The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship for domestic and international students applying to a Master’s degree program at ETH Zurich in Switzerland. The scholarship is awarded for the regular duration of the Master’s program (three or four semesters) and includes a tuition fee waiver and a scholarship covering living and study expenses of CHF 12,000 per semester (CHF 24,000 per year). Eligibility is highly competitive, requiring a very good result in the Bachelor’s degree program (top 10% or grade A). Applicants must also submit a self-developed pre-proposal for their Master’s thesis, using established scientific citation practice. The application deadline is November 30, 2025, with decisions communicated by the end of March.
Table of Contents
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP) 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | ETH Zurich |
| Study Abroad | Study in Europe (Switzerland) |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Domestic and International) |
| Reward | Full Scholarship |
| Key Criteria | Bachelor’s Result in Top 10% (Grade A), Master’s Thesis Pre-Proposal, Not Currently Enrolled in ETH Master’s |
| Application Deadline | November 30, 2025 |
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) provides comprehensive financial and academic support for outstanding domestic and international students wishing to pursue a Master’s degree at one of the world’s leading universities. The ESOP is highly selective, rewarding students with exceptional Bachelor’s academic performance who demonstrate high promise for advanced research.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the ESOP
The EthZurich program provides a complete funding package for living costs and tuition, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies and research.
Tier 1: Core Financial Award (Full Scholarship and Stipend)
This tier details the direct and most significant financial support provided by the ESOP.
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: The scholarship includes a tuition fee waiver, eliminating the cost of the Master’s program for the full duration.
- Annual Stipend: Scholars receive a substantial living and study expense scholarship of CHF 12’000 per semester, totaling CHF 24,000 per year. This is provided for the regular duration of the Master’s programme.
- Duration Coverage: The ESOP is awarded for the regular duration of the Master’s programme (which typically lasts three or four semesters).
Tier 2: Academic and Opportunity Focus
This tier highlights the developmental and structural aspects of the fellowship designed to support exceptional academic performance.
- Mentorship and Network: Scholars benefit from mentorship and access to a professional network of the ETH Foundation, enhancing their academic and future career opportunities.
- Evaluation Process: Applications are rigorously evaluated first by the Admissions Committees of the respective Master’s programmes. The final decision rests with the Rector of foundation.
- Interview Component: The selection process might include a phone/VC interview in February, and applicants are asked to ensure they are reachable via the telephone number provided in their CV.
Tier 3: Key Requirements and Application Documents
The application requires specific research-focused documents beyond the standard Master’s admission requirements.
- Master’s Thesis Pre-Proposal: In addition to standard Master’s admission documents, applicants must upload a pre-proposal for their Master’s thesis. This must be developed by the applicant and use established scientific citation practice.
- References: If the applicant’s study programme does not ask for references, they must name two reference persons (professors) specifically for their ESOP application.
- Academic Integrity: ETH Zurich strictly enforces a policy against plagiarism, negligent or intentional misinformation, warning that it will lead to exclusion from the admission process or revocation of any scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements for Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
Eligibility for the ESOP is strictly merit-based, focused on outstanding academic results and current enrollment status.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Must have a very good result in the Bachelor’s degree programme (equivalent to being in the top 10% of the Bachelor’s degree programme, or a grade A).
- Study Status:
- Must be applying for a Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich.
- Not eligible if already enrolled in a Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich, or if you already hold a Master degree.
- Only ETH Bachelor students may start the ESOP with a leave of absence.
- Visa Status:
- Open to domestic and international students (Eligible Countries: All Countries).
- Program Admission:
- Must meet all standard requirements for the Master’s admission and the ESOP-specific requirements (pre-proposal, references).
How to Apply for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
The ESOP application is integrated directly into the Master’s degree admission process via ETH Zurich’s online portal, eApply.
- Access Online Application: Use the CLICK HERE TO APPLY button below to navigate to the ETH Zurich eApply (online Master application) portal.
- Complete Admission and ESOP Sections: Complete the Master’s application form. The ESOP application is supplied via eApply and must be completed within the Master’s application process.
- Upload Required ESOP Documents: Ensure you upload the self-developed pre-proposal for your Master’s thesis. If required by the ESOP, ensure the names of two reference persons are provided in the appropriate section.
- Submit Application: Submit the complete application package by the deadline. The applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committees, and decisions are communicated by the end of March.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
For more Information Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the key financial benefits of the ETH Zurich ESOP scholarship?
The ESOP is a full scholarship that provides a tuition fee waiver and a substantial scholarship of CHF 24,000 per year to cover living and study expenses.
2. What is the maximum duration for which the ESOP is awarded?
The scholarship is awarded for the regular duration of the Master’s programme, which typically lasts three or four semesters.
3. What is the main academic requirement for ESOP eligibility?
Applicants must have a very good result in their Bachelor’s degree programme, meaning they must be in the top 10% of their class, or have achieved an equivalent grade A.
4. What is the unique application document required for the ESOP?
A pre-proposal for the Master’s thesis must be developed and uploaded by the applicant, demonstrating research aptitude and scientific citation practice.
5. Can I apply for the ESOP if I am already enrolled in a Master’s program at ETH Zurich?
No, if you are already enrolled in a Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich, or if you already hold a Master’s degree, you are not eligible for ESOP.
6. Do I need to provide an English proficiency certificate like IELTS or TOEFL?
The source material does not state that IELTS is required, indicating that the language requirement is likely managed by the Master’s programme itself or via other means.
7. When is the final deadline to apply for the ETHZurich Excellence Scholarship?
The application deadline is November 30, 2025.
8. Who makes the final decision on awarding the ESOP scholarship?
The applications are reviewed by Admissions Committees, but the final decision for awarding the scholarships rests with the Rector of ETH Zurich.
9. Are references required for the ESOP application?
Two reference persons (professors) must be named for the ESOP application, specifically if the Master’s study programme to which you are applying does not already ask for references.
10. When will applicants be notified of the award decision?
The decisions regarding the ESOP award will be communicated to applicants by the end of March.
