The Ellison Scholars Programme is one of the most ambitious undergraduate scholarships launched in Britain this decade, and it is open to talented students from across Africa. Funded by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford, it provides fully funded undergraduate places at the University of Oxford, with applications reopening on 1 May 2026 for October 2027 entry.
What sets this award apart is that it pairs a full Oxford degree with hands-on innovation work. Scholars don’t just study. You join real EIT projects tackling global challenges in health, food security, climate change, and artificial intelligence. For an African applicant with strong grades and a genuine drive to solve big problems, this is a rare chance to combine a world-class education with practical research experience and mentorship from leading experts.
The opportunity to do summer internships will not only prepare you for a stellar career but gives you first-hand experience, which is sought by top firms or organisations worldwide. And more importantly, Oxford is world-class and a big university brand.
The programme is global in eligibility and extremely competitive, with a selective, multi-stage process. If you can meet Oxford’s entry requirements and show you align with EIT’s mission, it’s well worth the effort.
Scholarship benefits
- Full funding for an undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford
- A 10-week summer internship each year working alongside EIT teams
- Work on real-world projects in health, agriculture, climate, and AI
- Mentorship from world-leading experts
- Access to a global network of innovators
- Support for the full duration of the degree (typically 3–4 years)
Eligibility checklist
✔ You meet Oxford’s entry requirements for your chosen course
✔ You hold, or are on track to obtain, a secondary/high school qualification accepted by Oxford
✔ You meet the minimum grade requirements for your chosen course
✔ You meet Oxford’s English language requirements
✔ You can demonstrate alignment with EIT’s vision across health and generative biology, food security and sustainable agriculture, climate change and atmospheric CO₂, and artificial intelligence and robotics
✔ You are an international student anywhere in the world (global eligibility), which includes African applicants
✔ Any undergraduate discipline at Oxford is eligible, with strong preference for skills in Computer Science, AI, Robotics, Mathematics, Economics, Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, Microbiology, Engineering, Physics, Law, and related fields
Application tips for African students
- Plan your English test early. Oxford has specific English language requirements. Book IELTS or TOEFL months ahead so your score is ready before any deadline, and leave room for a retake if needed.
- Get transcripts and certificates sorted now. Have your secondary school results, predicted grades, and any certificates officially certified and translated into English where necessary — this paperwork takes longer than people expect.
- Show evidence, not just claims. Selection weighs excellence, innovation, and tenacity. Gather proof: top grades, awards, research, innovation competitions, leadership roles, and any patents or projects.
- Tie yourself to EIT’s mission. Read EIT’s focus areas closely and make your statement clearly connect your interests to health, food security, climate, or AI — alignment is the first selection criterion.
- Line up strong recommenders early. Approach teachers or mentors who know your work well and can speak to your curiosity, teamwork, and integrity. Give them plenty of time and context.
- Track the two-track timeline. Remember you also apply to Oxford itself — semi-finalists are invited to apply, and finalists must hold an Oxford offer. Don’t miss Oxford’s own admissions deadlines while focusing on the scholarship.
- Prepare for visa and proof-of-funds steps. Even with full funding, a UK student visa requires documentation. Start gathering passport and supporting documents once you progress.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the Ellison Scholars online application portal, open from 1 May to 31 July 2026. The process runs in stages: semi-finalists are selected around September–October 2026 and invited to apply to Oxford; finalists are identified in January–February 2027 and must hold an Oxford offer; interviews follow with EIT’s Faculty of Fellows; Scholars are announced in March–April 2027, with studies beginning at Oxford in October 2027. For full details and to apply, visit the official page: https://eit.org/education-and-scholarships/undergraduate
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Ellison Scholars Programme?
The programme has global eligibility, so international students — including those from African countries — may apply, provided they meet Oxford’s entry requirements for their chosen course.
What does the scholarship cover?
It provides full funding for an undergraduate degree at Oxford, plus annual 10-week summer internships with EIT, mentorship from leading experts, and access to a global network of innovators.
Which subjects can I study?
Any undergraduate discipline at Oxford is eligible. There is strong preference for applicants with skills in fields such as Computer Science, AI, Robotics, Mathematics, Economics, Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, Microbiology, Engineering, Physics, and Law.
When is the deadline?
The application window runs from 1 May 2026 to 31 July 2026, with the deadline on 31 July 2026, for October 2027 entry.
Is there an English language requirement?
Yes. Applicants must meet Oxford’s English language requirements. Check the official page for the accepted tests and minimum scores, and plan your test well in advance.
How are Scholars selected?
Selection is based on six criteria: alignment with EIT’s vision, academic excellence, innovation, collaboration, tenacity, and integrity. Evidence can include top grades, awards, research, patents, competition results, and leadership roles.
Share this opportunity with your network! Let’s build AFRICA!!