/undergraduate
- Application Portal: https://ellisonscholars.eit.org/undergraduate
- Eligibility Checker: Built into the official programme page
- Information Sessions: https://studentportal.eit.org/informationsessionundergraduates
- Ellison Scholars Contact: scholars@eit.org | +44 1865 649520
- EIT Oxford Address: Winchester House, The Oxford Science Park, Heatley Road, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
- Follow Ellison Scholars: @ellisonscholars on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X
🎓 Complete Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
| Programme Name | Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program |
| Funder | Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford |
| University | University of Oxford 🇬🇧 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s — any subject) |
| Tuition | Fully Covered |
| Living Stipend | Generous (verify exact amount on official site) |
| Internships | 10 weeks/summer, fully paid, at EIT Oxford |
| Travel & Arrival | Covered (flights, visa, healthcare) |
| Tech Setup | Provided |
| Conference/Travel | Covered |
| IELTS Required | Oxford English requirements apply (exemptions possible) |
| Open To | All Nationalities Worldwide |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
| Study Start | October 2027 |
| Application Portal | ellisonscholars.eit.org/undergraduate |
🔗 Explore More Opportunities on Gradualin
Browse by Category:
Top UK & Europe Scholarships:
- 🎓 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships UK 2026
- 🎓 Fully Funded Scholarships Australia 2026
- 🎓 Study in Italy 2026 — Complete Guide
- 🎓 Finland Scholarships 2026 — Tuition Waivers
- 🎓 Fully Funded Scholarships USA 2026
Stay updated with the latest scholarships, jobs, and opportunities at Gradualin.com — your trusted guide to studying abroad for free.
