Apply Now: Fully Funded Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program at Oxford University 2026

Applications for the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program at Oxford University 2026 are now open and will close on 31 July 2025. Prospective applicants should review the eligibility and selection criteria carefully before beginning the application process.

The Ellison Scholars Program 2026 provides a fully funded opportunity for exceptional international students to pursue an undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford. Supported by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), the program aims to develop future changemakers by promoting innovation, collaboration, and research to address global challenges.

Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program 2026 Details:

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Host University: University of Oxford
• Study Level: Undergraduate
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Funded By: Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT)
• Eligibility: International students
• Program Location: Oxford, England
• Deadline: July 31, 2025

Overview of the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program

The Ellison Scholars Program, offered by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) in collaboration with the University of Oxford, is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship aimed at nurturing future global technology innovators and leaders. The program targets exceptional students worldwide who are passionate about addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges through technological advancements. It combines academic study at one of the world’s top universities with hands-on, project-based work on cutting-edge initiatives at EIT, focusing on four key areas, referred to as “Humane Endeavours”:

1. Health and Medical Science
2. Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
3. Climate Change and Clean Energy
4. Government Innovation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

The program recruits approximately 20 undergraduate and graduate students annually, providing them with a unique opportunity to pursue a fully funded degree at the University of Oxford while collaborating with world-leading experts on transformative projects. The initiative is supported by the Ellison Institute of Technology, founded by Larry Ellison, with a leadership team that includes prominent figures like Dr. David Agus, Professor Sir John Bell, and Sir Tony Blair.

Key Features of the Program

• Fully Funded Education: The scholarship covers all course fees for undergraduate or graduate study at the University of Oxford, ensuring scholars can focus on their academic and project work without financial burdens.
   
• Generous Stipend: Scholars receive a substantial stipend to cover living expenses, travel (including annual trips between their home country and Oxford), accommodation, and programming costs. Additional funds are provided for initial setup, such as purchasing technology or equipment needed for studies.
   
• Project-Based Learning: Scholars engage in year-round, hands-on projects with EIT, including summer internships (10 weeks during the “long vacation” for undergraduates), working on real-world challenges aligned with EIT’s Humane Endeavours. These projects involve collaboration with other scholars, EIT Faculty of Fellows, and experts from affiliated universities.
   
• Mentorship and Networking: Scholars receive guidance from world-renowned experts, including EIT’s Faculty of Fellows, and gain access to a lifelong network of innovators and leaders. Alumni are expected to mentor future scholars, fostering a global community of impact-driven professionals.
   
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The EIT Oxford campus, set for completion in 2027, will feature advanced laboratories for robotics, proteomic analysis, genomic sequencing, biological engineering, cloud-controlled greenhouses, and a 16,000-node NVIDIA H100 GPU supercluster for AI development.
   
• Long-Term Support: The relationship with EIT continues post-graduation, with scholars retaining access to EIT’s resources and technology. Projects may receive funding as spin-off companies, supporting long-term innovation.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Qualifications: Have, or be on track to obtain, a secondary education/high school leaving qualification, diploma, or certificate accepted by the University of Oxford.
   
• Course Requirements: Meet the University of Oxford’s entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate course, including minimum grade requirements. Applicants should review the specific grade requirements on the relevant course page at Oxford’s website.
   
• English Language Proficiency: Meet or be on track to meet the University’s English language requirements for the chosen undergraduate course. Applicants who do not meet these criteria are strongly discouraged from applying.
   
• Alignment with EIT’s Vision: Demonstrate a deep understanding of and commitment to addressing global challenges in at least one of EIT’s four Humane Endeavours, evidenced by relevant experience, achievements, or a proven track record in innovation.
   
• Advanced Skills: Possess advanced technology-related skills or outstanding aptitude in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, mathematics, robotics, plant sciences, chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine, or microbiology (though this list is not exhaustive).
   
• Personal Qualities: Exhibit intellectual curiosity, strong collaboration skills, excellent communication, motivation, and the ability to apply knowledge critically to solve complex challenges.

The program is open to applicants of all nationalities, making it a truly global opportunity.

Benefits of the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program

The program offers a comprehensive package of financial, academic, and professional benefits:

• Tuition Coverage: Full funding of all course fees for the duration of the undergraduate program at Oxford.
   
• Living Expenses: A generous stipend to cover accommodation, food, and day-to-day living costs, allowing scholars to focus on their studies and projects.
   
• Travel Support: Coverage of travel expenses, including annual trips between the scholar’s home country and Oxford, as well as any additional travel required for the program.
   
• Setup Funds: Initial funds to purchase necessary technology or equipment for studies.
   
• Paid Internships: The equivalent of paid internships through project work during the academic year and summer, providing practical experience and financial support.
   
• Mentorship: Guidance from world-class experts, including EIT’s Faculty of Fellows, and collaboration with peers and professionals in a multidisciplinary environment.
   
• Access to Resources: Scholars gain access to EIT’s cutting-edge facilities and resources, both during and after their studies, supporting long-term innovation.
   
• Global Impact: Opportunities to contribute to projects addressing critical global issues, with potential for projects to evolve into spin-off companies.
   
• Lifelong Network: Membership in a global network of Ellison Scholars and alumni, fostering ongoing collaboration and mentorship.

Application Process

The application process for the Ellison Undergraduate Scholars Program for 2026 entry involves several steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Review the eligibility and selection criteria on the EIT website to ensure you meet the academic, language, and skill requirements.
    
2. Submit Ellison Scholars Application: Apply online through the EIT website by completing the scholarship application form. This requires:
   • Proof of eligibility (e.g., academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, high school qualifications).
   • A personal statement describing how you meet the selection criteria, including your commitment to EIT’s Humane Endeavours and relevant experience or skills.
   • Additional documents such as a valid passport or other relevant materials, if required.
      
3. Application Timeline:
   • Application Deadline: July 31, 2025, at 4:00 PM UK time.
      
   • Semi-Finalist Selection: Between September and October 2025, semi-finalists are selected by EIT faculty.
      
   • Oxford Application: Semi-finalists are invited to apply to the University of Oxford through the standard UCAS process by October 15, 2025. EIT may provide support in preparing the Oxford application.
      
   • Oxford Offer: By January 2026, candidates who receive an offer of admission from Oxford automatically progress to the finalist stage.
      
   • Interviews: Finalists may be invited for interviews with the EIT Faculty of Fellows between February and March 2026, though some may advance without an interview depending on the project.
      
   • Final Selection: Ellison Scholars are selected and announced by April 2026, with studies and EIT engagement beginning in October 2026.
      
4. Additional Resources: Applicants are encouraged to attend online webinars hosted by EIT to learn more about the program and connect with the team. Signing up for the EIT newsletter provides updates and guidance.

Note: The application process for the undergraduate program is separate from the graduate program, which has a different timeline (applications for 2025 graduate entry closed on September 30, 2024).

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Selection Criteria

The Ellison Scholars Program is highly competitive, with only about 20 students selected annually. Candidates are evaluated based on:

• Academic Excellence: Outstanding academic achievements, top grades, and prestigious awards or honors.
   
• Innovation and Skills: A proven track record or aptitude in technology-related fields relevant to EIT’s projects.
   
• Commitment to Global Challenges: Demonstrated passion for addressing humanity’s serious problems through technological solutions, aligned with EIT’s Humane Endeavours.
   
• Collaboration and Leadership: Strong collaboration skills, intellectual curiosity, and the potential to become future global leaders.
   
• Fit with EIT Projects: Alignment of the applicant’s skills, interests, and goals with ongoing EIT projects.

Significance of the Program

The Ellison Scholars Program stands out for its unique blend of academic excellence and practical innovation. By combining a world-class Oxford education with hands-on project work, it prepares scholars to tackle global challenges in transformative ways. The program’s focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, mentorship from global leaders, and access to cutting-edge facilities positions scholars to make significant contributions to fields like healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, and AI-driven governance. The lifelong connection to EIT and its alumni network further amplifies the program’s impact, fostering a community of innovators dedicated to global change.

The EIT Oxford campus, set to open in 2027, will enhance the program’s offerings with state-of-the-art facilities, reinforcing Oxford’s status as a global hub for learning and innovation. The involvement of high-profile figures like Larry Ellison and the EIT Faculty of Fellows underscores the program’s ambition to shape the future of technology and leadership.

FAQs

Can I apply if English is not my first language?

Yes, but you must meet the University of Oxford’s English language proficiency requirements for your chosen course. Check specific requirements at www.ox.ac.uk. Applicants who do not meet these standards are strongly discouraged from applying.

What courses can I study at Oxford as an Ellison Scholar?

You can apply for any undergraduate course offered by the University of Oxford, provided you meet the academic and language requirements. Popular fields for Ellison Scholars include computer science, engineering, biology, chemistry, and other STEM disciplines, but the program is not limited to these areas.

What happens after graduation?

After graduation, scholars retain access to EIT’s resources and technology. They become part of a lifelong global network of Ellison Scholars and alumni, with opportunities to mentor future scholars. Projects worked on during the program may receive funding to continue as spin-off companies, supporting long-term innovation.

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