ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland

The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) 2026 offers exceptional international students the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree at one of the world’s most prestigious universities — ETH Zurich in Switzerland.

 

This highly competitive scholarship is aimed at outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence, strong motivation, and potential for leadership and innovation. ETH Zurich is renowned globally for its excellence in science, technology, and research, consistently ranking among the world’s top institutions. The ESOP provides full financial support, covering tuition fees and living expenses, allowing recipients to focus fully on their academic and research goals.

 

Scholarship Summary

• Host Institution: ETH Zurich, Switzerland
• Degree Level: Master’s Degree
• Scholarship Name: Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
• Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
• Application Deadline: November 30, 2025

 

Benefits

Being awarded the ESOP scholarship means:

• Tuition fees are fully waived for the entire duration of the Master’s programme.
• Living and academic expenses stipend of CHF 12,000 per semester (covers accommodation, food, study materials, etc.).
• Valid for 3 to 4 semesters, depending on program length.
• Only ETH Bachelor students may begin the ESOP while on a leave of absence.
• Support & mentorship: access to support structures at ETH; networking with ETH community and possibly specially designed academic or professional development opportunities.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for ESOP 2026, applicants generally need to meet all the following:

• Have an outstanding academic record; usually in the top 10% of their Bachelor’s class (or equivalent)
• Hold (or be about to complete) a recognised Bachelor’s degree before the start of the Master’s programme
• Be applying for a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich; the scholarship is for new Master’s students (not for those already enrolled in a Master or who already have one)
• Make themselves reachable through the telephone number listed in their CV (phone or video interview may be part of selection in February 2026)
• Not eligible if already enrolled in a Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurish or hold a Master degree
• Submit all required documents including a pre-proposal for your Master thesis (Guidelines for pre-proposal), transcripts, letters of reference (or naming referees if the programme doesn’t require references), motivation letter etc.

Note: The pre-proposal for the master’s thesis must be developed by yourself and use established scientific citation practice. Plagiarism, negligent or international mis-information will lead to exclusion from the admission process or – if discovered later – to the revocation of the admission and of any scholarship.

How to Apply

Here’s how to apply for ESOP 2026:

• Choose a Master’s Programme at ETH Zurich and ensure you meet the admission requirements.
• Mark that you wish to apply for ESOP during your application (using ETH’s e-Apply portal). The scholarship application runs together with, or shortly after, the Master’s programme application.
• Prepare and upload required documents:
  • Bachelor’s degree certificate / transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Motivation / cover letter
  • Master’s thesis pre-proposal (following ETH’s guidelines)
    
  • References or names of referee professors in case programme does not require references formally
    
• Make sure contact details (phone number etc.) are correct, since interviews (phone or video) might be part of the selection process in February 2026 for shortlisted candidates.
• Submit your application by the deadline: 30 November 2025 (11:59 PM CET)

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)?

• The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is a fully funded scholarship designed for outstanding international and domestic students applying for a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich. It provides full tuition coverage, a living allowance, and mentorship support throughout the program. The scholarship aims to nurture future leaders in science, technology, and innovation.

2. Who can apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026?

• This scholarship is open to exceptionally talented students from any country in the world. Applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree and have graduated in the top 10% of their class. They must also demonstrate strong motivation, research potential, and leadership qualities.

3. What is the pre-proposal for the Master’s thesis and why is it required?

• The pre-proposal is a short, two-page document outlining your intended research topic, objectives, and methods for your Master’s thesis. It helps ETH Zurich assess your academic potential, originality, and research mindset.

4. Do I need to have a confirmed supervisor before applying?

• No. You are not required to secure a supervisor before submitting your ESOP application. However, your pre-proposal should be strong enough to show that your research ideas align with ETH Zurich’s academic strengths.

5. Can I apply for multiple Master’s programs with the ESOP?

• Yes, you can apply for more than one Master’s program, but you must submit a separate application for each program and indicate your interest in the ESOP for each.

6. How competitive is the ETH Zurich scholarship?

• The ESOP is extremely competitive. Only the top 2–3% of applicants are selected each year. The selection committee carefully reviews academic records, the quality of the pre-proposal, recommendation letters, and the applicant’s motivation to study at ETH Zurich.

7. How long does the scholarship last?

• The scholarship covers the entire duration of the Master’s program, which typically lasts 1.5 to 2 years, depending on the course of study.

8. Can current ETH Zurich students apply for the ESOP?

• No. The ESOP is available only to new Master’s students applying to ETH Zurich for the first time. Current or already enrolled Master’s students are not eligible.

9. Can international students work while studying under the ESOP?

• Yes, international students in Switzerland are permitted to work part-time; however, ESOP recipients are not encouraged to work since the scholarship already covers full living expenses. The goal is to allow students to focus on academic and research activities.

10. Is the scholarship renewable each semester?

• Yes, but it is renewed automatically based on your academic performance. You must maintain satisfactory progress and actively participate in your research or coursework.

11. What happens if I defer my admission?

• If you choose to defer your admission to the following year (2027), the scholarship does not automatically carry over. You’ll need to reapply for the next cycle unless ETH Zurich explicitly allows deferral under special circumstances.

12. Are family or dependent costs covered?

• No. The ESOP covers expenses for the student only. Family or dependent expenses are not included in the scholarship benefits.

13. What are my chances of getting selected?

• Your chances depend on your academic performance, research potential, and quality of your pre-proposal. ETH Zurich’s scholarship committee looks for students who can demonstrate both academic brilliance and independent research capacity.