OPEN · October 2027 entry · Deadline: 1 December 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time · University of Oxford
Last verified: 23 September 2026. Applications are open for the Graduate Ellison Scholars 2027 programme. The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) supports fully funded doctoral study at the University of Oxford while Graduate Ellison Scholars contribute directly to EIT-linked research and innovation projects.
Graduate Ellison Scholars 2027 at a Glance
| Programme | Graduate Ellison Scholars |
| Host university | University of Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Funding organisation | Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) |
| Degree level | Doctoral study — DPhil/PhD |
| Entry | October 2027 for the direct Graduate Ellison Scholars route |
| Current status | Applications open |
| Direct EIT application deadline | 1 December 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time |
| Funding | Full Oxford tuition fees, living-cost stipend and additional support described below |
| Who can apply | Applicants who meet the relevant Oxford doctoral entry requirements and EIT selection criteria |
What Is the Graduate Ellison Scholars Programme?
The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme is EIT’s doctoral scholarship route for researchers who want to complete a DPhil at Oxford while contributing to an EIT project. It is not a general-purpose doctoral award: applicants are expected to show a strong match between their academic preparation, research experience and the EIT research area or project they choose.
EIT opened the 2027 cycle on 16 September 2026. Direct Graduate Ellison Scholars applications close on 1 December 2026, and successful scholars are expected to begin their Oxford studies in October 2027.
Funding and Scholarship Benefits
For the direct Graduate Ellison Scholars programme, EIT states that the funding package covers the principal costs of doctoral study and additional research and relocation support. The published package includes:
- University of Oxford tuition fees for the duration of the graduate course;
- a scholarship stipend to cover living costs in Oxford;
- travel and conference costs;
- personal technology setup; and
- arrival costs in Oxford, including flights, visa charges and access to healthcare.
Important: EIT also funds selected students through the Oxford DTP in Generative Biology, CDT in Fundamentals of AI and Correlates of Immunity routes. EIT states that the funding packages for those routes are different, so applicants should check the relevant Oxford or programme-specific page rather than assume the direct Graduate Ellison Scholars package applies to every route.
2027 Research Areas and Application Routes
The 2027 cycle uses multiple application routes. Applicants should identify the correct route before preparing their application.
| Research Area | 2027 Application Route and Status |
|---|---|
| Pathogen Programme | Graduate Ellison Scholars application platform — open. |
| Materials & Devices for Life Sciences (MDLS) | Graduate Ellison Scholars application platform — open. |
| Plant Biology | Graduate Ellison Scholars application platform — open. |
| Economics | Graduate Ellison Scholars application platform — open. |
| Generative Biology | University of Oxford DTP in Generative Biology — open; deadline 6 January 2027 at 12:00 midday UK time. |
| Artificial Intelligence & Robotics | University of Oxford CDT in Fundamentals of AI — Oxford currently lists the route as opening soon, with a published deadline of 6 January 2027 at 12:00 midday UK time. |
| Correlates of Immunity | Relevant Oxford/EIT project-specific route — follow the current project instructions. |
For Pathogen, MDLS, Plant Biology and Economics, applicants use the direct Graduate Ellison Scholars platform. Selected candidates who receive a conditional offer of EIT funding are subsequently invited to apply to the relevant University of Oxford course and are assessed through Oxford’s independent admissions process.
For Generative Biology, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics and Correlates of Immunity, applicants use the relevant Oxford or programme-specific route. Following the University admissions process, exceptional offer holders may be nominated for consideration as Graduate Ellison Scholars, with EIT making the final funding decision.
Research Backgrounds EIT Is Seeking
EIT highlights applicants with relevant skills in areas including computer science, artificial intelligence, economics, mathematics, robotics, plant sciences, machine learning, chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine and microbiology. The discipline title alone is not decisive; applicants must demonstrate skills aligned with their chosen project or research area.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University of Oxford entry requirements for the relevant doctoral course and EIT’s scholarship criteria. A master’s degree is not universally required; the required qualification depends on the individual Oxford DPhil course.
- Meet, or be on track to meet, the academic entry requirements for the relevant Oxford doctoral course.
- Meet any English-language requirement specified by the chosen Oxford course.
- Demonstrate a clear research, technical and skills match with the selected EIT project or programme.
- Apply for the appropriate full-time doctoral course. EIT states that it normally funds full-time DPhil/PhD study; applicants seeking part-time study should contact EIT directly to discuss their circumstances.
- Provide the academic evidence requested in the application. Applicants may apply while completing their current degree, with any offer conditional on meeting Oxford’s entry requirements.
Graduate Ellison Scholars Selection Criteria
EIT publishes six selection criteria. Applications should provide specific evidence against these areas rather than relying on broad statements of motivation.
- Alignment: ability and experience relevant to the chosen EIT project, genuine interest in the project and a research proposal that matches its objectives where required.
- Excellence: strong academic performance, intellectual curiosity and evidence of high-level research capability.
- Innovation: evidence of original thinking, technological creativity, publications, patents or advanced research activity where relevant.
- Collaboration: effective contribution to research teams, co-authored work, multi-institutional studies or other collaborative academic activity.
- Tenacity: sustained effort through demanding research, long-term projects, competitive funding or significant research challenges.
- Integrity: trustworthy conduct, accurate application information and evidence of reliability in research or leadership responsibilities.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
- Choose the correct route first. Confirm whether your research area uses the direct EIT application platform or an Oxford programme-specific route.
- Study the project description carefully. Map your methods, publications, research experience and technical skills directly to the stated project requirements.
- Check the Oxford DPhil entry requirements. Degree classifications, subject prerequisites and English-language requirements vary between courses.
- Prepare evidence for EIT’s six selection criteria. Use specific achievements, outputs and responsibilities rather than generic statements.
- Prepare academic documentation. Applicants still completing a degree may apply, but should be ready to provide the evidence requested for current or predicted academic performance.
- Submit early. EIT states that applications may be reviewed as they are received, although the direct Graduate Ellison Scholars deadline is 1 December 2026.
Application Timeline for 2027 Entry
| Stage | Date / timing |
|---|---|
| Direct Graduate Ellison Scholars applications opened | 16 September 2026 |
| Direct Graduate Ellison Scholars deadline | 1 December 2026, 5:00 p.m. UK time |
| Generative Biology DTP deadline | 6 January 2027, 12:00 midday UK time |
| Fundamentals of AI CDT deadline | 6 January 2027, 12:00 midday UK time; Oxford currently lists the course as “Opening Soon” |
| Oxford applications for selected direct-route candidates | January–March 2027 |
| Graduate Ellison Scholars announced | April 2027 |
| Direct Graduate Ellison Scholars begin studies | October 2027 |
Important Application Notes
- The Graduate Ellison Scholars programme funds research degrees at the University of Oxford; EIT does not offer this graduate funding for taught master’s degrees.
- Applicants may pursue other scholarships and university opportunities alongside an EIT application.
- EIT permits up to two applications to the graduate programme.
- Oxford admission and EIT scholarship selection are linked but distinct processes.
- For the direct EIT route, conditional EIT funding does not replace Oxford’s independent admissions assessment.
- Applicants should use the official EIT and Oxford pages as the final authority if a deadline, project, course status or eligibility condition changes after this CareerAidHub verification.
Related CareerAidHub Resources
- PhD Opportunities: Funded Doctoral Positions and Scholarships
- Fully Funded PhD Positions and Doctoral Scholarships
- Latest PhD Fellowship Updates
- United Kingdom Academic and Research Opportunities
Official Application and Sources
For Pathogen, Materials & Devices for Life Sciences, Plant Biology and Economics, use the official Graduate Ellison Scholars application platform below. Applicants in Generative Biology, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics and Correlates of Immunity should follow the route specified on EIT’s current graduate research pages.
- EIT Graduate Ellison Scholars programme and selection criteria
- EIT Education & Scholarships FAQs
- EIT announcement: applications opened 16 September 2026
- University of Oxford — Generative Biology DTP
- University of Oxford — Fundamentals of AI CDT
- University of Oxford Graduate Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Graduate Ellison Scholars 2027 applications open?
Yes. EIT opened the direct 2027 Graduate Ellison Scholars cycle on 16 September 2026. The deadline is 1 December 2026 at 5:00 p.m. UK time.
Is the Graduate Ellison Scholars programme fully funded?
Yes. EIT states that the direct Graduate Ellison Scholars package covers Oxford tuition fees, a living-cost stipend, travel and conference costs, personal technology setup and specified arrival costs. Separate EIT-funded Oxford doctoral routes have different funding arrangements.
Do I need a master’s degree?
Not necessarily. EIT directs applicants to the entry requirements for the individual University of Oxford doctoral course. A master’s degree is therefore not a universal requirement for every eligible DPhil route.
Can international applicants apply?
EIT recruits graduate applicants internationally. Candidates must still meet the relevant Oxford course requirements and EIT selection criteria.
Do all research areas use the same application form?
No. Pathogen, MDLS, Plant Biology and Economics use the direct Graduate Ellison Scholars platform. Generative Biology, AI & Robotics and Correlates of Immunity use their respective Oxford or programme-specific routes.
Is the Fundamentals of AI CDT open for 2027 entry?
As verified on 23 September 2026, Oxford lists the Fundamentals of AI CDT as “Opening Soon” for 2027–28 entry and publishes a final application deadline of 6 January 2027 at 12:00 midday UK time. Applicants should check the Oxford course page before attempting to submit.
