ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) and the ETH Zurich Foundation
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027
Edit ScholarshipETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship covers living costs (CHF 12,000/semester) plus tuition waiver for Master's students. Top 10% of graduates eligible.
Overview
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is a merit-based award for Master's students at ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. It targets the top academic talent worldwide and is open to both Swiss and international students.
To be considered, you must rank in the top 10% of your Bachelor's graduating class. The scholarship pays CHF 12,000 per semester (CHF 24,000 per year) for living and study expenses and waives tuition fees entirely for the duration of the Master's programme, which runs three to four semesters. That makes ESOP one of the most generous Master's-level awards in continental Europe.
ETH Zurich consistently ranks in the global top 10 and is one of the strongest institutions in the world for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. ESOP scholars get access to cutting-edge research facilities, top faculty, and a large international student body. The programme is managed through ETH Zurich's student financial services in coordination with individual Master's programmes.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) and the ETH Zurich Foundation |
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Degree Levels | Master's |
| Value | Living and study expenses grant of CHF 12,000 per semester (CHF 24,000 per year) plus complete tuition fee waiver for the regular duration of the Master's programme |
| Deadline | November 2026 |
| Duration | 3 to 4 semesters (regular duration of the Master's programme) |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open to students of all nationalities — both Swiss and international students are eligible |
| Official Website | https://ethz.ch/students/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html |
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
You must rank in the top 10% of your Bachelor's degree programme (grade A or equivalent). This is the core criterion and is strictly enforced. Your undergraduate record should show excellent grades throughout, not just at the end.
Nationality Requirements
Open to students of all nationalities. Both Swiss citizens and international students can apply. No country-specific quotas or restrictions.
Language Requirements
You must meet the language requirements of your chosen Master's programme. Most are taught in English and require TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+. Some programmes may also require German proficiency.
Work Experience
No work experience is required. Selection is based on academic merit and research potential.
Other Requirements
You cannot be currently enrolled in a Master's programme at ETH Zurich or already hold a Master's degree. The scholarship is for new Master's students only. You must apply during the first application window (November) and submit a pre-proposal for your Master's thesis as part of the scholarship application.
Scholarship Benefits
- CHF 12,000 per semester (CHF 24,000 per year) for living and study expenses
- Complete tuition fee waiver for the regular programme duration
- Access to ETH Zurich's research laboratories, libraries, and computing facilities
- Integration into ETH Zurich's international academic community
- Faculty mentorship in your chosen Master's programme
- Networking with fellow ESOP scholars and ETH Zurich's alumni network
- Eligibility for additional ETH Zurich research and project opportunities
- Recognition as an ETH Excellence Scholar on academic records
How to Apply
- Choose a Master's Programme at ETH Zurich: Find a Master's programme that matches your background and goals. Review admission requirements, language requirements, and curriculum. Confirm the programme participates in ESOP.
- Apply for Master's Admission via eApply: Submit your Master's application through ETH Zurich's eApply system during the first window (November 1-30). You must apply in this first window to qualify for ESOP. Second-window applications are not eligible.
- Complete the ESOP Scholarship Application: Within eApply, indicate your interest in the Excellence Scholarship and upload the additional ESOP documents, including a Master's thesis pre-proposal. This is built into the Master's application; there is no separate form.
- Arrange Two Recommendation Letters: Get two academic recommendation letters from professors who can assess your abilities, research potential, and fit for the scholarship. Referees submit letters directly through eApply.
- Participate in Interview (if shortlisted): Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a phone or video interview in February. Make sure you are reachable at the number on your CV. If you will be unavailable during the interview window, tell the programme coordinator ahead of time.
- Receive Decision: Scholarship decisions come in March or April alongside Master's admission decisions. Winners confirm enrollment and arrange their move to Zurich for the autumn semester.
Required Documents
- Completed ETH Zurich Master's application via eApply
- Official Bachelor's degree transcripts with grades and class ranking
- Bachelor's degree certificate (or proof of expected completion)
- Master's thesis pre-proposal (a research outline for the planned thesis)
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Two academic recommendation letters
- Motivation letter explaining interest in the programme and scholarship
- English language proficiency scores (TOEFL or IELTS, if required by the programme)
- Passport copy or national ID
- Portfolio of previous academic or research work (if applicable to the programme)
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | November 1, 2025 (first application window) |
| Application Deadline | November 30, 2025 (ESOP applicants must apply in the first window) |
| Results Announced | March–April 2026 |
| Course Start | September 2026 (ETH Zurich autumn semester) |
Tips for a Strong Application
Personal Statement Tips
- The Master's thesis pre-proposal is what sets candidates apart. Invest serious effort in writing a clear, well-researched, and feasible proposal that shows independent thinking.
- State your class ranking explicitly. The top 10% criterion is the primary eligibility gate.
- Connect your academic interests to specific research groups or faculty at ETH Zurich to show genuine engagement with the institution.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the first application window (November). ESOP is only available to first-window applicants. The second window does not count.
- Submitting a vague or thin thesis pre-proposal. This is the weightiest piece of the ESOP evaluation.
- Not providing clear evidence of class ranking. If your university does not formally rank students, get a letter from your department confirming your percentile standing.
- Being unreachable during the February interview period without notifying the programme coordinator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship pay?
CHF 12,000 per semester (CHF 24,000 per year) for living and study expenses, plus a complete tuition waiver. Over a typical two-year Master's, the total value is about CHF 50,000 or more when you factor in tuition savings.
Do I need to be in the top 10% of my class to apply?
Ranking in the top 10% is a strict requirement. If your university does not issue formal class rankings, you may need a letter from your department confirming your relative standing.
Can I apply for ESOP as an international student?
The scholarship is open to all nationalities without restriction. Swiss and international students compete on equal terms.
What is the Master's thesis pre-proposal?
A brief research outline (2-3 pages) describing a potential topic for your Master's thesis at ETH Zurich. It should show your research interests, methodology, and how the topic fits ETH Zurich's research strengths. It does not need to be your final thesis topic.
Can I apply for the scholarship in the second application window?
No. ESOP applications are only accepted during the first window (November 1-30). Second-window Master's applicants cannot be considered.
Does ETH Zurich charge tuition fees?
Swiss residents and eligible foreign students pay CHF 730 per semester (since Autumn 2025). International students who moved to Switzerland to study pay CHF 2,190 per semester. ESOP waives these fees entirely. The bigger financial benefit is the CHF 12,000 per semester living grant, given Zurich's high cost of living.
Is there an interview for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a phone or video interview in February. Not all applicants are interviewed; it depends on the programme and number of applicants.
What programmes are covered by the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
Master's programmes across all ETH Zurich departments: engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, architecture, management, social sciences, and more. Each programme has its own ESOP coordinator who manages selection.
How competitive is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
Only students in the top 10% of their Bachelor's class are eligible, and just a fraction of those eligible applicants receive the scholarship. The exact number of awards varies by year and programme.
Can I work while on the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
ESOP scholars can take on limited part-time work like teaching or research assistantships at ETH Zurich. The Master's programme is demanding, and the scholarship is designed so you can focus on studies without financial pressure.