Graduate opportunities at EIT to solve global challenges
Applications are now live
Drive innovation while studying at the University of Oxford as a fully-funded graduate
EIT provides fully-funded doctoral (DPhil/PhD) study at the University of Oxford, where graduate students directly contribute to progressing an EIT project. These projects tackle global challenges through cutting-edge technology, offering graduate students the chance to collaborate with world-leading experts to develop innovative solutions.
The EIT graduate opportunities are highly competitive. EIT is looking for exceptionally talented individuals with the skills and expertise to contribute significantly to our projects. We are particularly interested in students with skills in fields such as computer science, artificial intelligence, economics, mathematics, robotics, plant sciences, machine learning, chemistry, biology, engineering, medicine or microbiology. Graduate scholarships applicants must demonstrate skills aligned with their chosen areas.
Ellison Scholars
Exceptional doctoral candidates can also be considered for the Ellison Scholars programme.
Ellison Scholars is EIT’s flagship scholarship programme, funding undergraduate or doctoral studies at the University of Oxford. We select the world’s most exceptional young talent, whose insight, drive, and creativity mark them as outstanding scholars and future innovators ready to advance EIT’s mission from day one. Being an Ellison Scholar is not simply funding - it is recognition of the experience and achievements each Scholar already brings to EIT and to the University of Oxford. The Ellison Scholars programme further enriches their development through specialised experiences and tailored training, putting them on an elevated and accelerated progression track.
If you are applying directly to our graduate funding opportunities, you will automatically be considered for the Ellison Scholars programme. If you are applying directly to the University for the Fundamentals of AI CDT or Generative Biology DTP, you will need to apply for the Ellison Scholars programme as well.
EIT funds:
Graduate students funded by EIT have an exceptional academic, research, and innovation track record and a portfolio of achievements that go beyond the selection criteria. They are individuals who have already demonstrated significant impact in their field and the potential to become future leaders in research and innovation. Our students not only push the boundaries of knowledge but also have the vision and drive to translate their ideas into real-world applications and commercial opportunities.
EIT also funds doctoral programmes at the University of Oxford, including Fundamentals of AI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) and the Generative Biology Doctoral Training Programme (DTP). Admission to these programmes is managed by the standard University admissions process.
Areas for EIT Graduate Funding
EIT Graduate students will work on DPhil (PhD) projects that directly contribute to the research and innovation programs at EIT:
- Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology
- Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture
- Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2
- Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
They will bring their relevant skills, experiences or interests in areas such as AI & data, economics & policy, generative biology, robotics, engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science, mathematics, medicine or law into their DPhil (PhD) projects.
Fundamentals of AI CDT
EIT CDT Students will undertake foundational research in the underpinning theory and method development of artificial intelligence and machine learning that have the potential to have a transformative impact across EIT’s four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2 and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.
The course provides training in both cutting-edge AI research methodologies and the development of business and transferrable skills. Students will undertake a significant, challenging and original research project, leading to the award of a DPhil (PhD).
The course offers up to 20 fully-funded places to UK and international applicants. The application and selection process for the EIT CDT course is managed by the University of Oxford’s admissions team.
Generative Biology DTP
The Generative Biology DTP is a four-year DPhil designed to allow the next generation of researchers to explore how to synthesize the DNA sequences of organisms to program and engineer biology.
Fully funded by EIT, the course will be hosted by Oxford’s Department of Chemistry and involves academics from across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division (MPLS) and the Medical Sciences Division. It offers a unique interdisciplinary environment where students will undertake original doctoral research at the cutting edge of generative biology. The application and selection process for the DTP course is managed by the University of Oxford’s admissions team.
Eligibility
Applicants will need to meet the University of Oxford’s entry requirements for their chosen doctoral course. They must:
- Have, or be on track to be awarded, the relevant qualification(s) required by the University of Oxford,
- Have met, or be on track to meet, the grade requirements for their chosen doctoral course and
- Have met, or be on track to meet, the University’s English language requirements for their chosen doctoral course.
Applicants who do not meet these criteria are strongly dissuaded from applying for the scholarships.
Eligible applicants must also meet our selection criteria below before starting an application.
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Selection criteria
Alignment
Applicants must demonstrate alignment with their chosen areas for EIT Graduate Funding through:
- Proven ability to make meaningful and substantial contributions to the project's development and impact – i.e. the research and innovation experience that would allow them to quickly contribute to the project.
- A genuine interest in their chosen EIT Project, reflecting their commitment to its goals.
- A well-matched research proposal that aligns with the project's objectives.
Excellence
They are high-performers who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, intellectual curiosity and the ability to apply knowledge critically and effectively to solve complex challenges.
How this might be evidenced:
- Outstanding academic record, particularly in relevant disciplines (e.g., first-class degree, distinction in a master’s programme, a minimum GPA 3.7/4).
- Competitive scholarships, fellowships, competitions, academic awards or similar accolades at undergraduate or, where relevant, postgraduate level.
- Significant contributions to a major research project, laboratory work or field study.
Innovation
They are visionary learners who embrace technological advancements with creativity, challenge the status quo and explore innovative solutions to achieve transformative outcomes.
How this might be evidenced:
- Peer-reviewed publications, patents or other recognised contributions to innovative research.
- Participation in interdisciplinary or cutting-edge research projects.
- Awards or recognition for innovative research, academic presentations or technological advancements.
Collaboration
They are trusted collaborators who build strong relationships, foster teamwork and demonstrate the ability to bring people together to achieve success.
How this might be evidenced:
- Involvement in collaborative research projects, co-authored publications or multi-institutional studies.
- Contribution to team-based initiatives such as lab management, journal editing or academic committees.
- Experience in organising academic conferences, workshops or research symposia.
Tenacity
They are tenacious achievers who view setbacks as opportunities to learn and adapt and demonstrate resilience and determination to overcome challenges and achieve success.
How this might be evidenced:
- Completion of a rigorous research project, dissertation or thesis despite significant challenges.
- Persistence in securing research funding, scholarships or competitive opportunities.
- Long-term commitment to a research area, demonstrated through sustained academic contributions.
Integrity
They are trustworthy people who value honesty, foster openness and build trust through commitment to collective success.
How this might be evidenced:
- References or endorsements highlighting ethical conduct and reliability.
- Roles and responsibilities that require high ethical standards, such as student representative or community leader.
- Honesty and accuracy in the application form.