Studying for a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich can open doors to world-class research, strong career opportunities, and an international network. The cost of living and studying in Switzerland, however, can be a serious challenge for many talented students.
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is designed to make this goal more achievable. It offers selected Master’s applicants CHF 13,500 per semester together with a full tuition waiver. If you have strong academic potential and want to study at one of Switzerland’s leading universities, this is an opportunity worth preparing for now.
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The application window for the 2027 intake runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 November 2026. Around 60 scholarships are expected to be available, so you should not wait until the last week to prepare your application.
Why the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship Stands Out
ETH Zurich is widely recognised for its strength in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, architecture, and related fields. It attracts ambitious students from Switzerland and around the world who want access to advanced teaching, research facilities, and a highly international academic environment.
ESOP is not simply a tuition reduction. It combines a semester-based scholarship payment with a tuition waiver, giving successful applicants meaningful financial support while they complete an eligible Master’s programme. This can reduce the pressure of financing your studies and help you focus on your academic work, research, and career development.
For international students, this is especially valuable. Switzerland has a high cost of living, particularly in Zurich. Receiving CHF 13,500 every semester can make a major difference when planning for accommodation, food, transport, study materials, health insurance, and other essential expenses.
ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship Overview
Scholarship Detail
Information
Scholarship name
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
University
ETH Zurich
Study level
Master’s degree
Study location
Zurich, Switzerland
Funding amount
CHF 13,500 per semester
Tuition support
Full tuition waiver
Number of awards
Approximately 60 scholarships
Eligible applicants
Master’s applicants, including international students
The key benefit of the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is its combination of direct financial support and a tuition waiver. Selected students receive CHF 13,500 per semester and do not have to pay tuition fees covered by the award.
CHF 13,500 per semester to support your studies and living costs.
Full tuition waiver for the awarded Master’s programme.
The chance to study at ETH Zurich, a globally respected institution in Switzerland.
Support that can help international students plan a more realistic study budget.
Access to a competitive academic environment with students and researchers from many countries.
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It is important to budget carefully even if you receive the scholarship. Zurich is an expensive city, and your actual costs will depend on your housing choice, lifestyle, insurance needs, and personal circumstances. The award is substantial, but responsible financial planning remains essential before you move.
Who Can Apply for the ETH Zurich ESOP?
ESOP is intended for outstanding applicants who want to begin a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich. The scholarship is highly competitive, with around 60 awards available, so academic strength and a well-prepared application matter.
You should first make sure that you are applying for an eligible ETH Zurich Master’s programme. The opportunity is promoted for Master’s applicants across ETH Zurich departments, but the exact programme and admission conditions should always be confirmed through the official ETH Zurich application information.
Eligibility Area
What You Need to Know
Level of study
You must be applying for a Master’s degree.
Institution
Your intended programme must be at ETH Zurich.
Academic profile
The scholarship targets excellent and highly competitive applicants.
Nationality
International applicants can apply. Foreigners are welcome.
Application route
You must apply through the ETH Zurich eApply system during the application period.
Programme requirements
You must meet the admission requirements for your selected ETH Zurich Master’s programme.
Do not assume that receiving a scholarship automatically means admission to a programme. Your Master’s application and scholarship application must be handled carefully through the official process. Review the conditions for your chosen department before submitting anything.
ETH Zurich Master’s Programmes and Departments
The ESOP scholarship is connected to Master’s study at ETH Zurich and is relevant to applicants across the university’s departments. ETH Zurich offers Master’s education in a broad range of academic areas, including science, engineering, technology, architecture, mathematics, environmental fields, and related disciplines.
Your first task is to identify a Master’s programme that matches your previous education, career plans, and academic interests. Each programme may have its own entry requirements, language expectations, academic background rules, and document requirements.
Before you apply, visit the official ETH Zurich website and check that your programme is open for the relevant 2027 admission cycle. You should also read the programme page carefully to understand whether your degree background is suitable.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
The source information confirms that applications are submitted through eApply. Because the ESOP is competitive, it is smart to prepare your academic and supporting documents before the application portal opens.
Your exact document list can depend on your Master’s programme and the instructions shown in eApply. Check the official portal carefully and submit only the documents requested for your application.
Your academic qualification documents required for Master’s admission.
Your academic records or transcripts, where requested.
Information about your selected ETH Zurich Master’s programme.
Any scholarship-specific materials requested in the eApply system.
Supporting documents required by your department or programme.
Make sure your documents are complete, readable, and consistent. Your name, academic history, programme selection, and uploaded records should match across the whole application. Missing or unclear files can weaken an otherwise strong application.
How to Apply Through eApply
You must submit your application through the official ETH Zurich eApply platform. The application period is short, so prepare in advance and avoid relying on last-minute uploads.
Visit the official ETH Zurich website and find the Master’s admissions and ESOP scholarship information.
Choose the ETH Zurich Master’s programme you want to study.
Confirm that you meet the admission requirements for that programme.
Create or access your account in the ETH Zurich eApply system.
Complete the Master’s application and select the scholarship option where it is available.
Upload every required academic and scholarship document in the requested format.
Review your information carefully before submission.
Submit your application between 1 November 2026 and 30 November 2026.
Keep copies of your submitted application and monitor your email and eApply account for updates.
Use the official ETH Zurich instructions as your final authority. Requirements can change by programme or application cycle, and the eApply portal will show the most current submission guidance.
Application Deadline for 2027 Entry
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship application window for the 2027 cycle is:
Open: 1 November 2026 Deadline: 30 November 2026
This is a limited application period. Since only around 60 scholarships are available, submit early if possible. Do not wait for the final day, especially if you still need to scan documents, resolve portal issues, or confirm programme requirements.
Tips to Make Your Application Stronger
ESOP is an excellence-based opportunity. A rushed application is unlikely to show your true potential. Give yourself time to choose the right programme, review the official instructions, and present your academic profile clearly.
Apply only after confirming that your background fits the Master’s programme.
Start collecting academic records before November 2026.
Read every instruction in eApply before uploading files.
Use accurate information throughout your application.
Check spelling, document names, and file quality before submitting.
Apply before the deadline rather than on 30 November 2026.
A strong application is not about using complicated language. It is about showing a clear academic record, careful preparation, and genuine readiness for advanced study at ETH Zurich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ETH Zurich ESOP scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship provides CHF 13,500 per semester and a full tuition waiver. This is major financial support for Master’s students, although you should still plan your personal budget carefully because living expenses in Zurich can vary.
Can international students apply for ESOP?
Yes. International applicants and foreigners who are applying for an eligible ETH Zurich Master’s programme can apply, subject to the official scholarship and admission requirements.
How many ESOP scholarships are available?
Approximately 60 ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships are available for the 2027 cycle.
What is the deadline for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
The application period runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 November 2026. Submit through the ETH Zurich eApply platform before the deadline.
Where do I apply for the scholarship?
You apply through ETH Zurich’s eApply system. Visit the official ETH Zurich website for the current application instructions and programme details.
Final Thoughts
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship gives high-achieving Master’s applicants a real chance to study in Switzerland with CHF 13,500 per semester and a full tuition waiver. Prepare early, check your programme requirements, and submit a complete eApply application before 30 November 2026.
Apply now, stay organised, and take your next step toward a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich.
