The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) supports students with a scholarship, mentorship and a network of the ETH Foundation. The scholarship covers the full study and living costs during the Master’s degree course.
Application Deadline: 30 November 2026, 11:59 a.m. Central European Time
Tell Me About The Award:
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) supports outstanding students pursuing eligible Master’s degrees at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. The scholarship provides CHF 13,500 per semester, a tuition-fee waiver, mentorship and access to the ETH Foundation network.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Eligible consecutive Master’s programmes at ETH Zurich. Applicants must check the admission and language requirements of their specific Master’s programme.
Type:
Master’s Scholarship
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be applying for an eligible consecutive Master’s degree at ETH Zurich.
- Have a Bachelor’s result placing them in the top 10% of their programme, equivalent to Grade A.
- Meet the admission requirements of their chosen Master’s programme.
- Prepare an original Master’s thesis pre-proposal using established scientific citation practices.
- Provide two professor references if their chosen programme does not otherwise require references.
- Be reachable by the telephone number provided in their CV, as interviews may take place in February 2027.
Applicants who are already enrolled in a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich or already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible.
How Are Applicants Selected?
Applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committees of the relevant Master’s programmes. The final scholarship decision rests with the Rector of ETH Zurich.
Approximately 60 ESOP scholarships are planned for 2027/28, although the final number depends on available funding. Decisions are expected by the end of March 2027.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
International applicants and ETH Zurich Bachelor’s students may apply, provided they meet the relevant Master’s admission requirements.
Where Will the Award Be Taken?
ETH Zurich, Switzerland
How Many Awards?
Approximately 60 scholarships are planned for the 2027/28 academic year. The exact number depends on available funds.
What Is the Benefit of the Award?
- CHF 13,500 per semester
- Tuition-fee waiver
- Mentorship
- Access to the ETH Foundation network
- Support for living and study expenses
The scholarship is intended to cover study and living costs during the regular Master’s programme.
How Long Will the Award Last?
The scholarship is awarded for the regular duration of the Master’s programme — three or four semesters.
It does not automatically cover costs resulting from extending the programme beyond its standard duration.
How to Apply:
- Choose an eligible ETH Zurich consecutive Master’s programme.
- Check the programme’s academic and language requirements.
- Assess whether your Bachelor’s result places you in the top 10%.
- Prepare the required Master’s admission documents.
- Prepare an original Master’s thesis pre-proposal.
- Arrange two professor references if required for ESOP.
- Submit the Master’s admission and ESOP application together through ETH Zurich eApply during the first application window.
- Ensure the telephone number in your CV remains active during February 2027.
