Ellison Scholars
The Ellison Scholars programme empowers exceptional individuals to become global technology innovators and leaders of the future, solving humanity’s most challenging and enduring problems. Scholars actively contribute to EIT’s innovation projects across its four humane endeavours - health and medical science, food security and sustainable agriculture, climate change and clean energy and government innovation in the era of AI, through technological advancements, transforming research into practical solutions and scaling them for global impact.
The programme provides full funding for undergraduate or graduate studies at the University of Oxford, covering course fees, a generous living stipend and the equivalent of paid internships. Alongside their Oxford education, Scholars engage in project-based learning and receive mentorship with world-renowned experts at EIT, preparing them to drive profound change in their home countries and around the world.
Where education meets innovation
Make meaningful contributions
Join a team with other Scholars and the EIT Faculty of Fellows to work on important projects during the academic years and summers. The projects will initially be designed by a Faculty Fellow and the Scholar will be chosen to help advance the goals of the project. Design and build software, sensors, small molecules, proteins, new materials—the only limits—imagination and natural law.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Each Scholar will be chosen by an EIT Faculty Fellow to work collaboratively on their project. All projects are multidisciplinary and are comprised of a team that includes other Scholars, the Faculty of Fellows, other EIT scientists and engineers, as well as students and faculty of affiliated universities to help the Scholar achieve their goals.
Fully funded studies and internships
An academic scholarship that funds all course fees at the University of Oxford, with a generous stipend to cover things such as travel, programming, accommodation and living expenses. The multi-year programme includes the equivalent of paid internships, with continued work on a project within EIT’s humane endeavours.
State-of-the-art facilities
Set for completion in 2027, the Oxford campus will include laboratories for robot development, state of the art proteomic analysis and genomic sequencing, laboratories to study and engineer biology, advanced cloud-controlled greenhouses and the world’s largest computer for designing and training artificial neural networks: a 16,000 node NVIDIA H100 GPU supercluster interconnected by low latency, high bandwidth RDMA network. In addition, the University of Oxford spends the largest amount on research of any UK university; therefore, the University boasts an impressive array of facilities readily available to facilitate students’ research and studies.
Lifelong scholars network
The relationship of the Scholar with EIT will not end after they receive an Oxford degree - they will have ongoing access to EIT technology and human assets as they continue working toward profound change in their home country and around the world. Projects may receive long-term future funding as spin-off companies. We expect Alumni Scholars will provide mentorship and guidance to future Scholars.
Programming
The Ellison Scholars programme aspires to cultivate a lifelong network of impact-driven leaders and innovators. The programming equips Scholars with a strong foundation of skills, character and connections, empowering them to excel in their fields while leading with integrity and purpose to drive meaningful global change.
Our multi-year leadership and innovation programming supports Ellison Scholars from pre-arrival through to graduation and into their professional journeys. The programming is built around key principles that nurture holistic growth and empower Scholars to lead with purpose and innovation: Leadership Development, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Community and Personal and Lifelong Development.
Scholars support
Scholars Support: Enabling Excellence
The Scholars Support team is committed to empowering Ellison Scholars throughout their Oxford experience – providing guidance to help them fully embrace the unique opportunities the Ellison Scholars programme offers. Our approach is built on three key pillars: Pastoral & Wellbeing Support, Financial Provisions and Academic and Project Support.
Life in Oxford
Oxford: A World-Class Hub for Learning and Innovation
The city of Oxford offers an incomparable environment for students to thrive and develop, thanks to its rich history in academia, global influence in innovation and access to dynamic enterprise. Renowned as the home of the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is an internationally respected hub of learning, teaching and groundbreaking research. The number of esteemed and talented Oxonians is too long to list, but the University boasts an impressive legacy of alumni, which includes 28 British Prime Ministers, 55 Nobel Prize winners, 120 Olympic medal winners and at least 30 international leaders, clearly demonstrating the impact and influence the University of Oxford on the global stage.
A Vibrant Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Oxford, consisting of a population of just over 160,000 people, fosters an inclusive community whilst facilitating global connectivity through its world-class research and business networks. Beyond academia, Oxford boasts a vibrant and welcoming culture, with bustling shops, cafes and pubs, and energetic festivals making Oxford as enjoyable as it is inspiring. Whether you are exploring the iconic landmarks scattered throughout the city, gazing in awe at the beauty of the city’s historical architecture or enjoying a punt along the river, Oxford has plenty on offer for you to enjoy.
Supervised by world-leading experts
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Scholar projects
EIT develops and deploys technology in pursuit of solving humanity’s most challenging and enduring problems. Our multidisciplinary teams focus on four key areas of scientific and technological innovation, known as humane endeavours – health and medical science, food security and sustainable agriculture, climate change and green energy; and government innovation in the era of artificial intelligence. Ellison Scholars will work collaboratively on projects that accelerate innovation for global benefit across these four key innovation areas. More information on the projects will be published soon.
Our ideal candidate
The Ellison Scholars programme is looking for at least twenty candidates from around the world each year, who are passionate about solving humanity’s most serious problems. Scholars will fully commit to both their study at the University of Oxford and their ongoing project work with EIT.
Types of scholarship
Undergraduate scholarships
Undergraduate Ellison Scholars programme covers any full-time undergraduate course at the University of Oxford.
Graduate scholarships
There are two routes to be funded by EIT Oxford to study a full-time DPhil/PhD at the University of Oxford.
- Contribute substantively and meaningfully to the EIT projects as an EIT Graduate Student.
- Apply for a place on the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Fundamentals of AI.