Overview
Bachelor Master's
Description
Bachelor Master's
Eligibility
To be eligible for the ESOP, applicants must meet specific criteria:
Candidates must be among the top 10% of their Bachelor’s degree programme (equivalent to grade A). This is crucial, as ETH Zurich aims to nurture the most talented students who demonstrate academic excellence and have the potential for outstanding achievements.
The ESOP is open to students who are applying for a Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich via the online application portal, eApply. This includes ETH Bachelor students seeking a consecutive Master’s degree. However, students already enrolled in a Master’s degree programme or those who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible for ESOP.
Applicants are required to submit a pre-proposal for their Master's thesis, which must be original and adhere to proper scientific citation practices. The pre-proposal is an essential part of the application, showcasing the applicant’s research potential and innovation.
If the chosen Master's program does not require reference letters, applicants must provide the names of two professors as reference persons. These professors will receive an email from the system requesting them to upload their reference letters in support of the ESOP application.
The selection process might include a phone or video call interview, conducted in February, where applicants should be reachable via the contact details provided in their CV
Additional Information
Degree Level
Bachelor Master's
Available Subjects
All subjects
Benefits
Comprehensive Financial Support:
The ESOP scholarship covers full study and living costs for the regular duration of the Master's program at ETH Zurich. The financial support is a significant amount, providing CHF 12,000 per semester, along with a tuition fee waiver. This enables students to focus on their academic pursuits without worrying about expenses.
Mentorship and Networking:
ESOP scholars are provided with mentorship from experienced professionals, helping them navigate their academic journey and future career paths. Scholars also gain access to an exclusive network of the ETH Foundation, which offers invaluable professional connections in various industries and research areas.
Top-Tier Academic Environment:
Being part of ETH Zurich’s ESOP not only means financial support, but also recognition as a top-tier student among global peers. ETH Zurich is known for its rigorous academic environment, innovative research opportunities, and being a hub for global leaders in science and technology.
Eligible Nationalities
This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the ESOP, applicants must meet specific criteria:
Candidates must be among the top 10% of their Bachelor’s degree programme (equivalent to grade A). This is crucial, as ETH Zurich aims to nurture the most talented students who demonstrate academic excellence and have the potential for outstanding achievements.
The ESOP is open to students who are applying for a Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich via the online application portal, eApply. This includes ETH Bachelor students seeking a consecutive Master’s degree. However, students already enrolled in a Master’s degree programme or those who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible for ESOP.
Applicants are required to submit a pre-proposal for their Master's thesis, which must be original and adhere to proper scientific citation practices. The pre-proposal is an essential part of the application, showcasing the applicant’s research potential and innovation.
If the chosen Master's program does not require reference letters, applicants must provide the names of two professors as reference persons. These professors will receive an email from the system requesting them to upload their reference letters in support of the ESOP application.
The selection process might include a phone or video call interview, conducted in February, where applicants should be reachable via the contact details provided in their CV
Application Procedure
The application process for the ESOP runs alongside the application for admission to ETH Zurich’s Master’s programmes. The application window is open from November 1 to November 30 , closing at 11:59h MEZ. All documents required for the Master’s program, as well as the additional materials for ESOP, must be uploaded within this period.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, approximately 60 ESOP scholarships will be awarded. The selection process is highly competitive, and the final decision rests with the Rector of ETH Zurich, following an evaluation by the Admissions Committees of the respective Master’s programmes. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by the end of March.
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme offers a transformative experience for top-performing students. With financial freedom, mentorship, and a prestigious academic environment, ESOP empowers scholars to achieve new heights in their studies and future careers. Whether you aim to innovate in technology, engineering, or sciences, this scholarship program provides an unparalleled opportunity for personal and academic growth at one of the world’s most renowned universities.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Can I apply for ESOP if I am already enrolled in a Master’s program at ETH Zurich? No. ESOP is only for students beginning a new Master’s degree at ETH Zurich. Students already enrolled in a Master’s program or those who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible .
Do I need reference letters for the ESOP application? If your chosen Master’s program does not require references for admission, you must still provide two professors as reference persons specifically for the ESOP. They will receive an automatic email to upload their letters.
What should the Master’s thesis pre-proposal include? The pre-proposal must be written independently by you, follow proper scientific citation standards, and clearly outline your intended research direction. Plagiarism leads to application rejection and scholarship revocation.
How many ESOP scholarships are awarded each year? Approximately 60 scholarships are awarded for the 2026-2027 academic year. The final number depends on funding availability.
When will the scholarship decision be announced? Decisions are communicated by the end of March following the application window (Nov 1–30).
Everything You Need To Study Abroad
Explore the universities, programs and support behind studying in Switzerland — all in one place.
Never Miss A Scholarship
Get new Switzerland scholarships & deadlines in your inbox.
Searching Scholarships For You
on the best scholarships platform
Card
Funding
Partial Funding
Organization
ETH Zurich
Degree
Masters, Bachelor
Subjects
All Subjects
Nationality
International Students
Country
Switzerland
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.