If you dream of earning a DPhil or PhD at the University of Oxford with all major costs covered, this is your moment. The Ellison Graduate Scholars Program is a fully funded route to Oxford, designed for bold thinkers who want to turn research into real-world impact.
Applications are open for the 2026/2027 cycle. Selected scholars will start their Oxford DPhil in 2027 under the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), gaining world-class supervision, interdisciplinary mentorship, and the resources to accelerate breakthrough ideas.
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International applicants are welcome. Funding, visa guidance, and relocation support mean you can focus on your research and your future. If you are serious about a research career at the highest level, read on and get ready to apply.
Why this scholarship stands out
Fully funded at Oxford: Tuition covered and a living stipend so you can study without financial stress.
Prestige plus purpose: Conduct your DPhil at Oxford while aligned with EIT’s mission to drive technology-enabled solutions with global impact.
Interdisciplinary by design: Collaborate across departments and research areas to solve complex, high-value problems.
Global access: Open to outstanding candidates from any country. Foreigners welcome.
Mentorship and community: Join a cohort of Ellison Scholars and benefit from expert guidance and professional development.
What the scholarship covers
This is a Fully Funded award for DPhil/PhD study at the University of Oxford under the Ellison Graduate Scholars Program. The package typically includes:
Full University of Oxford tuition for the duration of the DPhil
Living stipend to cover accommodation and daily expenses in Oxford
Research support and access to facilities aligned with your project
Relocation and visa guidance for international scholars
Exact funding details and any additional allowances are confirmed in your official offer. Always check the program’s page for the latest terms.
Program snapshot
Item
Summary
Scholarship name
Ellison Graduate Scholars Program
Host university
University of Oxford, UK
Funding level
Fully Funded (tuition + stipend; research support)
Degree
DPhil/PhD
Start
2027
Provider
Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT)
Citizenship
All nationalities eligible
Visa
Student visa sponsorship via University of Oxford for eligible admits
Research projects and DPhil areas
Ellison Scholars pursue Oxford DPhils connected to EIT’s mission and cross-cutting projects. You will align your doctoral research with a relevant Oxford department and supervisory team. While the precise portfolio of projects is published by the program, scholars commonly situate their work across technology, engineering, data and computational sciences, life sciences, and other high-impact fields.
Examples of relevant Oxford DPhil programs
Computer Science, Engineering Science, Information Engineering
Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science–oriented DPhils
Materials, Chemistry, Environmental and Earth Sciences
Public Policy or Social Data if tightly linked to tech-enabled impact
These are illustrative examples. Always verify the exact list of eligible DPhil courses and current project themes on the official program pages before applying.
Who can apply
Criterion
What the program looks for
Academic background
Strong undergraduate degree with research potential; a master’s degree can strengthen your profile for research-intensive DPhil routes
Field alignment
Clear fit with EIT’s mission and the chosen Oxford DPhil program
Research readiness
Evidence of research ability such as projects, publications, or relevant work experience
English language
Meets the University of Oxford’s English requirements for your department
Citizenship
Open to applicants from all countries
Start date
Available to commence DPhil in 2027
What is EIT?
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The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) partners with leading universities and researchers to accelerate technology-driven solutions with measurable societal benefit. Through the Ellison Graduate Scholars Program, EIT supports emerging researchers to carry out rigorous doctoral work at Oxford while connected to a collaborative, impact-focused community.
Selection criteria
Academic excellence: top grades, awards, and strong references
Research potential: clear questions, feasible methods, and a compelling plan
Impact orientation: alignment with high-impact problem areas and pathways to translation
Fit with supervisor/department: your proposed work suits Oxford’s expertise
Communication: ability to express complex ideas clearly, both in writing and in interview
Documents you will typically need
Academic CV highlighting research outputs and technical skills
Degree transcripts and certificates
Research statement or proposal aligned to EIT project themes and an Oxford DPhil
Two or three academic references
Proof of English proficiency if required by your department
Passport bio page for identity and visa planning
Portfolio or coding repository links if relevant
How to apply
Follow the official instructions on the program website, as processes can vary by year. A typical application route looks like this:
Review eligibility and focus areas: Confirm your research aligns with the Ellison Scholars themes and Oxford departments offering suitable DPhils.
Shortlist supervisors: Identify potential Oxford supervisors whose work matches your proposal. Early contact can be helpful if permitted by the department.
Prepare materials: Draft a sharp research statement, update your CV, request references, and sit an English test if needed.
Submit the Ellison Scholars application: Complete the online form and upload the required documents. Tailor your proposal to EIT’s mission and project areas.
Apply to Oxford: Submit a parallel application to the appropriate Oxford DPhil program, following the department’s deadlines and requirements.
Interviews: If shortlisted, attend interviews focused on your research plan, technical depth, and impact vision.
Offers and confirmation: Receive your scholarship decision and, if successful, your Oxford admission offer. Review funding terms, accept, and start visa preparations.
If the program requires you to apply to EIT first before applying to Oxford, follow that sequence. Always defer to the official guidance for the current cycle.
Visa sponsorship and relocation
International students admitted to a DPhil at Oxford are typically eligible for Student visa sponsorship via the University, which issues a CAS once conditions are met. As an Ellison Scholar, you will receive guidance on visa steps and timelines. Prepare early and keep your documents organized to avoid delays.
Keep your passport valid through your expected study period
Maintain financial documentation as required by UKVI and the University
Allow time for biometric appointments and visa processing
Timeline and deadline
Application window: 2026/2027 cycle
Start at Oxford: 2027
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline
Departments at Oxford sometimes set earlier DPhil deadlines for funding consideration. Plan backward from those dates and submit early.
Tips to make your application stand out
Lead with a problem statement: Define a concrete challenge and why it matters now.
Show feasibility: Outline methods, datasets, and milestones. Anticipate risks and how you will mitigate them.
Demonstrate fit: Cite specific Oxford research groups, labs, or supervisors relevant to your plan.
Evidence of impact: Link your work to outcomes beyond academia, such as tools, policies, or prototypes.
Quality references: Choose referees who know your research deeply and can speak to your potential.
FAQ
Is the Ellison Graduate Scholars Program open to international students?
Yes. Applicants from all countries are encouraged to apply. Foreigners welcome.
What does fully funded mean in this program?
It means tuition is covered and you receive a stipend for living costs. Additional support such as research expenses and relocation guidance is provided. Check your offer letter for precise terms.
Do I need to secure an Oxford supervisor before applying?
You should identify suitable supervisors and programs. Some departments allow or encourage prior contact. Follow the specific department’s guidance.
Is there an age limit?
No formal age limit is stated. Selection is based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with program priorities.
Can I apply if I am still completing my current degree?
Yes, if you will have met all entry requirements before the Oxford start in 2027. You may receive a conditional offer pending final results.
What English tests are accepted?
Follow the University of Oxford’s accepted English language tests and required scores for your department.
Do I submit one application or two?
You will typically submit an Ellison Scholars application and a separate Oxford DPhil application. The exact sequence and requirements are set on the official pages for the 2026/2027 cycle.
After you win: what to expect
Onboarding: You will receive instructions on accepting your offer, meeting any conditions, and preparing for enrollment.
Visa and relocation: Start your Student visa process as soon as your CAS is issued. Plan accommodation and arrival logistics early.
Research launch: Finalize your project with your supervisor and integrate into your department and the Ellison Scholars community.
How to get started now
Confirm your field and shortlist Oxford DPhil programs that match your research goals.
Draft a focused research statement aligned with EIT’s mission.
Collect transcripts and line up referees early.
Complete the Ellison Scholars application and the Oxford DPhil application for the 2026/2027 cycle.
Visit the official website for the current deadline and any program updates.
Big opportunities do not wait. If Oxford is your dream and impact is your goal, the Ellison Graduate Scholars Program can put both within reach. Get your documents ready, refine your proposal, and apply now.
