2026 Switzerland ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

The 2026 ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious opportunities for students aiming to pursue a Master’s degree in Switzerland. Through the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP), ETH Zurich provides full financial support, mentorship, and access to a strong professional network managed by the ETH Foundation. This article explains all you need to know about the ESOP scholarship and how to successfully submit your application.

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship Summary

Host Country: Switzerland
Study Abroad: Europe
Category: Postgraduate | Master’s Scholarships
Eligible Countries: All countries
Reward: Full Funding | CHF 24,000 per year | Accommodation
IELTS Requirement: Not required
Deadline: November 30, 2025
Scholarship Alerts: To receive Scholarship Alerts on WhatsApp, click HERE

The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme is designed to support outstanding students, both domestic and international, who are applying for ETH Zurich’s Master’s degree programs. Each year, the number of scholarships available depends on the funding provided through the ETH Foundation.

Applications are evaluated by the respective departmental Admissions Committees, while final scholarship decisions are made by the Rector of ETH Zurich. Successful applicants typically receive notifications by the end of March.

2026 Switzerland ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements for the ESOP 2026

To qualify for the 2026 ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Academic Excellence

Must be within the top 10% of their Bachelor’s degree program (equivalent to grade A).

Interview Availability

Applicants must be reachable via the telephone number listed in their CV, as interviews may take place via phone or video call in February.

Enrollment Status

You cannot apply if:

You are already enrolled in a Master’s program at ETH Zurich, or
You already hold a Master’s degree.

Benefits of the 2026 ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship

Successful ESOP scholars receive:

1. Full Study and Living Cost Coverage

CHF 12,000 per semester, totaling CHF 24,000 per year
Tuition fee waiver for the duration of the Master’s program

2. Mentorship & Academic Support

Access to academic mentors supporting your growth

3. Networking Opportunities

Membership in a strong professional network through the ETH Foundation

4. Scholarship Duration

Covers the full duration of a Master’s program (3–4 semesters)

Required Documents for ETH Zurich ESOP 2026

Applicants must provide the following:

1. Standard Master’s Admission Documents

(as required by ETH Zurich)

2. Pre-Proposal for Master’s Thesis

Must be written independently
Must follow proper scientific citation practices
Plagiarized or inaccurate submissions result in automatic disqualification

3. Reference Requirements

If your program does not require reference letters, you must list two professors as reference contacts for the ESOP application.

How to Apply for the 2026 ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Step by Step)

Follow these steps to submit your ESOP application:

1. Begin Your Master’s Application

Click the CLICK HERE TO APPLY button below to access the application portal.

2. Complete the Online Application (eApply)

All applications must be submitted through eApply, ETH’s official Master’s application system.

3. Upload All Required Documents

Ensure your pre-proposal and reference details are included.

4. Submit Before the Deadline

The application deadline is November 30, 2025.

5. Wait for Final Decisions

Admissions Committees review applications first
The Rector makes the final scholarship decisions
Notifications are sent by end of March

The 2026 ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) offers an exceptional pathway for high-achieving students to pursue a prestigious Master’s degree in Switzerland, at zero cost. With comprehensive financial support, education in one of the world’s top universities, and mentorship opportunities, the ESOP opens the door to limitless academic and professional possibilities.