ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland (Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Are you an exceptionally talented international student aiming for a master’s degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics? The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is one of the most prestigious and generous awards globally, offering a fully funded opportunity to study at ETH Zurich, consistently ranked among the world’s top universities. Located in Switzerland, a global hub for innovation and research, this scholarship is your gateway to an unparalleled academic career and significant professional development in a high-value field.
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 Details:
| University: | ETH Zurich |
| Degree level: | Masters |
| Scholarship coverage: | Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Switzerland |
| Last date: | 30 November 2025 |
If you are looking for a fully funded scholarship in Europe that covers not just tuition fees but also living expenses, the ESOP is the ultimate educational investment. This comprehensive guide will detail how you can secure this highly competitive merit-based scholarship for the 2026 intake.
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🎯 Who is eligible for the ESOP? (Simple Requirements)
The ESOP is a highly selective merit-based scholarship, designed to attract the top 2% to 3% of students globally.
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Academic Excellence: You must have a very good result in your bachelor’s degree programme, typically ranking in the top 10% of your graduating class. The ETH system often equates this to a grade “A”.
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Targeted Applicant: Open to students from ETH Zurich and other universities, both national and international, who wish to pursue a master’s degree at ETH Zurich.
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Programme Status: You must be applying for a master’s degree programme (not a Master of Advanced Studies – MAS) and must not already hold a master’s degree.
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Application Timing: You must apply during the first application window for the autumn semester, which is the November deadline.
High CPC Keywords to note: Students actively seeking this award often search for “fully funded Master’s scholarships in Europe”, “STEM Master’s scholarships”, or “ETH Zurich funding for international students”. Using these in the context of academic success helps your article rank highly for high-value user intent.
📝 Application Process and Required Documents
The application for the ESOP is integrated with your general admission application to the master’s programme. You must apply for master’s admission through the eApply online portal.
1. The Integrated Application Process
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Meet Programme Requirements: First, ensure you meet the specific admission prerequisites (including language proficiency, typically English) for your chosen master’s programme at ETH Zurich.
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Apply via eApply: Submit your master’s admission application through the ETH Zurich eApply online platform within the November application window.
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Indicate ESOP Interest: On the application portal, you must indicate your interest in applying for the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP).
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Submit Additional Documents: You must upload the ESOP-specific documents (listed below) in addition to the standard master’s admission documents.
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2. ESOP-Specific Documents (Crucial for Selection)
To secure this powerful financial coverage, you must prepare these unique documents carefully:
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Pre-proposal for Master’s Thesis: This is arguably the most critical component. You must submit a well-crafted, original research proposal (often limited to 500 words, excluding references) for your prospective master’s thesis. This demonstrates your research competence and potential for academic excellence. Ensure the topic aligns with the research fields of the professors in your intended department.
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Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed, professional CV highlighting all your academic achievements, research experience, publications, awards, and any relevant internships or professional development.
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Two Letters of Recommendation: These must be from professors or academic supervisors who know your work intimately and can attest to your standing in the top 10% of your class. The system will typically email your named referees to upload their letters directly.
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📅 Important Dates and Selection Process
The application period for the ESOP is strict and aligns with the first application window for international bachelor’s holders.
| Action/Deadline | Date |
| Application Window Opens | 1 November 2025 |
| Application Submission Deadline | 30 November 2025 (11:59 PM CET) |
| Interview Possibility | February 2026 (Candidates might be contacted for an interview) |
| Decision Announcement | By the end of March 2026 |
Selection Process: Applications are first evaluated by the Admissions Committees of the respective master’s programmes. The final decision on awarding the ESOP rests with the Rector of ETH Zurich. Only around 60 ESOP scholarships are typically awarded each year, reflecting the programme’s extremely competitive nature.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for the ESOP if I am an ETH bachelor’s student?
A: Yes, the ESOP is open to both ETH Bachelor’s students and external students wishing to pursue a consecutive Master’s degree.
Q2: Is there a separate application fee for the ESOP?
A: No, but you must pay the standard application fee (typically CHF 150) for the master’s degree application, which is mandatory to be considered for the scholarship.
Q3: Does the scholarship cover the entire cost of living in Switzerland?
A: The grant of CHF 12,000 per semester is a substantial contribution designed to cover your living and study expenses. While the overall cost of living in Switzerland can be high, this financial aid package is very generous and generally sufficient to sustain a student’s basic needs.
Q4: If I am rejected for the ESOP, can I still be admitted to the Master’s program?
A: Yes, the scholarship decision is separate from the admission decision. Even if you are not awarded the ESOP, you may still receive an admission offer to the master’s programme, provided you meet all the academic requirements.
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