Undergraduate Ellison Scholars Programme at the University of Oxford

Applications for the 2027 Undergraduate Ellison Scholars programme are now open. This prestigious scholarship offers exceptional students the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford while engaging deeply with the Ellison Institute of Technology’s (EIT) mission to solve humanity’s most pressing challenges through science and technology.

Application deadline: Friday, 31 July 2026, 4pm (your local time)
Reference deadline: Monday, 10 August 2026, 4pm (UK time)

Before you begin, read this guide thoroughly. It breaks down every section of the application, eligibility requirements, and tips to strengthen your submission.

Why Apply to the Undergraduate Ellison Scholars Programme?

The Ellison Scholars programme supports outstanding undergraduates who demonstrate academic excellence, technological innovation, and a strong alignment with EIT’s humane endeavours. Scholars receive full funding for their Oxford degree, plus access to cutting-edge research, internships, mentorship, and a global network focused on real-world impact.

Successful applicants show not only top grades but also a clear passion for solving global problems in areas such as health, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.

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Key Eligibility Requirements:

You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible:

• You plan to begin undergraduate studies at the University of Oxford in October 2027.
• You have (or are on track to achieve) a secondary school qualification accepted by Oxford.
• You meet Oxford’s English language requirements for your chosen course.
• You are at least 18 years old by 15 July 2028, or have parental/guardian consent.
• You have not already begun studies at Oxford or hold an offer for 2026 entry (deferred 2027 entry may be considered with proof).

Important note: Students who have started university studies or hold a 2026 offer are generally ineligible. Contact scholars@eit.org for clarification on deferred entry cases.

What You Need Before Starting Your Application:

Prepare these materials in advance:

• Valid passport or national photo ID (with English translation if applicable)
• Proof of English proficiency (if required)
• School transcripts or predicted grades (on official letterhead if possible)
• University transcripts (if you have started any higher education)
• A 3-minute video introducing yourself and explaining your fit for the programme
• Three references: two academic (one from your current/most recent school teacher) and one character reference
• A portfolio with up to 10 entries showcasing achievements
• Evidence of alignment with EIT’s research areas

Step 1: Create an Account

Visit the official application portal and click Start Application. Fill in your details to register. Use names that match your official identification documents. Choose a preferred name for communications if different from your legal name. Save your login credentials. You can return to the application anytime.

After logging in, complete the Eligibility section first before proceeding.

Step 2: Eligibility Section

This section determines whether your application moves forward. Answer honestly.

Policies Read and agree to the EIT Privacy Policy and Application Rules. Indicate if you have applied before (maximum two applications allowed in your lifetime).

Date of Birth Enter your date of birth exactly as it appears on official documents (DD/MM/YYYY format). You must be on track to meet the age requirement.

Studies at Oxford Confirm you have not started studies at Oxford and do not hold a 2026 offer. Applications are only for 2027 entry.

Parental/Guardian Consent Confirm you are 18+ or have permission to apply.

Entry Requirements Confirm you meet or are on track for Oxford’s secondary school qualification standards. Search and select your qualification from the dropdown (e.g., International Baccalaureate, A-Levels, etc.). Contact scholars@eit.org if your qualification is missing.

English Language Proficiency Confirm you meet Oxford’s requirements. Options include being a native speaker from a majority English-speaking country, studying in English full-time, or holding accepted tests like IELTS/TOEFL. Upload evidence if applicable.

How Did You Hear About Us? Select the source (social media, school, etc.) to help EIT track outreach.

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Step 3: Personal Details

Name and Gender Your name will pre-fill. Select pronouns or choose “Prefer not to say” or “Prefer to self-describe.”

Contact Details Provide your full address, primary and secondary phone numbers, and email addresses. Include social media links (X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) if available. You may add a correspondence address.

Nationality and Language Select your nationality and native language. You can add additional languages and nationalities.

Identifying Documentation Upload a clear scan of your passport (preferred) or national photo ID. Provide your passport number if applicable. Upload an English translation if needed. Finally, upload a recent passport-style photo of your face.

Step 4: Education

Current/Most Recent School Enter school name, full postal address, website, contact email, and phone number.

Qualification and Grades Add your main Oxford-eligible qualification. List subjects and grades (or predicted grades). Upload supporting documents: transcripts, predicted grades letter, or official certificates. You can add multiple qualifications.

Further Education If you have started or completed any university-level study (including foundation courses), provide details and upload transcripts.

Step 5: References

You need exactly three references:

• Two academic references (one must be from a current or most recent school teacher using an official school email)
• One character reference

Provide each referee’s name and official email, then click Send Request Now. Track status in the portal (“Not Sent”, “Not Received”, “Received”). Remind referees of the 10 August deadline. References must be in English.

To change a referee, use the Change or Delete Reference options.

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Step 6: Alignment to EIT

This is one of the most important sections. Show genuine passion and thoughtfulness.

Humane Endeavours and Research Areas Confirm understanding that internships are a required part of the programme. Select your preferred humane endeavour(s):

• Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
• Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
• Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2
• Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

Then select specific research areas (e.g., Generative Biology, AI & Robotics, etc.).

Written Response: Research Area Problem (max 250 words) Describe a specific problem in your chosen area. Explain why it matters to humanity and to you personally. Share how you have engaged with it through experience, observation, or research. Demonstrate curiosity and depth.

Written Response: Research Area Problem Solution (max 250 words) Explain your approach to solving the problem. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and the impact you hope to make. Mention any prior work on the issue.

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Step 7: Application to the University of Oxford

Selecting Your Course Choose your preferred Oxford undergraduate course from the dropdown. If not listed, select “My course is not listed here” and specify it.

Explaining Your Course Choice (max 250 words) Explain why you chose this course and how it aligns with your EIT goals. Discuss past involvement in the subject and how Oxford will equip you to solve the problem you identified.

Tenacity Describe a real instance of facing failure or setbacks. Detail how you persisted, the creative strategies you used, and the outcome. Show resilience and problem-solving ability.

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Step 8: Portfolio (Up to 10 Entries)

Your portfolio demonstrates how you meet the selection criteria. Add entries for:

• Apps, startups, or organisations you founded
• Awards
• Camps, conferences, competitions, olympiads
• Internships and programmes
• Patents
• Publications
• Research
• Scholarships

For each entry, answer type-specific questions plus common ones (e.g., diversity and inclusion contributions).

Provide clear evidence and context for your achievements.

Step 9: Diversity and Inclusion, Declaration, and Submission

Diversity and Inclusion Share information about your background and how you contribute to diversity. This section is optional but valuable.

Declaration Review and confirm all information is accurate.

Submitting Your Application Double-check everything. Submit before the deadline. You will receive confirmation.

• Start early and complete sections progressively.
• Be authentic. Selection committees value genuine passion over perfect phrasing.
• Use the 3-minute video to show personality and enthusiasm.
• Ensure all uploads are clear, under size limits (usually 5MB), and in accepted formats (PDF, JPG, PNG).
• Proofread written responses carefully. Stay within word limits.
• Choose referees who know you well and can write strong, specific letters.
• Tailor your portfolio and written responses to EIT’s focus on humane technology and global impact.
• Attend information sessions and Q&A events for additional guidance.

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Selection Criteria Overview:

EIT looks for candidates who demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic ability
• Technological aptitude and innovation
• Alignment with EIT’s research mission
• Leadership potential and resilience
• Commitment to solving humanity’s biggest challenges

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Next Steps After Submission:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to apply to Oxford and may participate in further assessment stages, including interviews.

This programme is highly competitive. A thoughtful, well-prepared application that clearly connects your background, goals, and EIT’s mission will stand out.

Final Advice Read the full official Application Guide and Rules on the portal. Contact scholars@eit.org only for technical issues or questions not answered in the guide.

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