Undergraduate Scholars
Alongside their studies at the University of Oxford, Ellison Scholars work on cutting-edge EIT projects that aim to tackle global challenges through technology. These research and innovation projects, conducted as summer internships, are central to the Scholars programme and we seek exceptionally talented individuals with strong collaboration skills and the ambition to make a real impact.
Scholars collaborate with each other and with world-leading experts to solve real-world problems, while pursuing a fully-funded undergraduate degree in any discipline at one of the world’s top universities – the University of Oxford. Places on this programme are extremely limited and highly competitive.
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. This list is not exhaustive and strong candidates who believe they have skills that would benefit one of our projects are welcome to apply.
Undergraduate eligibility
Applicants will need to meet the University of Oxford’s entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate course. They must:
- Have, or be on track to be awarded, a secondary education/high school leaving qualification, diploma or certificate accepted by the University of Oxford
- Have met, or be on track to meet, the minimum grade requirements for their chosen undergraduate course
- Have met, or be on track to meet, the University’s English Language requirements for their chosen undergraduate course
Applicants who do not meet these criteria are strongly dissuaded from applying for this scholarship opportunity.
Eligible applicants must also meet our selection criteria before starting an application.
Undergraduate selection criteria
Alignment
Applicants must show alignment and commitment to EIT’s vision by demonstrating a deep understanding of global challenges in at least one of EIT’s four humane endeavours, evidenced by experience and achievements relevant to an EIT project. These include:
- Health & Medical Science
- Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
- Climate Change & Clean Energy
- Government Innovation in the Era of AI
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:
- Top academic grades.
- Prestigious scholarships, awards or honours for academic or professional achievements.
- Contributions to peer-reviewed research papers, conference presentations or innovative projects.
- Success in competitive programmes requiring exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills, e.g. International Olympiads or Science Fairs.
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:
- Awards in competitive innovation challenges, hackathons or design competitions.
- Contributions to peer-reviewed research papers, conference presentations or innovative projects.
- Filing or contributing to a patent, trademark or intellectual property.
- Founding a startup or initiative that applies innovative practices to achieve measurable impact.
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.
- Advocating for ethical practices in challenging circumstances.
- Honesty and accuracy in the application form.
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:
- Demonstrating persistence in pursuing a long-term project or initiative.
- Persisting with a long-term project or initiative and achieving measurable outcomes.
- Evidence of overcoming personal, professional or resource-related obstacles to succeed in a challenging environment.
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:
- Coordination or contribution to events, programmes or initiatives in an educational or professional setting.
- Receiving recognition for teamwork, such as awards or peer acknowledgments.
- Working on team projects or initiatives.
- Mentoring or empowering others to contribute to collective success.
Application timeline
Check your eligibility
Could you be the next Ellison Scholar?
Welcome! Before answering the questions, we encourage you to review the key eligibility information on the University of Oxford admissions page. This includes:
- Checking which international qualifications are accepted
- Understanding the grade requirements for your chosen course, and
- Ensuring you meet the English language requirements for the course.
These questions are designed to help you assess whether you meet these requirements before proceeding to our application form. Providing thoughtful and honest answers will ensure you're on the right path. Let’s get started!
1 of 4
Do you have (or are you on track to be awarded) a secondary education/ high school leaving qualification, diploma or certificate accepted by the University of Oxford?
Before answering this question, please read the information on international qualifications.
2 of 4
Do your grades (achieved or predicted) meet the University of Oxford’s grade requirements for your chosen course?
Before answering this question, please a) reflect which course you would like to study, and b) review the grades requirements on the relevant course page.
3 of 4
Are you on track to meet the University of Oxford’s English language requirements?
Before answering this question, please read the information on english language requirements.
4 of 4
Have you read the selection criteria for the undergraduate Ellison Scholars programme?
Based on the information you have provided, you meet the eligibility criteria for the undergraduate Ellison Scholars programme. Applications for the 2025 undergraduate Ellison Scholars programme are currently closed. Applications for the 2026 entry will open on 1 May 2025.
You do not meet the eligibility criteria for the undergraduate Ellison Scholars programme.
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.