Project Overview
About the Scholarship
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) 2027 is a fully funded Master's scholarship offering CHF 13,500 per semester living stipend plus full tuition fee waiver. Approximately 60 scholarships are available for the 2027/28 academic year. The application window runs 1-30 November 2026 (11:59 AM CET) for Autumn Semester 2027 (HS27) intake.
Financial Coverage
- CHF 13,500 per semester for living and study expenses (increased from CHF 12,000 from HS27 onwards).
- Full tuition fee waiver for the regular Master's duration (3 or 4 semesters).
- Mentorship and access to ETH Foundation's exclusive network.
- Total package: CHF 40,500-54,000 stipend plus tuition savings over 3-4 semesters.
- ETH states the scholarship covers full study and living costs during the Master's degree course.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Very good Bachelor's result: top 10% of Bachelor's programme (grade A). Based on self-assessment.
- Open to any nationality. International students fully eligible.
- Applicants currently applying for Master's admission (external applicants).
- ETH Bachelor students progressing to consecutive Master's programmes.
- NOT eligible: Those already enrolled in an ETH Master's programme.
- NOT eligible: Those who already hold a Master's degree.
- MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) programmes are not eligible.
- Note: Only ETH Bachelor students may start ESOP with a leave of absence. This does not restrict who can apply.
Application Process
- Apply through eApply (ETH online Master application). There is no separate ESOP application.
- Must apply in the first application window (1-30 November 2026). Later windows are not valid for ESOP.
- Upload additional documents:
- Master's thesis pre-proposal (guidelines PDF available on official page).
- Pre-proposal must be self-developed with proper scientific citation.
- If Master's programme does not require references, provide names of two reference professors who will upload letters.
- Possible phone/video interview in February 2027. Ensure contact number in CV is reachable.
Selection and Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Possible interviews | February 2027 |
| Decision communicated | End of March 2027 |
| Programme start | Autumn 2027 |
Applications evaluated by respective Master's programme Admissions Committees. Final decision by ETH Zurich Rector.
Official Link
- ESOP page: https://ethz.ch/students/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html
- eApply portal: https://eapply.ethz.ch
- Contact: Dr. Barbara E. Hellermann, Financial Aid Office
- Email: studienfinanzierung@sts.ethz.ch
- Phone: +41 44 632 20 23 / +41 44 632 20 88
Important Notes
- CHF 13,500 is the official amount for HS27 intake. Older listings showing CHF 12,000 are outdated.
- ESOP is part of the eApply Master application, not a separate application.
- December 15 deadline was used in older cycles (pre-2023). Current deadline is 30 November.
- Additional scholarships at ETH include ETH-D scholarship and department-specific funding.
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is Switzerland's federal institute of technology in Zurich. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral education across engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, architecture and related disciplines. Its research connects fundamental scientific questions with technological applications, supporting international collaboration and training for students interested in advanced study, innovation and scientific discovery.
Official website: https://ethz.ch
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: 30 November 2026, 11:59 CET (morning). Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship ESOP 2027 - Fully Funded Master's?
The application deadline is 30 November 2026 (30 November 2026, 11:59 CET (morning)). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Zurich time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Zurich but gives no clock time.
Is ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship ESOP 2027 - Fully Funded Master's fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. CHF 13,500.
Who is eligible to apply for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship ESOP 2027 - Fully Funded Master's?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Switzerland. Applications are assessed by ETH Zurich.
How do I apply for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship ESOP 2027 - Fully Funded Master's?
Applications for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship ESOP 2027 - Fully Funded Master's are submitted directly to ETH Zurich through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship ESOP 2027 - Fully Funded Master's?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Switzerland are published by the provider.
What study level does ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship ESOP 2027 - Fully Funded Master's offer?
This listing is offered at Master's level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.