Fully-Funded Oxford Undergraduate Scholarships – Ellison Scholars Programme 2027

Introduction

The Ellison Scholars Programme, funded by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), is a highly selective scholarship supporting study at the University of Oxford in science and technology-related fields. Scholars are high-performers who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to apply knowledge critically and effectively to solve complex challenges.

If you’re a student who wants to build technologies that improve healthcare, fight climate change, strengthen food security, or advance artificial intelligence for societal benefit, this is a scholarship worth knowing about.

What is the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT)?

The Ellison Institute of Technology is a global research and innovation institute that develops and deploys science and technology to address some of humanity’s most complex and enduring problems. Rather than focusing solely on academic research, EIT brings together scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, clinicians, policymakers, and students to turn discoveries into practical, real-world solutions.

Its work is organised around four major “Humane Endeavours”:

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

Students supported by EIT don’t simply study these areas in the classroom, they also actively contribute to research and innovation projects alongside leading experts.

Who are the Ellison Scholars?

Each year, EIT selects exceptional students from around the world who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a genuine commitment to solving global challenges. The programme supports both undergraduate and doctoral students.

For undergraduate scholars, studying at Oxford is only one part of the experience. Throughout their degree, they work collaboratively on interdisciplinary projects designed to accelerate scientific discovery and technological innovation.

The programme is highly competitive and looks beyond grades alone. Applicants are expected to show initiative, creativity, resilience, and evidence that they have already begun applying their knowledge to real-world problems.

What Does the Scholarship Include?

The Ellison Scholars Programme offers one of the most comprehensive funding packages available for undergraduate students. It covers:

• Tuition fees for the duration of the undergraduate course
• A generous academic scholarship stipend to cover living costs in Oxford
• The equivalent of paid internships for work on EIT innovation projects
• Travel and conference costs
• Personal technology setup
• Arrival costs, including flights, visa charges, and access to healthcare

The internships are a central part of the programme. Undergraduate scholars spend approximately ten weeks each summer working on EIT research and innovation projects. Beyond the internships, the programme offers cutting-edge development programming to help scholars chart a bespoke self-development course, along with opportunities to engage in Oxford college and university life through its many clubs and societies.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is ideal for students who:

• Have an outstanding academic record
• Want to study at the University of Oxford
• Enjoy solving complex, real-world problems
• Have demonstrated initiative through research, innovation, entrepreneurship, or community projects
• Want their education to create measurable global impact

Although many successful applicants have backgrounds in STEM subjects such as computer science, engineering, biology, mathematics, and artificial intelligence, students applying for non-STEM degrees are also eligible. They must clearly explain how their chosen Oxford course will contribute to one or more of EIT’s Humane Endeavours.

How Does the Application Process Work?

Selection for the Undergraduate Ellison Scholars Programme is a multi-stage process. Importantly, applicants must succeed in two independent processes: the Ellison Scholars application and the University of Oxford’s own admissions process. 

The stages are as follows:

Stage 1 — Submit an online application to the Ellison Scholars Programme, including:

• A valid passport or other form of identification
• Proof of English proficiency as recognised by the University of Oxford
• Predicted grades, or a letter from your school if predicted grades are unavailable
• A written assignment (250 words): Describe a specific problem within your chosen Humane Endeavour(s) that you are passionate about solving, and explain how you would solve it. Beyond the problem and solution prompts, applicants must also answer: (1) how their chosen Oxford course aligns with the Ellison Scholars Programme, and (2) a question, recounting a specific instance of failure or setback and how they overcame it. 
• A three-minute video submission introducing yourself and explaining why you are a strong fit for the programme
• Three references: two academic (one must be from a teacher at your current or most recent school) and one character reference
• A portfolio of up to ten entries demonstrating how you meet the selection criteria; entries can include awards, camps, conferences, competitions, fairs, olympiads, internships, patents, publications, research projects, and scholarships. Note: each portfolio entry must cover a single achievement only. If an applicant has three awards, they must submit three separate entries. 

Stage 2 — EIT reviews applications and selects semi-finalists.

Stage 3 — Semi-finalists are invited to submit a separate application to the University of Oxford through its independent UCAS admissions process, by 15 October 2026.

Stage 4 — Applicants who receive an Oxford offer become finalists for the scholarship.

Stage 5 — Final Ellison Scholars are selected and announced before beginning their studies.

Important Dates 

Conclusion

The Ellison Scholars Programme rewards academic excellence combined with action. Successful applicants are curious thinkers, collaborative leaders, and future innovators committed to solving real-world challenges.

Applications for students beginning Oxford in October 2027 are open now, with the Ellison application deadline on 31 July 2026. If this programme aligns with your goals, start preparing your application early, reflect on the impact you’ve already made, gather strong references, and ensure you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.