Quick Read
- Fully funds an Oxford undergraduate or DPhil degree; no nationality restrictions, no subject restrictions (undergraduate).
- Indian students with CBSE, ISC, or IB qualifications are eligible if they meet Oxford’s entry requirements.
- EIT application deadline: 31 July 2026 (for October 2027 entry). The portal is open now.
- Apply to EIT first. Oxford/UCAS is a separate second step, only for shortlisted semi-finalists.
- Covers all tuition fees, living stipend, travel, and paid summer research internships.
What is the University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme?
The University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme is a fully funded scholarship jointly run by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) in Oxford and the University of Oxford. Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle Corporation, established EIT to apply science and technology to humanity’s biggest challenges. The EIT-Oxford partnership, formalized in December 2024 with a £130 million (Rs. 1600 crore) investment, is one of the most generously funded student programs in British higher education.
Scholars work across four research areas EIT calls its “Humane Endeavours”:
- Health and medical science: AI diagnostics, vaccines, cancer biology
- Food security and sustainable agriculture: crop resilience, nutrition systems
- Climate change and clean energy: clean energy, carbon technologies
- Government innovation in the era of AI: economics, policy, AI governance
Approximately 20 undergraduate scholars are selected globally each year to study in UK. The first cohort began at Oxford in October 2025; the second was announced in April 2026. This scholarship funds any Oxford undergraduate degree, not just specific programs, and has no bond obligations.
Counselor insight: Most fully funded UK scholarships are for postgraduates. Chevening, for example, requires a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience. The Ellison Scholars programme funds students straight from Class 12, so Indian students should research the University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme now, not after their bachelor’s.
Undergraduate vs. Graduate (DPhil) Track: Which One Is for You?
| Feature | Undergraduate Track | Graduate (DPhil) Track |
|---|---|---|
| Degree funded | Any Oxford BA/MEng/MSci | DPhil (PhD) at Oxford |
| Who it’s for | Class 11-12 students | Bachelor’s or master’s degree holders |
| EIT deadline | 31 July 2026 (Oct 2027 entry) | 2027 entry cycle: expected September–February (rolling) |
| Subject restriction | None | Must align with an EIT research project area |
| Key difference | Oxford degree + summer EIT internships | Doctoral research jointly at Oxford and EIT |
Counselor insight: The DPhil track is narrow; your research must directly advance one of EIT’s live projects. The undergraduate track is much broader: a student studying PPE or law is equally eligible as one studying biology, as long as they can connect their field to EIT’s mission.
What Does the University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Course fees | All Oxford tuition fees for the full degree |
| Living stipend | Covers accommodation, food, and daily expenses in Oxford. (The exact amount is not publicly disclosed; EIT’s stated intent is that scholars need no financial support from family). |
| Travel | Return flights to Oxford, including visa-related travel |
| Paid summer internships | 10-week research internships at EIT Oxford each summer |
| Personal technology | Computer and tech setup |
| Conference costs | EIT-relevant academic events |
Exchange rate note: All GBP figures converted at £1 = Rs.127.31. Verify the current rate at rbi.org.in before financial planning.
There is no bond or return-to-country obligation.
Counselor insight: Oxford’s official 2026-27 estimate is £1,405–£2,105/month (Rs.1.79–2.68 lakhs/month), or £16,860–£25,260/year (Rs.21.46–32.16 lakhs/year), depending on lifestyle.
Eligibility Criteria For University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme
There are no nationality restrictions for the University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme. EIT says it seeks “candidates from around the world.”
Academic qualifications:
| Indian Qualification | Oxford Recognition |
|---|---|
| CBSE Class 12 | Accepted (typically 90%+ aggregate for competitive courses) |
| ISC (CISCE) Class 12 | Accepted, similar grade thresholds |
| IB Diploma | Accepted, Oxford publishes IB score requirements by course |
| State board | Case-by-case; contact Oxford admissions directly |
English language: Many Oxford courses waive the test for applicants who studied a degree-level course entirely in English. If required, IELTS Academic 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.
Admissions tests: Oxford overhauled its admissions testing for 2027 entry. The PAT, MAT, TSA, and BMAT have been discontinued and replaced with UAT-UK, a collaboration between Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge. Standardized, computer-based tests administered by Pearson VUE.
| UAT-UK Test | Courses |
| ESAT | Physics, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemistry |
| TMUA | Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics |
| TARA | Economics & Management, PPE, History & Politics, Human Sciences |
| LNAT | Law (unchanged) |
| UCAT | Medicine (unchanged) |
What EIT looks for in six criteria:
| Criterion | What it means for Indian applicants |
|---|---|
| Alignment | How your chosen field connects to at least one Humane Endeavour |
| Excellence | Strong board results + national recognition: JEE rank, KVPY, Olympiad medals, NTSE |
| Innovation | Something you built: a research project, startup, NGO campaign, IIT internship |
| Collaboration | Team outcomes with measurable results |
| Tenacity | Persisting through failure: a project that failed before it succeeded |
| Integrity | Honest, specific voice throughout. No generic “save the world” essays. |
Counselor insight: Grades alone are not enough. A 98% CBSE score with no outside-classroom activity is a weaker application than 91% with a documented science project or national-level competition result. If you haven’t started building a portfolio, start now.
To find out about Oxford’s subject-specific exam requirements, refer to the complete guide to study abroad entrance exams. For other Oxford funding options, see Oxford University scholarships for Indian students.
Documents Checklist for University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme
| Document | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Valid through at least 2031 |
| Class 10 marksheet | CBSE/ICSE/state board |
| Class 11 marksheet | Required if Class 12 results are pending |
| Class 12 marksheet or predicted grades | If boards are ongoing, a predicted grade letter from your principal on letterhead is acceptable |
| English language certificate | IELTS/TOEFL, only if Oxford requires it for your course |
| 3 referee details (name + email) | The portal contacts referees. Use teachers or research supervisors, not family. |
| Portfolio | Olympiad/competition certificates, KVPY/NTSE documentation, research project summaries, internship letters, published work |
| Application essays | EIT asks specific questions about your goals and alignment, not a generic personal statement |
| Passport-size photograph | Recent, white background |
| Diversity and inclusion disclosure | Optional in the portal. Answer honestly. |
Counselor insight: A KVPY fellowship, state-level Olympiad medal, or IIT research internship is genuinely impressive to EIT’s panel. Document everything with proof: certificates, offer letters, and supervisor contacts.
How to Apply for University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme
Getting the order wrong is the most common mistake Indian students make.
Step 1: Apply to EIT, Deadline: 31 July 2026 Complete the EIT portal application: personal details, education, passport, photo, three referee contacts, portfolio, Oxford course selection, and the programme essay questions.
IST note: 31 July midnight UK time = 5:30 AM IST on 1 August. Submit at least 48 hours early.
Step 2: Wait for semi-finalist notification (September-October 2026). EIT reviews all applications and contacts shortlisted candidates. If not shortlisted, you can reapply next cycle.
Step 3: Apply to Oxford via UCAS only if shortlisted (Deadline: 15 October 2026). Complete a separate UCAS application, including a personal statement (4,000 characters), school reference, and the UAT-UK test for your chosen course (Oxford’s new Pearson VUE-administered assessments, replacing PAT/MAT/TSA from 2026–27). Oxford interviews are typically in December. If you receive an Oxford offer, you become an Ellison finalist. UCAS fee: Rs.3,635 (£28.50).
Step 4: Final EIT interview and selection (January-April 2027) Finalists with an Oxford offer attend EIT Faculty interviews in January-February 2027. The cohort are announced March-April 2027.
For the Oxford admissions walkthrough from India, see How to get into Oxford from India.
Counselor insight: Between September and October 2026, you will simultaneously manage EIT semi-finalist status, begin your UCAS application, and sit Oxford admissions tests potentially alongside JEE/NEET preparation. Students who treat this as a backup after boards rarely have enough time. Start preparation in Class 11.
Planning Calendar for University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| Aug-Sep 2025 | Build your EIT portfolio. Document every achievement and project. |
| Oct-Dec 2025 | Choose your Oxford course. Research its admissions test. Identify how your interests connect to EIT’s Humane Endeavours. |
| Jan-Mar 2026 | Draft EIT application essays offline. Have a teacher or counselor review your portfolio. |
| April 2026 | Complete Class 12 boards. (EIT portal not yet open.) |
| 1 May 2026 | EIT portal opens. Create your account immediately. Begin uploading documents. |
| May-June 2026 | Add final board results once released. Submit promptly if results are strong. |
| 31 July 2026 | EIT application deadline. Submit 48 hours early (IST: before 5:30 AM on 1 Aug). |
| Sep-Oct 2026 | Semi-finalist decisions. If shortlisted: begin UCAS application immediately. |
| 15 Oct 2026 | UCAS Oxford deadline. No exceptions. |
| Nov-Dec 2026 | Oxford admissions tests + December interviews. |
| Jan-Feb 2027 | Final EIT Faculty interviews (Oxford offer holders only). |
| Mar-Apr 2027 | Final Ellison Scholar cohort announced. |
| October 2027 | Studies begin at Oxford. |
For the DPhil track: applications open in September with rolling deadlines in October, December, and February. Check eit.org/education-and-scholarships/graduate.
How Competitive Is the University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme?
20 undergraduate scholars are selected globally per year. Oxford’s undergraduate acceptance rate for Indian students is roughly 2-7% depending on the course. Indian applicants face two independent selection hurdles: EIT’s screening and Oxford’s admissions. Both require distinct preparation.
Decision Framework: Which Scenario Fits You?
Class 11 student: You’re in the ideal position. Use the next 12-14 months to build your portfolio, research internship, Olympiad, and science project. Identify your Oxford course and begin preparing for the admissions test now. Students who get this scholarship typically start two years before applying.
Class 12 student with boards coming up: The EIT portal opens 1 May, about a month after most boards end. Your results will be available before the 31 July deadline. Focus now on (a) boards and (b) documenting your existing achievements. Write your EIT essays offline now and refine them after results.
Bachelor’s degree holder targeting the DPhil: The DPhil track is for you if your research aligns with EIT’s four areas and you meet Oxford’s DPhil requirements. You’ll need a strong research proposal and ideally publications or a master’s thesis. Contact scholars@eit.org before applying to confirm your research fits an active EIT project.
Counselor insight: The essay that sinks strong applications is the “global impact” essay written in abstractions. “I want to use technology to solve climate change” describes a wish, not a capability. EIT wants to say, “I built X, it achieved Y, I learned Z.” If you can’t describe something you’ve specifically created or solved, your application isn’t ready yet.
What If Things Go Wrong With University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme
Missed the 31 July deadline: Late applications are not accepted. Wait for next year’s cycle (opens May). Use the gap year to strengthen your portfolio; reapplying with another year of experience is often an advantage.
EIT shortlisted but Oxford rejected you: EIT shortlisting and Oxford admission are independent. You don’t get the scholarship that cycle, but you can reapply to both next year. Ask your Oxford college for informal feedback on what to strengthen.
IELTS below Oxford’s requirement: Retake at least three months before the 15 October UCAS deadline. A score from June-July 2026 is valid for October 2027 entry (IELTS is valid for two years).
Board results lower than expected: Contact Oxford’s admissions office immediately and explain the circumstances. Oxford has an extenuating circumstances process; don’t assume the offer is withdrawn. Appeal directly to your college with context.
UK student visa issues: The Ellison scholarship covers visa-related travel, but the student visa application itself is your responsibility.
3 Takeaways on University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme
- Apply to EIT first, not Oxford. The EIT portal (1 May-31 July 2026) comes before UCAS. Only EIT semi-finalists proceed to the Oxford application. Getting this order wrong is the most common mistake, and it costs you.
- Grades alone won’t get you in. CBSE, ISC, and IB students are all eligible, but EIT selects on six criteria, including innovation, tenacity, and alignment. A 91% student with a documented research project is a stronger candidate than a 97% student with nothing outside the classroom.
- Start preparation now, not in May. The EIT portal opens 1 May 2026. Students who submitted strong applications opened the EIT portal on day one with a finished portfolio and drafted essays. The preparation is a 12-month process.
Verified by: LeapScholar’s UK counseling team.
Have questions about the Ellison Scholars program? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Oxford Ellison Scholars Programme
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1. What is the Ellison Scholars programme at Oxford?
A fully funded scholarship run jointly by EIT Oxford and the University of Oxford. It covers undergraduate or DPhil study with no nationality restrictions, plus paid summer research internships in health, food security, clean energy, or AI governance.
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2. Is it fully funded for Indian students?
Yes. It covers all Oxford course fees, a living stipend, return flights, conference costs, and paid summer internship compensation. Indian students with CBSE, ISC, or IB qualifications are fully eligible.
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3. What is the 2027 entry deadline?
EIT application: 31 July 2026 (portal opens 1 May). Oxford/UCAS deadline for shortlisted semi-finalists: 15 October 2026. IST note: 31 July midnight UK = 5:30 AM IST on 1 August. Submit 48 hours early.
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4. Can CBSE and ISC students apply?
Yes. Both qualifications are accepted by Oxford. Grade thresholds vary by course. IB Diploma and state board qualifications are also eligible (state boards on a case-by-case basis).
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5. What’s the difference between the undergraduate and DPhil tracks?
The undergraduate track funds any Oxford bachelor’s degree (any subject) plus EIT summer internships. The DPhil track funds doctoral research at Oxford and EIT, but only within EIT’s four research areas. Different portals, timelines, and criteria apply.
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6. Do I apply to Oxford or EIT first?
EIT first, always. The Oxford/UCAS application is only for EIT semi-finalists. Many online sources get this order wrong. Check eit.org/education-and-scholarships/undergraduate for the confirmed process.
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7. How many scholars are selected each year?
Approximately 20 undergraduate scholars globally. First cohort: October 2025. Second cohort: announced April 2026. Among the most selective undergraduate scholarships in the world.
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8. What if I’m shortlisted by EIT but Oxford rejects me?
You don’t receive the scholarship that cycle. The two processes are completely independent. You can reapply to both next year, seek feedback from your Oxford college, and continue building your EIT portfolio.
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9. What does the stipend cover?
Accommodation, food, daily travel, personal expenses, EIT programming costs, return flights, conference costs, and a personal tech setup. Exact annual amount not publicly disclosed. EIT’s intent is that scholars need no family financial support.
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