Ellison Scholars: Full University of Oxford Scholarships For Tech Innovators 

Imagine a world where technology solves humanity’s biggest problems, where critical crops can be grown almost anywhere, where clean energy powers cities sustainably, and where diseases are diagnosed before symptoms even appear.  These are just some of the ambitious goals the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford is working towards – and a unique collaboration with the University of Oxford will fully fund scholarships for truly outstanding applicants interested in supporting our mission. Candidates for the 2025 Ellison Scholars graduate (DPhil/PhD) programme have until September 30, 2024 to apply – if you think you would be a strong applicant, we would love to hear from you! 

What is EIT Oxford? 

EIT Oxford accelerates innovation across four key areas, known collectively as the ‘Humane Endeavours’:

• Health & Medical Science 
• Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture 
• Climate Change & Clean Energy 
• Government Innovation & Era of Artificial Intelligence 

EIT Oxford is overseen by a leadership team that includes our founder, Larry Ellison, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and the President of EIT Oxford, Professor Sir John Bell.  A central goal for EIT Oxford is to identify exceptional students from across the globe and prepare them to become the tech innovators and leaders of tomorrow – equipped with the skills to invent, improve and manage the next generation of technology. 

What role will Ellison Scholars play at EIT Oxford? 

Ellison Scholars will join projects within EIT Oxford focused on solving real-world problems in at least one of the four Humane Endeavours. Each year, we will select talented individuals to become graduate and undergraduate scholars driven by a passion for addressing humanity’s most serious problems. We have created videos and guides for candidates that will be available once they start their application, including clips of project leads discussing their team’s work.  

Applications are open until 30 September 2024 for people wanting to start their graduate studies in 2025. The graduate scholarship fully funds DPhil (PhD) study at the University of Oxford, and the doctoral research will focus on one of the EIT Oxford projects. While the undergraduate window for 2025 applicants has already closed for this year, the application window will reopen next year for students looking to start their studies at the University of Oxford in 2026. 

Key benefits of the Ellison Scholars Programme 

Ellison Scholars will enjoy a range of benefits: 

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Our scholars will collaborate on innovation projects led by EIT Faculty Fellows, joining a team of scientists, engineers and other students 
• Fully funded studies: The funding will not only cover all University of Oxford course fees, travel costs and living expenses – Ellison Scholars will also receive the equivalent of a paid internship for their work on EIT innovation projects  
• Mentorship and guidance: alongside novel research and discovery, Ellison Scholars will support the practical and commercial development of the projects – supported by world-leading experts on the entrepreneurial aspects of manufacturing and scaling to bring innovative ideas to life 
• State-of-the-art facilities: Scholars will have access to our 30,000 square metre new campus in Oxford, designed by Lord Norman Foster to deliver technological innovation 

What we are looking for from potential applicants 

First and foremost, our graduate candidates must meet the academic requirements of their chosen DPhil at the University of Oxford, so interested candidates will need to be on track to achieve that! 

To support on the work at EIT Oxford, applicants will also need to demonstrate skills relevant to their chosen project and University degree, along with motivation to work collaboratively on projects that will accelerate innovation for global benefit.  

We will also be looking for personal criteria, such as being: 

• Academically excellent and demonstrating a passion for their subjects (somebody who exhibits creativity as a problem-solver and is enthusiastic and curious about their interests) 
• Tenacious and resolute (someone who perseveres against the odds and sees failure as an opportunity to gain information and try something new) 
• A strong communicator, influencer or trusted collaborator 

The balance between academia and innovation  

Part of what makes the Ellison Scholars programme so unique is the dual emphasis on research and innovation. Some candidates may be stronger in academia than innovation (or vice-versa), that’s OK, so long as they are interested in honing both skills.  

We are looking for students who can show they are ready to support the important progress we are making at EIT and also embark on a path to become future global tech leaders, benefitting from an unparalleled quality of education, resources and guidance. 

How to apply for the Ellison Scholars Graduate Programme 

Applications for the graduate programme are now open and will close on September 30th. Following submission of the application form, there is a selection process by EIT faculty. Successful candidates will be awarded the scholarship, conditional on receiving an offer of study from the University of Oxford. After being informed they have been shortlisted for a scholarship, candidates would then apply for a DPhil at the University of Oxford. Admission to the University of Oxford is a separate and independent process – though EIT can offer applicants who are shortlisted to be an Ellison Scholar support in preparing their applications to Oxford. The final list of graduate scholars will then be announced after DPhil places are offered by the University, with final Ellison Scholar selection taking place in April 2025. 

If you think you meet the criteria outlined, we would love to receive your application!  Start your application today, email scholars@eit.org with your questions, sign up for our newsletter and register for our information sessions. For assistance with scholarship, undergraduate and postgraduate applications, contact The Red Pen. Meanwhile, read the blog Scholarships for Master’s Abroad: What International Students Must Know.