Graduate Funding
Contribute substantively and meaningfully to EIT projects as a graduate Ellison Scholar or as an EIT Research Student
EIT Oxford provides fully-funded doctoral (DPhil/PhD) study at the University of Oxford, where students directly contribute to progressing an EIT project. These projects tackle global challenges through cutting-edge technology, offering graduate students the chance to collaborate with world-leading experts to develop innovative solutions.
This highly competitive programme is looking for exceptionally talented individuals with the skills and expertise to contribute significantly to our projects. We are particularly interested in students with skills in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, economics, mathematics, robotics, plant sciences, machine learning, chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine or microbiology. Graduate applicants must demonstrate skills aligned with their chosen EIT Project.
The EIT funds:
Graduate Ellison Scholars
Graduate Ellison Scholars have an exceptional academic, research, and innovation track record and a portfolio of achievements that go beyond the selection criteria. They are individuals who have already demonstrated significant impact in their field and the potential to become future leaders in research and innovation. Our scholars not only push the boundaries of knowledge but also have the vision and drive to translate their ideas into real-world applications and commercial opportunities.
EIT Research Students
EIT Research Students have outstanding research skills and an excellent academic track record and the potential to make meaningful contributions to their chosen project's objectives. They are dedicated to deepening understanding in their field of study through high-quality research and academic engagement.
CDT Students
CDT students are studying on the EIT-funded DPhil (PhD) degree: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT). They have firm and sophisticated understandings of the underpinning theory and method development of artificial intelligence and machine learning and are therefore best placed to help drive advancements that could have transformative impact across EIT's four Humane Endeavours.
DPhil (PhD) Projects for Ellison Scholars and EIT Research Students
Both graduate Ellison Scholars and EIT Research Students will work on DPhil (PhD) projects that directly contribute to the research and innovation programs at EIT. As such, they will span one or more of the following Humane Endeavours, which provide focus areas for what EIT is trying to solve:
- Health & Medical Science
- Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
- Clean Energy & Climate Change
- Government Innovation in the Era of AI
They will bring their relevant skills, experiences or interests in areas such as AI & data, economics & policy, generative biology, robotics, engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, mathematics, medicine or law into their DPhil (PhD) projects.
You can find the current list of supervisors here. More information on the DPhil (PhD) projects will be published in summer 2025 ahead of the applications opening.
Graduate eligibility
Applicants will need to meet the University of Oxford’s entry requirements for their chosen doctoral course. They must:
- Have, or be on track to be awarded, the relevant qualification(s) required by the University of Oxford,
- Have met, or be on track to meet, the grade requirements for their chosen doctoral course and
- Have met, or be on track to meet, the University’s English language requirements for their chosen doctoral course.
Applicants who do not meet these criteria are strongly dissuaded from applying for the funding opportunity.
Eligible applicants must also meet our selection criteria before starting an application.
Graduate selection criteria
Alignment
Applicants must demonstrate alignment with their chosen EIT Project through:
- Proven ability to make meaningful and substantial contributions to the project's development and impact – i.e. the research and innovation experience that would allow them to quickly contribute to the project.
- A genuine interest in their chosen EIT Project, reflecting their commitment to its goals.
- A well-matched research proposal that aligns with the project's objectives.
Excellence
They are high-performers who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, intellectual curiosity and the ability to apply knowledge critically and effectively to solve complex challenges.
How this might be evidenced:
- Outstanding academic record, particularly in relevant disciplines (e.g., first-class degree, distinction in a master’s programme, a minimum GPA 3.7/4).
- Competitive scholarships, fellowships, competitions, academic awards or similar accolades at undergraduate or, where relevant, postgraduate level.
- Significant contributions to a major research project, laboratory work or field study.
Innovation
They are visionary learners who embrace technological advancements with creativity, challenge the status quo and explore innovative solutions to achieve transformative outcomes.
How this might be evidenced:
- Peer-reviewed publications, patents or other recognised contributions to innovative research.
- Participation in interdisciplinary or cutting-edge research projects.
- Awards or recognition for innovative research, academic presentations or technological advancements.
Collaboration
They are trusted collaborators who build strong relationships, foster teamwork and demonstrate the ability to bring people together to achieve success.
How this might be evidenced:
- Involvement in collaborative research projects, co-authored publications or multi-institutional studies.
- Contribution to team-based initiatives such as lab management, journal editing or academic committees.
- Experience in organising academic conferences, workshops or research symposia.
Tenacity
They are tenacious achievers who view setbacks as opportunities to learn and adapt and demonstrate resilience and determination to overcome challenges and achieve success.
How this might be evidenced:
- Completion of a rigorous research project, dissertation or thesis despite significant challenges.
- Persistence in securing research funding, scholarships or competitive opportunities.
- Long-term commitment to a research area, demonstrated through sustained academic contributions.
Integrity
They are trustworthy people who value honesty, foster openness and build trust through commitment to collective success.
How this might be evidenced:
- References or endorsements highlighting ethical conduct and reliability.
- Roles and responsibilities that require high ethical standards, such as student representative or community leader.
- Honesty and accuracy in the application form.
Apply to become a graduate Ellison Scholar or an EIT Research Student
1 September 2025
1 October 2025
- December 2025: First round of conditional funding decisions.
- December 2025: Finalists submit applications to the University of Oxford.*
1 December 2025
- January 2026: Second round of conditional funding decisions.
- January 2026: Finalists submit applications to the University of Oxford.*
1 February 2026
- March 2026: Final found of conditional funding decisions.
- March 2026: Finalists submit applications to the University of Oxford.*
- NB: Applications may remain open beyond this deadline if places are still available.
April 2026
Graduate Ellison Scholars and EIT Research Students are announced.
October 2026
Graduate Ellison Scholars and EIT Research Students begin their studies at the University of Oxford.
Apply for a place on the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Fundamentals of AI
Discover the programmeStudents on the EIT Centre for Doctoral Training in Fundamentals of AI will undertake foundational research in the underpinning theory and method development of artificial intelligence and machine learning that have the potential to have a transformative impact across EIT’s four Humane Endeavours: Health & Medical Science, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Green Energy and Government Innovation in the Era of AI.
The programme provides training in both cutting-edge AI research methodologies and the development of business and transferrable skills. Students will undertake a significant, challenging and original research project, leading to the award of a DPhil (PhD).
The programme, funded by EIT Oxford, has up to 20 fully-funded studentships available for UK and international applicants. The application and selection process for the EIT CDT programme is managed by the University of Oxford’s admissions team.
Register for an information session
Explore the programme further by joining our online webinars, where you can meet the team and learn more about the scholarships.
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