ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP) 2027 – Fully Funded Master’s in Switzerland
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) funds outstanding Master’s students at one of the world’s leading science and technology universities. The scholarship covers study and living costs for the Master’s degree and adds mentorship and a network through the ETH Foundation. A parallel ETH-D scholarship uses the same single application process.
Deadline: published sources give 30 November 2026 for the scholarship application, which is earlier than the general ETH admission deadline of 15 December. Because the dates differ, submit your documents by 30 November and verify on the official ETH Zurich scholarship page.
Who Should Apply
- Applicants of any nationality planning to start a Master’s at ETH Zurich
- Students with a very strong Bachelor’s result, described as roughly the top 10% of the programme (grade A)
- Candidates not already enrolled in a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich
What You Must Submit
- A motivation letter of one to two pages for the ESOP
- A self-written pre-proposal for your Master’s thesis, following ETH’s guidelines and standard citation practice
- Two reference letters from professors, submitted with the Master’s application online
- Transcripts and degree documents required for regular admission
- A separate application form for each Master’s programme if you apply to more than one
How Selection Works
The admissions committee of each Master’s programme evaluates applications, and the final decision on ESOP awards rests with the ETH Rector. Some candidates are contacted for a phone or video interview in February, so make sure the number on your CV is reachable. Decisions are expected around mid-March, and the number of awards depends on available funds.
Practical Advice
You are applying for admission and funding at the same time, so a weak admission file cannot be rescued by the scholarship file. Check the entry requirements of your chosen programme first, secure your professors early, and write the thesis pre-proposal yourself. Plagiarism or inaccurate information leads to exclusion or later withdrawal of the award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this open to African applicants? Yes, ESOP is open to national and international students who meet the admission and academic requirements.
Does admission guarantee a scholarship? No. Scholarships are limited and competitive.
Why ESOP Is Worth the Effort
ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the best universities in the world for science, engineering, mathematics and technology. Master’s study there is demanding, and living in Zurich is expensive. ESOP removes that financial pressure for a small group of top students and adds mentoring and a network through the ETH Foundation. Even if you do not win the scholarship, the same application serves as your Master’s admission file, so the effort is not wasted.
Key Dates at a Glance
- 30 November 2026: scholarship application deadline given by several published sources (one lists 11:59 am Central European Time)
- 15 December 2026: general ETH Master’s admission deadline, which is the later date quoted by some websites
- February 2027: possible phone or video interviews for shortlisted candidates
- Mid-March 2027: scholarship decisions are communicated
- Autumn 2027: start of the Master’s programme
The gap between the two dates is the most common source of mistakes. Applicants who submit only by the general admission date are not considered for the scholarship. Treat the earlier date as your deadline and confirm it on the official ETH page.
Eligibility in Detail
- You must apply for a Master’s degree programme at ETH Zurich and meet its admission requirements
- Your Bachelor’s results should be exceptional, described as the top 10% of your programme
- You should have strong academic references and a clear research or study interest
- If you are already a Master’s student at ETH Zurich, you are not eligible
- Language requirements depend on the programme, and most Master’s programmes require proof of English at a high level
Writing the Pre-Proposal for Your Master’s Thesis
The pre-proposal is the part that surprises many applicants. ETH asks you to develop a short plan for the thesis you would like to write. It should state a clear question, explain why it matters, outline how you would approach it and show that you understand the existing work in the area. It must be your own writing, with correct scientific citations. A good pre-proposal is realistic rather than ambitious for its own sake, and it shows that you can think like a researcher. Ask a lecturer or senior colleague to read it before you submit.
Motivation Letter Tips
Keep the letter to one or two pages. Explain why you chose this programme at ETH, which professors or research groups interest you, and how your previous projects prepared you. Mention concrete results such as a final-year project, a publication, a competition or a work placement. Finish with your goals after graduation. Avoid vague statements about passion and prefer evidence.
Choosing Your Referees
The programme requires two professors who know your work well. A detailed letter from a lecturer who supervised your project is worth more than a general letter from a famous name who barely knows you. Give your referees your CV, transcript and the deadline, and ask them at least a month in advance.
Planning Your Costs
Even with a scholarship, you should understand the cost of living in Zurich before you accept an offer. Housing is usually the biggest expense, and Swiss residence permits and health insurance have their own rules. Read the official information for admitted students and ask the international office about accommodation early.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the earlier scholarship deadline while meeting the later admission date
- Uploading a thesis pre-proposal copied or paraphrased from another source
- Applying to several programmes without a separate application form for each
- Giving a phone number on the CV that you cannot answer during February
- Sending references late, since they must be submitted with the Master’s application online
More Questions Applicants Ask
Is a scholarship guaranteed if I am admitted? No. The number of awards depends on funds and the competition is strong.
Can applicants from Africa receive the award? Yes. The scholarships are open to national and international students who meet the requirements.
Do I need a separate form for the ETH-D scholarship? No. There is one application process for both Master’s scholarship programmes.
Always verify the details on the official ETH Zurich scholarship page, because dates and conditions can change from one cycle to the next.
