ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme

ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich) has announced the call for the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) for applicants starting their master’s degrees in the autumn semester of 2027 (HS27). The scholarship supports outstanding incoming students with financial grants, mentorship, and access to the network of the ETH Foundation.

Selected scholars will receive CHF 13,500 per semester to cover living and study costs, alongside a full tuition fee waiver for the standard duration of their master’s degree (three or four semesters). Approximately 60 scholarships are expected to be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year, subject to available funding.

The application window opens on November 1, 2026, and closes strictly on November 30, 2026, at 11:59 CET (as stated on the ETH page, so apply early). Prospective students must submit their scholarship requests simultaneously with their online application for master’s degree admission.

What is funded

The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme covers full living and study expenses throughout the regular period of study. Starting from HS27, scholars receive CHF 13,500 per semester, which is disbursed for the normal three or four semesters of the programme.

In addition to the financial living allowance, recipients are granted a full tuition fee waiver for the entire standard study duration. Scholars also benefit from dedicated mentorship and professional engagement opportunities facilitated by the ETH Foundation network.

Who can apply

The call is open to individuals applying for a regular master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich, excluding Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programmes. Both external applicants and current ETH Zurich bachelor’s degree students applying for a consecutive master’s degree are eligible.

Eligible candidates must have achieved very good results in their bachelor’s degree programme, placing within the top 10% (equivalent to grade A based on self-assessment). Individuals who already hold a master’s degree or are currently enrolled in a master’s programme at ETH Zurich are not eligible to apply.

Conditions and requirements

Applicants must author an independent pre-proposal for their intended master’s thesis following standard scientific citation rules. The institution maintains strict policies regarding academic integrity, noting that plagiarism or misinformation will result in immediate disqualification or the later revocation of admission and scholarship awards.

If the chosen study programme does not already mandate academic references, applicants must supply the contact details of two professors. These referees must submit their recommendation letters within two weeks following an automated notification from the application portal.

Candidates must provide an accurate telephone number in their CV and remain reachable, as selection committees may conduct phone or video conference interviews during February. Only ETH bachelor’s graduates are permitted to defer or commence the ESOP with an approved leave of absence.

How to apply

Applications must be completed online via the eApply portal during the initial application window from November 1 to November 30, 2026, by 11:59 CET. Applicants must submit standard master’s admission documentation alongside the required ESOP-specific materials, including the thesis pre-proposal.

Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committees of the respective master’s disciplines, while the final award decision is issued by the Rector of ETH Zurich. Final admission and funding results are communicated to candidates by the end of March.

Practical tip. Contact your two academic referees well before the November application window opens to confirm their willingness to support you, as they will have only two weeks to upload their letters once the portal triggers the automated request.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: ethz.ch.