Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship 2027 in the UK | Fully Funded at Oxford University

Applications are now open for the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Programme 2027 in the UK. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship offers exceptional students from around the world the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford.

The programme is supported by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) and combines world-class academic study with practical research, innovation projects and summer internships. Selected scholars will study their chosen undergraduate subject at Oxford while working with leading scientists, researchers, engineers and technology experts on projects designed to solve major global challenges.

The Ellison Scholars Programme covers university tuition fees and provides generous financial support for accommodation, living expenses, travel and other programme-related costs. Students from different countries and academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The application deadline for the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Programme 2027 is 31 July 2026.

Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Programme 2027 Details

• Host country: United Kingdom
• Host university: University of Oxford
• Funding organisation: Ellison Institute of Technology
• Degree level: Undergraduate
• Scholarship coverage: Fully funded
• Eligible applicants: International students
• Programme start: October 2027
• Application deadline: 31 July 2026
• Reference deadline: 10 August 2026

About the Ellison Scholars Programme

The Ellison Scholars Programme supports highly talented students who want to use science, technology and innovation to address some of the world’s most serious challenges.

Alongside their undergraduate studies at Oxford, scholars participate in innovative projects at the Ellison Institute of Technology. These projects focus on finding practical solutions in areas such as healthcare, food security, climate change, artificial intelligence and robotics.

The programme is suitable for academically outstanding students who have already demonstrated creativity, leadership, problem-solving abilities and a strong interest in making a positive global impact.

Financial Benefits of the Ellison Scholarship 2027

The Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the scholar’s undergraduate studies.

Selected scholars can receive:

• Full payment of University of Oxford tuition and course fees
• A generous allowance for accommodation
• Financial support for living expenses
• Annual travel between the scholar’s home country and Oxford
• Additional programme-related travel expenses
• Initial financial support for study equipment and technology
• Access to modern research laboratories and facilities
• Paid or fully supported summer internships at EIT
• Academic, professional and personal development support
• Mentorship from leading researchers and technology experts
• Opportunities to participate in international research and innovation projects

The exact financial support may depend on the scholar’s individual circumstances and programme requirements.

Available Undergraduate Fields

The Ellison Scholars Programme supports undergraduate study in any discipline available at the University of Oxford, provided the applicant can clearly explain how the selected course connects with EIT’s mission and research priorities.

EIT is particularly interested in applicants with skills or experience in areas such as:

• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Robotics
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Medicine
• Biology
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Plant Sciences
• Materials Science
• Generative Biology
• Synthetic Biology
• Tissue Engineering
• Data Science and Technology

Applicants from other academic fields may also apply when they can demonstrate how their knowledge and chosen Oxford degree will contribute to solving global problems.

EIT Research and Innovation Areas

Undergraduate Ellison Scholars work on projects connected with four major areas of global importance.

1. Health, Medical Science and Generative Biology

Projects in this area aim to improve disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, medicine development and global healthcare through advanced science and technology.

2. Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture

These projects focus on improving agricultural production, protecting crops, increasing food security and developing sustainable food systems.

3. Climate Change and Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

Scholars may contribute to projects involving environmental protection, climate technologies, carbon management and sustainable solutions.

4. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Projects may involve artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, robotics and advanced digital technologies that can help solve complex global problems.

Summer Internships at EIT

Summer internships are an important part of the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Programme.

Between academic years, scholars normally spend approximately 10 weeks during the Oxford summer vacation working with EIT research and innovation teams.

During these internships, students may:

• Work on active EIT research projects
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers and researchers
• Use advanced laboratories and technology facilities
• Develop technical and professional skills
• Apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems
• Participate in interdisciplinary teamwork
• Contribute to projects with measurable global impact

Scholars also remain involved with EIT projects and development activities throughout the academic year.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy both the University of Oxford admission requirements and the Ellison Scholars Programme selection criteria.

To be eligible, applicants should:

• Be applying for undergraduate study beginning in October 2027
• Hold or be completing a secondary school or high-school qualification accepted by Oxford
• Meet or be on track to meet the academic grade requirements for their chosen Oxford course
• Meet or be on track to meet Oxford’s English-language requirements
• Select an undergraduate course offered by the University of Oxford
• Demonstrate outstanding academic ability
• Show strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Demonstrate creativity, innovation and intellectual curiosity
• Have an interest in solving important global challenges
• Be able to work effectively with people from different backgrounds
• Show evidence of leadership, determination and integrity
• Explain how their knowledge and experience connect with EIT’s research areas
• Be prepared to participate in EIT projects and summer internships

Applicants must normally be at least 18 years old by the end of their first academic year at Oxford. Medicine applicants must meet Oxford’s specific minimum-age requirements before beginning their course.

Ellison Scholars Selection Criteria

The programme looks for applicants who demonstrate the following qualities:

Academic Excellence

Applicants should have an outstanding academic record and the ability to meet the highly competitive admission requirements of the University of Oxford.

Alignment With EIT’s Mission

Candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in using their education, abilities and experience to address major global problems.

Innovation

Applicants should be able to develop new ideas, approach problems creatively and demonstrate evidence of innovation.

Collaboration

Successful scholars must be able to communicate effectively and work productively as part of multidisciplinary and international teams.

Tenacity

Candidates should demonstrate determination, resilience and the ability to continue working toward difficult goals.

Integrity

Applicants must show honesty, responsibility, maturity and a commitment to ethical conduct.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents and information:

• Valid passport or identification document
• Academic transcripts
• Secondary-school or high-school certificates
• Official predicted grades, when final results are not yet available
• Information about the selected University of Oxford course
• Details of academic achievements
• Competition awards, honours or certificates
• Evidence of technical, scientific or research experience
• Information about projects, volunteering or extracurricular activities
• Written responses to application questions
• Details of a suitable academic referee
• Proof of English-language ability, when required
• Any additional supporting documents requested in the application portal

Applicants applying with predicted grades should provide official evidence from their school, college or examination centre.

Application Process

The Ellison Scholarship and University of Oxford admission processes are separate.

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Oxford Course Requirements

Select an undergraduate course at the University of Oxford and review its academic, subject and English-language requirements.

Step 2: Check Scholarship Eligibility

Use the eligibility checker available on the Ellison Institute of Technology website.

Step 3: Create an Online Account

Register through the official Ellison Scholars application portal using a valid email address.

Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Application

Provide your personal information, academic history, achievements, experiences and written responses.

Applicants should clearly explain:

• Why they selected their proposed Oxford course
• Which global problems they want to address
• How their skills connect with EIT’s projects
• What they have already done to demonstrate innovation and impact
• How they work with other people
• Why they would be a strong Ellison Scholar

Step 5: Add Referee Information

Provide the required information for an academic referee who can comment on your abilities, achievements and suitability.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit the complete scholarship application by 31 July 2026 at 4:00 PM in the applicant’s local time.

The referee must submit the reference by 10 August 2026 at 4:00 PM UK time.

Step 7: Apply to the University of Oxford

Applicants selected as semi-finalists will be invited to submit a separate undergraduate application to the University of Oxford.

The Oxford undergraduate application must normally be submitted through UCAS by 15 October 2026.

Being selected as an Ellison Scholarship semi-finalist does not guarantee admission to Oxford. The university evaluates applicants through its own independent admissions process.

Application and Selection Timeline

1 May to 31 July 2026

Applications for the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Programme remain open.

September to October 2026

EIT reviews applications and selects semi-finalists.

By 15 October 2026

Semi-finalists submit their separate undergraduate applications to the University of Oxford.

January to February 2027

Applicants who receive an offer from Oxford automatically progress to the Ellison Scholarship finalist stage.

March to April 2027

Successful Ellison Scholars are selected, contacted and officially announced.

October 2027

Selected scholars begin their undergraduate studies at the University of Oxford and start participating in EIT activities.

Tips for a Strong Application

The Ellison Scholars Programme is highly competitive. Applicants should focus on providing specific evidence rather than making general statements.

A strong application should:

• Demonstrate excellent academic performance
• Clearly connect the chosen Oxford course with EIT’s work
• Include examples of projects, competitions or research activities
• Explain the applicant’s personal contribution to each achievement
• Show evidence of creativity and independent thinking
• Describe challenges the applicant has overcome
• Demonstrate teamwork and leadership experience
• Present a realistic vision for creating positive global impact
• Use clear, direct and well-structured English
• Be carefully reviewed before submission

Applicants should not simply state that they are passionate about science or technology. They should provide real examples showing how they have already used their knowledge and abilities.

Important Information

Applicants should remember the following points:

• The scholarship is available only for study at the University of Oxford.
• Applicants may select any Oxford undergraduate subject, but they must demonstrate a strong connection with EIT’s mission.
• The scholarship application and Oxford admission application are separate.
• Applicants do not need to apply to Oxford before submitting the initial scholarship application.
• Only selected semi-finalists will progress through the scholarship selection process.
• Receiving a scholarship shortlist does not guarantee Oxford admission.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applicants should submit early to avoid technical problems near the deadline.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Fully Funded Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Programme 2027 is:

31 July 2026

Applications must be submitted by 4:00 PM according to the applicant’s local time.

The deadline for referees to submit references is 10 August 2026 at 4:00 PM UK time.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official Ellison Scholars application portal.

Before applying, candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements, selection criteria, accepted Oxford qualifications and requirements for their chosen undergraduate course.

Applicants should use the official programme website to check their eligibility and access the online application form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ellison Undergraduate Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. It provides full financial support for undergraduate study at the University of Oxford, including course fees and generous support for living, accommodation, travel and programme-related expenses.

Can international students apply?

Yes. The programme welcomes applications from academically exceptional students worldwide who meet Oxford’s admission requirements.

Is there an application fee?

The Ellison Scholars application does not normally require an application fee. However, applicants should check the separate University of Oxford and UCAS application requirements.

Can I apply for a non-STEM subject?

Yes. The programme is open to all Oxford undergraduate subjects. However, applicants must clearly explain how their course will enable them to contribute to EIT’s research areas and global mission.

Do I need an Oxford offer before applying?

No. Applicants initially apply to the Ellison Scholars Programme. Selected semi-finalists are then invited to apply separately to the University of Oxford.

Can students with predicted grades apply?

Yes. Students awaiting their final results may apply using official predicted grades provided by their school or examination centre.

Is IELTS compulsory?

Applicants must meet the English-language requirements of their chosen Oxford course. The accepted evidence and required scores depend on Oxford’s current admission policies and the applicant’s circumstances.

Can current Oxford students apply?

The programme is primarily intended for students beginning their undergraduate studies at Oxford in October 2027. Current students are generally not the intended applicants for this multi-year programme.

When will successful scholars be announced?

The final selection and scholarship announcements are expected between March and April 2027.

Conclusion

The Fully Funded Ellison Scholars Programme 2027 at Oxford University is an exceptional opportunity for talented international students who want to receive a world-class education while working on projects that address major global challenges.

With complete financial support, access to advanced research facilities, summer internships, mentorship and the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford, the programme offers much more than a traditional undergraduate scholarship.

Students with excellent academic results, innovative ideas, leadership potential and a genuine commitment to creating global impact should prepare their documents and submit their applications before 31 July 2026.