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The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027 officially known as the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is one of Europe’s most prestigious merit-based scholarships for Master’s students, offered by ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich), one of the world’s leading universities consistently ranked among the global top 10 (QS World University Ranking #7 in 2025). The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027 provides outstanding students with a scholarship of CHF 13,500 per semester (increased from CHF 12,000 — the new rate applies from Autumn Semester 2027 onwards), a full tuition fee waiver, mentorship, and access to the ETH Foundation’s network of leaders and innovators covering the full study and living costs during the entire regular duration of the chosen Master’s programme (3 or 4 semesters). Approximately 60 ESOP scholarships will be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year. The application window opens 1 November 2026 and closes 30 November 2026 at 11:59 AM CET. Applications are submitted exclusively through the official ETH eApply portal at lehrbetrieb.ethz.ch/eApply.
The ESOP is awarded on the basis of outstanding academic achievement — applicants must be in the top 10% of their Bachelor’s degree programme (grade A, based on self-assessment). The scholarship is open to all nationalities applying for any eligible Master’s programme at ETH Zurich with an international (non-Swiss) Bachelor’s degree. ESOP applications must be submitted exclusively during the November application window — applicants who miss this window cannot apply for the ESOP scholarship in the April window.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) |
| Offered By | ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich), Switzerland |
| Degree Level | Master’s degree — all ETH Zurich Master’s programmes (excluding MAS) |
| Eligible Applicants | All nationalities — with international (non-Swiss) Bachelor’s degree |
| Scholarship Amount | CHF 13,500 per semester (new rate from Autumn Semester 2027 / HS27 onwards) |
| Previous Rate (before HS27) | CHF 12,000 per semester |
| Tuition Fee Waiver | Full tuition fee waiver — included for regular duration of Master’s |
| Total Value (3 semesters) | CHF 40,500 scholarship + full tuition waiver |
| Total Value (4 semesters) | CHF 54,000 scholarship + full tuition waiver |
| Duration | Regular duration of chosen Master’s programme (3 or 4 semesters) |
| Number of Scholarships (2027/28) | ~60 ESOP scholarships |
| Academic Requirement | Top 10% of Bachelor’s degree programme (grade A — self-assessment) |
| Additional Document | Master’s thesis pre-proposal (max 500 words, excl. references) |
| References | 2 professors required (if study programme does not already request references) |
| Interview | Possible phone/VC interview in February 2027 |
| Application Window | 1–30 November 2026 at 11:59 AM CET |
| Application Portal | eApply — lehrbetrieb.ethz.ch/eApply |
| Decisions Communicated | End of March 2027 |
| Studies Start | Autumn Semester 2027 (September 2027) |
| NOT Eligible | Students already enrolled in a Master’s at ETH Zurich, or who already hold a Master’s degree |
| Grant Payment | 3 or 4 instalments — beginning of each semester, to Swiss bank/post account |
| Mentorship | Mentorship and ETH Foundation network access |
| Official Page | ethz.ch/students/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html |
| Contact | Financial Aid Office — Dr. Barbara E. Hellermann | +41 44 632 20 23 |
Detail Description
ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich — Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) is Switzerland’s leading technical university and one of the world’s foremost research and education institutions. Founded in 1855 by the Swiss federal government and located in the heart of Zurich, ETH Zurich focuses on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related disciplines. ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the world’s very best universities — placing in the QS World University Rankings global top 10 — and has produced more than 20 Nobel laureates, including Albert Einstein (alumnus) and Wilhelm Röntgen (first Nobel Prize in Physics). ETH Zurich’s 16 departments span engineering, natural sciences, architecture, mathematics, computer science, earth sciences, health sciences, management, and humanities.
The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) was established to attract the world’s most talented Master’s students to ETH Zurich — regardless of their financial background — by providing comprehensive financial support that covers full study and living costs for the entire Master’s degree. The programme is administered by the Financial Aid Office in partnership with the ETH Foundation, which provides mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities to ESOP scholars throughout their studies and beyond. ESOP is highly competitive — approximately 60 scholarships are awarded annually from a global applicant pool. Selection is based on outstanding academic achievement and the strength of the Master’s thesis pre-proposal.
Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
| Scholarship Grant | CHF 13,500 per semester (from HS27 onwards) — covering study and living expenses. Paid in 3 or 4 instalments at the beginning of each semester. Paid to a Swiss bank or post office account. |
| Tuition Fee Waiver | Full waiver of ETH Zurich tuition fees for the regular duration of the Master’s programme (3 or 4 semesters). Tuition waiver continues even if grant is suspended (e.g. during exchange semester). |
| Mentorship | Personal mentorship programme — ETH Foundation assigns a mentor from its network of business leaders, researchers, and innovators to each ESOP scholar. |
| ETH Foundation Network | Full access to the ETH Foundation’s alumni and supporter network — providing career development, industry connections, and professional opportunities throughout and after the Master’s. |
| Duration Coverage | Full regular duration of chosen Master’s programme: 3 semesters (some programmes) or 4 semesters (most programmes). |
| Exchange Semester | Grant suspended during exchange semester (tuition waiver continues). If exchange does not prolong studies, no further grant instalments for that period. |
| Master’s Thesis Abroad | Grant continues if Master’s thesis is written at another university, within standard programme duration. |
| Compulsory Internship (10+ weeks) | Grant not provided during compulsory internships of 10+ weeks. Resumes after return during normal study duration. |
| Voluntary Internship | Scholar’s choice — can suspend or continue grant. No extension of grant beyond standard programme duration. |
| Assistantship | ESOP compatible with assistantship — if studies are not compromised. Any extension due to assistantship must be self-financed. |
Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Excellence — Hard Requirement: Must be in the top 10% of the Bachelor’s degree programme. This is assessed as grade A on a self-assessment basis at the time of application. ETH Zurich verifies academic performance during the selection process.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Must hold — or be completing — a Bachelor’s degree from a university outside Switzerland. Applicants with a Swiss Bachelor’s degree can apply for ESOP only during the November window (not the April window). Note: entry to ETH Zurich Master’s from a non-Swiss Bachelor’s is only possible in the November application window in any case.
- Applying for a Master’s at ETH Zurich: Must be applying for a Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich. ESOP is not available for MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) programmes — only for regular Master’s degree programmes.
- NOT already enrolled in a Master’s at ETH: Applicants who are already enrolled in a Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich are NOT eligible for ESOP.
- Does NOT already hold a Master’s degree: Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are NOT eligible for ESOP. The scholarship supports first-time Master’s study.
- No spring semester entry: ETH Zurich Master’s programmes start only in autumn (September). There is no spring semester option for international applicants.
- ETH Bachelor students (consecutive Master’s): ETH Zurich Bachelor’s graduates can also apply for ESOP — including via the eApply system — and may start the ESOP with a leave of absence from their Bachelor’s.
- Reachability: Must be reachable by phone during February 2027 as the selection process may include a phone/VC interview. If unavailable, must inform the study programme coordinator in advance.
Who is NOT Eligible:
- Students already enrolled in a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich
- Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree
- Applicants for MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) programmes
- Students applying in the April application window (ESOP is only in November window)
- Applicants who submit late or incomplete applications
ETH Zurich Master’s Programmes — All Departments
The ESOP scholarship is available for Master’s programmes across all 16 ETH Zurich departments:
| Field | ETH Zurich Departments |
| Architecture and Civil Engineering | D-ARCH: Architecture | D-BAUG: Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering |
| Engineering Sciences | D-BSSE: Biosystems Science and Engineering | D-INFK: Computer Science | D-ITET: Information Technology and Electrical Engineering | D-MATL: Materials | D-MAVT: Mechanical and Process Engineering |
| Natural Sciences and Mathematics | D-BIOL: Biology | D-CHAB: Chemistry and Applied Biosciences | D-MATH: Mathematics | D-PHYS: Physics |
| System-oriented Natural Sciences | D-EAPS: Earth and Planetary Sciences | D-HEST: Health Sciences and Technology | D-USYS: Environmental Systems Science |
| Management and Social Sciences | D-MTEC: Management, Technology and Economics | D-GESS: Humanities, Social and Political Sciences |
Application Timeline
| Stage | Date | Detail |
| Prepare Pre-Proposal and Documents | September–October 2026 | Write your Master’s thesis pre-proposal (max 500 words). Contact two professors to serve as references. Gather academic transcripts and supporting documents. |
| Application Window Opens | 1 November 2026 | eApply portal opens for ESOP applications. Submit via lehrbetrieb.ethz.ch/eApply |
| Application Deadline | 30 November 2026 at 11:59 AM CET | Complete application including all documents must be submitted by this time. Late or incomplete applications not processed. |
| Phone/VC Interviews (if applicable) | February 2027 | Selected candidates may be contacted for a phone or video call interview. Must be reachable at the phone number in your CV. |
| Decisions Communicated | End of March 2027 | All applicants notified of outcome by end of March 2027. |
| Studies Begin | Autumn Semester 2027 (September 2027) | ESOP scholars begin Master’s programme at ETH Zurich. |
| First Grant Payment | Beginning of Autumn Semester 2027 | CHF 13,500 first instalment paid to Swiss bank/post office account after semester enrolment confirmed. |
Required Documents
- Standard Master’s application documents — all documents required for ETH Zurich Master’s admission (transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter, language certificates, etc. as specified by your chosen department)
- Master’s thesis pre-proposal — a research pre-proposal for your Master’s thesis, maximum 500 words (excluding references). Must be developed independently. Use established scientific citation practice. Download the pre-proposal guidelines from ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/main/education/finanzielles/files-en/guidelines_preproposal.pdf. The pre-proposal topic should align with specific research fields of ETH Zurich lecturers in your programme.
- Two professor references — if your chosen Master’s programme does not already require references, you must name two reference persons (professors) for the ESOP application. They will receive an automated email from the eApply system to upload their reference letters.
- CV — must include a reachable telephone number, as the selection process may include a phone/VC interview in February 2027.
Application Process
Step 1: Choose Your ETH Zurich Master’s Programme — Start Now
Browse ETH Zurich’s full list of Master’s programmes at ethz.ch/en/studies/master. Each programme has specific admission requirements — check the admission requirements for your chosen department carefully. The ESOP pre-proposal must relate to the research fields of lecturers in your chosen programme, so selecting your programme early is essential before writing the pre-proposal. The ESOP is available for all regular Master’s programmes except MAS programmes.
Step 2: Write Your Master’s Thesis Pre-Proposal
The pre-proposal is the key document distinguishing your ESOP application from a standard admission application. Download the official pre-proposal guidelines from ethz.ch. Your pre-proposal must: describe your prospective Master’s thesis project including a title (the exact topic will be agreed with your thesis supervisor during the programme), be maximum 500 words excluding references, align with specific research fields of ETH Zurich lecturers in your chosen programme, and use proper scientific citation practice. Be original — plagiarism results in exclusion. This document demonstrates your research aptitude and academic vision. Start working on it in September or October 2026.
Step 3: Identify and Contact Two Professor References
If your chosen Master’s programme does not already require reference letters, you must identify two professors who can serve as references for your ESOP application. These should be academics who know your academic work and can speak credibly to your research potential. Contact them in advance, explain your ESOP application, and confirm their willingness to provide a reference. After you submit your application through eApply, they will receive an automated email from the system asking them to upload their reference letter. Make sure they are prepared and available to respond promptly.
Step 4: Apply Through eApply — 1–30 November 2026
When the application window opens on 1 November 2026, go to eApply at lehrbetrieb.ethz.ch/eApply. Submit your full Master’s application AND your ESOP application simultaneously through the same portal — ESOP is a checkbox/option within the Master’s application. Upload all required documents including your pre-proposal. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate. Late or incomplete applications cannot be processed. Do not wait until November 30 — submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Step 5: Be Available for February 2027 Interview
After submitting your application, make sure you are reachable on the phone number specified in your CV throughout February 2027. The selection process may include a phone or video call interview. If you know you will be unavailable during February, inform your chosen study programme coordinator in advance. Being unreachable during interview scheduling may negatively affect your selection outcome.
Step 6: Await Results — End of March 2027
All decisions are communicated by the end of March 2027. Successful ESOP scholars are notified of their scholarship award along with their Master’s programme admission. After confirmation, ESOP scholars enroll in their Master’s programme for Autumn Semester 2027 (September 2027). The first grant instalment of CHF 13,500 is paid at the beginning of the first semester, after confirmation of semester enrolment, to a Swiss bank or post office account.
How to Apply
Also Check
- 📌 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded PhD and Research in Switzerland
- 📌 Eiffel Excellence Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Master’s and PhD in France
- 📌 Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Postgraduate at Cambridge
- 📌 Chevening Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded UK Government Master’s Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027?
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027 (ESOP — Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme) is a merit-based scholarship for outstanding Master’s students at ETH Zurich, one of the world’s top universities. It provides CHF 13,500 per semester (new rate from Autumn Semester 2027) plus a full tuition fee waiver, mentorship, and access to the ETH Foundation network — covering the full study and living costs during the regular Master’s programme duration (3 or 4 semesters). Approximately 60 scholarships are awarded annually. Application window: 1–30 November 2026. Decisions by end of March 2027. Apply via eApply at ethz.ch.
2. How much is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027?
CHF 13,500 per semester, starting from Autumn Semester 2027 (HS27) — confirmed from the official ETH Zurich ESOP page. This is an increase from the previous rate of CHF 12,000 per semester. For a 4-semester Master’s programme, this totals CHF 54,000 in scholarship payments plus the full tuition fee waiver. For a 3-semester programme, the total is CHF 40,500 plus tuition waiver. Grant is paid in 3 or 4 instalments at the beginning of each semester, to a Swiss bank or post office account.
3. When is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027 deadline?
The ESOP application window is 1–30 November 2026 at 11:59 AM CET. This is the only window for ESOP — applications submitted in the April 2027 window will not be considered for ESOP. Late or incomplete applications cannot be processed. Submit via eApply at lehrbetrieb.ethz.ch/eApply. Decisions are communicated at the end of March 2027.
4. Who is eligible for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027?
Students applying for a regular Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich (excluding MAS) who are in the top 10% of their Bachelor’s degree programme (grade A, self-assessment). Open to all nationalities — both Swiss and international students with a Bachelor’s degree from outside Switzerland. NOT eligible: students already enrolled in a Master’s at ETH Zurich, or applicants who already hold a Master’s degree.
5. Do I need to contact a professor before applying?
If your chosen Master’s programme does not already require reference letters, you must identify two professors who can provide references for your ESOP application. After you submit your application via eApply, these professors receive an automated email to upload their reference letters. It is strongly recommended to contact your chosen references in advance (September or October 2026) to confirm their willingness and availability. Regarding the thesis supervisor — the exact thesis topic will be agreed during the programme, but your pre-proposal should align with ETH Zurich research areas. You do not need a confirmed supervisor before applying.
6. What is the ESOP pre-proposal?
The ESOP pre-proposal is a short research proposal for your Master’s thesis, maximum 500 words (excluding references). It must describe your prospective thesis project, including a title and a research direction that aligns with specific research fields of ETH Zurich lecturers in your chosen programme. The exact topic will be agreed with your thesis supervisor during the programme. The pre-proposal must be written entirely by you using proper scientific citation practice. Plagiarism or misinformation results in exclusion from admission or revocation of any scholarship. Download the official pre-proposal guidelines from ethz.ch.
7. Is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship a full scholarship?
Yes — ESOP covers the full study and living costs during the Master’s degree. CHF 13,500/semester covers accommodation, food, books, transport, and personal expenses in Zurich. The tuition fee waiver removes ETH Zurich’s tuition fees entirely. In combination, ESOP scholars study at ETH Zurich for the full Master’s programme without financial barriers. The grant is suspended during exchange semesters and compulsory internships (10+ weeks), but the tuition waiver continues throughout.
Final Thoughts
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027 is one of Europe’s most valuable and prestigious Master’s scholarships — offering outstanding students the chance to study at a QS World Top 10 university with CHF 13,500 per semester and a full tuition waiver, supported by a mentorship programme and the ETH Foundation’s extraordinary global network. With approximately 60 scholarships available annually across all ETH Zurich Master’s programmes and all nationalities eligible, ESOP is competitive but genuinely accessible to any student who is in the top 10% of their Bachelor’s programme. The application window opens 1 November 2026 and closes 30 November 2026 at 11:59 AM CET — and cannot be applied for in the April 2027 window. Start working on your Master’s thesis pre-proposal now, identify your two professor references, choose your ETH Zurich Master’s programme, and apply through eApply when the window opens. For all official information, visit ethz.ch/students/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html or contact the Financial Aid Office at +41 44 632 20 23.
