Skip to content

Ellison Graduate Scholars Program 2027: Fully Funded DPhil at Oxford

The Ellison Graduate Scholars Program 2027 offers 20 fully funded DPhil/PhD positions at Oxford University, covering all tuition, living expenses, accommodation, and travel. Open to all nationalities, with applications closing 1 December 2026.

September 23, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Dec 1, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryUnited Kingdom
University/OrgUniversity of Oxford
Degree LevelPhD
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyApplied Research, Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, Technology
DeadlineDecember 1, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

People Also Checked: University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships 2027: Africa Undergraduate & Master's Guide

Overview

The Ellison Graduate Scholars Program 2027 is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship enabling international students to pursue doctoral research at the University of Oxford. Offered by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), this program combines academic study with hands-on technology projects aimed at solving humanity’s most pressing challenges.

The scholarship begins in October 2027 and is open to citizens of all countries, including Zimbabwe and other SADC nations. Twenty scholars will be selected to join this competitive cohort.

People Also Checked: Chatham House Research Fellow (West Africa) 2026: London-Based Policy Research Position (Fully Funded)

What is the Ellison Institute of Technology?

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is a research institution dedicated to addressing ongoing global challenges through technological innovation. EIT Scholars work on institute projects year-round alongside their doctoral studies, gaining practical experience in applied research while completing their DPhil at Oxford.

Scholarship Benefits

The EIT Graduate Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support:

People Also Checked: University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship 2027: Complete Guide for African Students
  • Full tuition coverage for all course fees at the University of Oxford
  • Generous stipend covering travel, programming, accommodation, and living expenses
  • Paid internship opportunities through EIT project work

This funding structure ensures scholars can focus entirely on their research without financial burden.

Degree and Study Structure

Scholars pursue a DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy) at Oxford—the UK equivalent of a PhD. The program integrates:

  • Rigorous academic research within Oxford’s faculty departments
  • Year-round project work with EIT research teams
  • Collaboration on technology solutions for global challenges

Applicants should review Oxford’s DPhil course listings to identify relevant programs before applying.

Eligibility Requirements

The scholarship maintains inclusive eligibility criteria:

  • Open to all nationalities—no country restrictions apply
  • Must meet EIT’s internal selection criteria
  • Must satisfy Oxford University language requirements (typically IELTS 7.5 or equivalent)
  • Must meet entry requirements for chosen DPhil course at Oxford

Zimbabwean and SADC applicants with strong academic records and research proposals in technology-relevant fields are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

The selection follows a two-step process:

Step 1: Apply to the Ellison Institute

Submit your application for the Ellison Graduate Scholarship through the official EIT portal. This initial application determines your eligibility for the program.

Step 2: Oxford University Admission

Successful candidates receive a conditional offer from EIT, then receive an invitation to apply for admission to their chosen DPhil program at Oxford University.

Important: Do not apply directly to Oxford first. The EIT conditional offer precedes the university application.

Key Dates

Milestone Date
Application Deadline 1 December 2026
Program Start October 2027

Why This Matters for African Applicants

For Zimbabwean and SADC researchers, this program offers exceptional value: full funding eliminates currency and remittance challenges, the stipend covers living costs in the UK, and the EIT project component builds networks with a technology-focused institution. The inclusive nationality policy means African candidates compete on merit without quotas or restrictions.

Application Tips

  • Align your research interests with EIT’s mission of solving global challenges through technology
  • Demonstrate how your DPhil proposal connects to practical, scalable solutions
  • Prepare evidence of meeting Oxford’s language requirements early
  • Research EIT’s current project areas to reference in your application

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

Full tuition, stipend covering travel, programming, accommodation, and living expenses; paid internship opportunities

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all nationalities; must meet EIT criteria and Oxford DPhil entry requirements including English language proficiency

Required Documents

Not specified in available information; standard Oxford DPhil application materials likely required after conditional offer

Application Process

Step 1: Apply to Ellison Institute for the scholarship. Step 2: Upon receiving conditional EIT offer, apply for admission to chosen Oxford DPhil program.
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Ellison Graduate Scholars Program is explicitly open to citizens of all countries, including Zimbabwe and all SADC nations. There are no nationality restrictions or regional quotas.
The scholarship covers all University of Oxford course fees, plus a generous stipend for travel, programming, accommodation, and living expenses. It also includes paid internship opportunities through EIT project work.
The deadline to apply for the 2027 Ellison Graduate Scholars Program is 1 December 2026. The program begins in October 2027.
No. You must first apply to the Ellison Institute. Only after receiving a conditional offer from EIT will you be invited to apply for admission to your chosen DPhil program at Oxford.
Specific document requirements are not published in the available information. Standard materials typically include academic transcripts, research proposal, CV, and references. Check the official EIT application portal for confirmed requirements.
The program selects only 20 scholars globally, making it highly competitive. Success requires strong academic credentials, a compelling research proposal aligned with EIT's technology mission, and meeting Oxford's rigorous entry standards. African applicants with relevant STEM or applied research backgrounds are encouraged to apply.