The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027/2028 offers outstanding students from around the world an opportunity to pursue a fully funded master's degree at one of Switzerland's leading research universities.
Officially known as the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP), the award supports academically exceptional bachelor's graduates with funding for tuition fees, living expenses and study-related costs.
For students starting in autumn 2027, the scholarship provides CHF 13,500 per semester, together with a full tuition-fee waiver, mentorship and access to the ETH Foundation network.
ETH Zurich expects to award approximately 60 ESOP scholarships for the 2027/2028 academic year, subject to available funding.
The application period runs from 1 November to 30 November 2026. Applicants must apply through ETH Zurich's online master's admission system during the first application window.
Related: Discover more fully funded master's scholarships on OHUB.
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About this opportunity
ETH Zurich, also known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, is a public research university in Switzerland.
The university offers master's programmes in engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, architecture, technology and other academic fields.
The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme supports students with exceptional academic achievements who wish to pursue an eligible master's degree at ETH Zurich.
The programme combines financial assistance with mentorship and access to professional and academic networks associated with the ETH Foundation.
Scholarships are awarded competitively following an assessment by the admissions committees of the relevant master's programmes.
The final decision rests with the Rector of ETH Zurich.
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027 Overview
Scholarship: Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
Host country: Switzerland
University: ETH Zurich
Study level: Master's degree
Related: Discover more fully funded master's scholarships on OHUB.
Financial Benefits
The ESOP programme offers comprehensive financial and academic support for selected master's students.
1. CHF 13,500 Per Semester
Beginning with the autumn 2027 intake, scholarship recipients receive CHF 13,500 per semester to cover living and study expenses.
This is an increase from the previous CHF 12,000-per-semester award.
For budgeting purposes, CHF 13,500 over a six-month semester period is equivalent to approximately CHF 2,250 per month.
However, ETH Zurich does not describe the scholarship as a monthly salary. The award is paid in semester-based instalments.
2. Full Tuition-Fee Waiver
Successful recipients receive an exemption from tuition fees for the regular duration of their master's degree.
This means eligible students do not need to pay the tuition charges covered by the ESOP award.
3. Total Scholarship Value
The total living and study expense grant depends on the duration of the master's programme.
Three-semester master's: CHF 40,500
Four-semester master's: CHF 54,000
These figures represent the cash grant only.
The value of the tuition-fee waiver is additional.
4. Funding for the Normal Master's Duration
The scholarship covers the regular duration of the master's programme, generally three or four semesters.
Students should not assume that funding will continue if their studies extend beyond the prescribed programme length.
5. Mentorship
ESOP recipients benefit from mentorship intended to support their academic and professional development.
6. Access to the ETH Foundation Network
The scholarship provides access to the ETH Foundation network, offering opportunities for academic and professional connections.
7. Study at ETH Zurich
Recipients have the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree in Switzerland in a research-intensive academic environment.
Does ESOP Cover Airfare, Visas and Accommodation?
ETH Zurich describes ESOP as covering full study and living costs through the grant and tuition waiver.
However, the official scholarship page does not separately guarantee:
International airfare
Visa application fees
Residence permit charges
Free accommodation
Relocation expenses
Funding for dependants
Applicants should plan these expenses carefully and follow the university's financial guidance.
Related: Browse more scholarships in Switzerland and Europe on OHUB.
What's covered
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Flight/travel costs
Documents Required
The official scholarship page requires documents for both master's admission and ESOP consideration.
Applicants should prepare the following materials where required by their selected programme:
Completed online master's application
Academic CV
Bachelor's degree certificate or evidence of expected completion
Academic transcripts
Documents required for the selected master's programme
Master's thesis pre-proposal
Two academic reference persons, if the master's programme does not already require references
Proof of language proficiency, where required
Other programme-specific supporting documents
Eligibility Criteria
The official ESOP page identifies the following key requirements.
1. Excellent Bachelor's Academic Results
Applicants should have achieved outstanding results in their bachelor's degree.
ETH Zurich specifies performance among the top 10% of the bachelor's programme, equivalent to grade A.
This assessment is initially based on the applicant's self-assessment.
2. Eligible Master's Degree Application
Applicants must apply for an eligible regular master's degree at ETH Zurich.
Master of Advanced Studies programmes are not eligible.
3. No Previous Master's Degree
Applicants who already hold a master's degree are not eligible for ESOP.
4. Not Currently Enrolled in an ETH Zurich Master's Programme
Applicants already enrolled in a master's degree programme at ETH Zurich are not eligible.
5. Apply During the First Admission Window
All ESOP applicants must submit their application during the first master's application period.
For the 2027/2028 intake, this is 1–30 November 2026.
6. Submit a Master's Thesis Pre-Proposal
Applicants must prepare and upload a pre-proposal for their intended master's thesis.
The proposal must be independently developed and follow recognised scientific citation practices.
7. Provide References Where Required
If the selected master's programme does not already request references, applicants must identify two professors who can provide reference letters for ESOP.
8. Remain Available for a Possible Interview
The selection process may include a telephone or video interview in February 2027.
Applicants should provide an active telephone number in their CV and remain reachable.
Can African Students Apply for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027?
Yes. The ESOP programme is open to qualified applicants from around the world.
Eligible candidates from African countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and others may apply.
There is no general exclusion of African applicants in the official scholarship eligibility rules.
However, candidates must meet the academic and programme-specific requirements.
Applicants with bachelor's degrees awarded outside Switzerland must use the November 2026 application window.
African applicants should also review the master's admission requirements for international qualifications and prepare any required language evidence, transcripts or translations.
How to Apply
The ESOP application is submitted through eApply, ETH Zurich's official online master's application system.
Step 1: Visit the Official Scholarship Website
Open the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship page.
Read the scholarship conditions, eligibility criteria and application guidelines.
Step 2: Choose an Eligible Master's Programme
Select a regular ETH Zurich master's programme matching your academic background.
Check the specific admission requirements before starting your application.
Step 3: Confirm Your Academic Eligibility
Assess whether your bachelor's academic performance places you among the top 10% of your degree programme.
Step 4: Review the Master's Admission Requirements
Prepare the academic records and supporting documents required for admission to your chosen programme.
Step 5: Prepare Your Master's Thesis Pre-Proposal
Download the official pre-proposal guidelines from the ESOP webpage.
Write an original research pre-proposal that follows the university's instructions.
Step 6: Arrange Academic References
If your selected master's programme does not request references, identify two professors willing to provide recommendation letters.
Make sure they can respond to the university's reference request.
Step 7: Open ETH Zurich's eApply Portal
Use the official online application system:
Step 8: Complete the Master's Application
Enter your personal, academic and programme information.
Upload all documents required for master's admission.
Step 9: Apply for ESOP Within the Same System
Select the relevant ESOP scholarship option in eApply and upload the required scholarship materials.
The ESOP application is part of the master's admission process.
Step 10: Submit During the First Application Window
Applications open on 1 November 2026.
The deadline is 30 November 2026 at 11:59 a.m. CET, according to ETH Zurich's official master's admission dates page.
Important: This is a late-morning deadline, not 11:59 p.m. Applicants should complete submission well before the closing time.
Step 11: Remain Available for a Possible Interview
The university may contact shortlisted applicants for a telephone or video interview in February 2027.
Ensure that the telephone number listed on your CV is accurate.
Step 12: Await the Scholarship Decision
ETH Zurich expects to communicate ESOP scholarship decisions by the end of March 2027.
Successful applicants can then follow the university's instructions for admission, registration and preparation for study.
Related: Find more fully funded postgraduate scholarships on OHUB.