Overview
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme, widely known as ESOP, stands among the most prestigious merit-based funding opportunities available to Master's degree students in the world. Offered by ETH Zurich — the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology — this fully funded scholarship is designed to attract and support the brightest young scholars from around the globe. ETH Zurich consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. ESOP reflects the institution's commitment to cultivating world-class researchers and professionals by removing financial barriers for truly exceptional candidates. Backed by the ETH Foundation, the programme offers not only financial support but also mentorship and an expansive professional network that can shape a scholar's entire career. For students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement during their Bachelor's studies and are ready to pursue graduate-level excellence, ESOP represents a transformative opportunity.
Scholarship Details
The financial support provided by ESOP is comprehensive and designed to ensure that scholars can focus entirely on their studies without financial concern. Each recipient receives CHF 12,000 per semester, which covers both living expenses and study-related costs. In Switzerland, where the cost of living is relatively high, this stipend is calibrated to support a comfortable and focused academic life in Zurich. In addition to the monetary stipend, ESOP includes a full tuition fee waiver for ETH Zurich, which eliminates one of the most significant financial burdens associated with graduate education at a world-renowned institution.
The scholarship is awarded for the regular duration of the chosen Master's programme, which at ETH Zurich typically spans three or four semesters depending on the field of study. The tuition fee waiver applies for the same period. Importantly, the scholarship is not renewable beyond the standard programme length, and students are expected to complete their degree within that timeframe. Beyond financial benefits, scholars gain access to the ETH Foundation's mentorship system and professional network — a valuable resource that connects them with leading academics, industry experts, and fellow alumni across a broad range of disciplines.
Approximately 60 ESOP scholarships are awarded for each annual intake, making it a competitive but attainable goal for truly outstanding candidates.
Eligibility Requirements
ESOP maintains rigorous eligibility standards to ensure that awards go to the most academically deserving applicants. The primary academic criterion is that applicants must have achieved a very good result in their Bachelor's degree programme — specifically, placing within the top 10% of their graduating cohort. This translates to a Grade A performance and is assessed through self-evaluation at the time of application, though supporting documentation is required.
Applicants must apply during the first application window to be considered for the scholarship. Those who apply during a later window for general Master's admission are not eligible for ESOP consideration. Furthermore, applicants who are already enrolled in a Master's degree programme at ETH Zurich — or who already hold a Master's degree from any institution — are explicitly excluded from applying. The scholarship is intended for those beginning their Master's journey.
Candidates must also ensure they are reachable by phone or video call during February of the application cycle, as the selection process may include an interview at that time. If a candidate anticipates being unavailable, they are advised to notify their study programme coordinator proactively.
ETH Bachelor's degree graduates applying for a consecutive Master's programme are eligible for ESOP and may even begin the scholarship with a formal leave of absence if needed. No specific nationality restrictions are stated, meaning international students from across the world may apply as long as they meet the academic and procedural criteria.
Fields of Study & Programs
One of the most appealing aspects of ESOP is its broad academic scope. The scholarship is not limited to a single department or faculty — it spans the full range of Master's programmes offered at ETH Zurich. This includes disciplines in natural sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics; engineering fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and computer science; as well as interdisciplinary and applied programmes in environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, architecture, materials science, and management technology and economics.
This breadth means that academically outstanding students from virtually any STEM or related background can consider applying. Whether a student is passionate about computational neuroscience, robotics, sustainable energy systems, or quantitative finance, ETH Zurich likely offers a programme that aligns with their interests, and ESOP may be available to fund it. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore the full list of ETH Zurich Master's programmes to identify the one that best matches their academic background and career ambitions.
Participating Universities
ESOP is exclusively offered through ETH Zurich — one institution, but one of extraordinary global standing. ETH Zurich, or the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, was founded in 1855 and has since grown into one of the world's foremost research universities. It has produced more than 20 Nobel Prize laureates, including Albert Einstein, who studied there before going on to revolutionize physics.
Located in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and a global hub of finance, technology, and culture, ETH Zurich combines world-class academic resources with an exceptionally high quality of life. The city is consistently rated among the most livable in the world, offering clean public transport, outstanding healthcare, vibrant cultural life, and proximity to the Swiss Alps for outdoor adventure.
ETH Zurich's campus is equipped with cutting-edge laboratories, research centers, and collaborative spaces. The university maintains strong industry partnerships and is a leading institution in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, energy technology, and life sciences. For international students, studying at ETH Zurich means immersion in a diverse academic community where innovation is expected and excellence is the norm.
How to Apply
The application process for ESOP is conducted entirely online through ETH Zurich's eApply portal, which is the same platform used for general Master's programme admission. Prospective scholars must apply during the designated first application window — for the 2027/28 academic year, this runs from November 1 to November 30, 2026, with a deadline of 11:59h MEZ on November 30.
Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the application:
Step 1: Choose Your Master's Programme Before applying, carefully review ETH Zurich's Master's programme offerings and select the one that best fits your academic background and career goals. Confirm that the programme is available for ESOP funding.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Documents In addition to all standard Master's admission documents (transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter, etc.), ESOP requires a pre-proposal for your Master's thesis. This document must be developed independently, adhere to established scientific citation practices, and align with the research interests and available supervision within your chosen department. Official guidelines for the pre-proposal are available for download from the ETH Zurich scholarship page.
Step 3: Arrange Reference Letters If your chosen Master's programme does not require reference letters as standard, you must identify two professors who can serve as references for your ESOP application. Once you submit your application, the system will automatically contact these professors via email, prompting them to upload their letters directly.
Step 4: Submit via eApply Complete all sections of the online application via eApply and upload all required documents before the deadline. Double-check that your CV includes a valid and reachable phone number, as an interview may be scheduled in February.
Step 5: Await the Decision Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committees of the respective Master's programmes. The final decision is made by the Rector of ETH Zurich. All applicants are notified of the outcome by the end of March.
Tips for a strong application: Ensure your pre-proposal is specific, well-cited, and demonstrates awareness of current research in your field. Reach out to potential supervisors in advance to discuss your proposed topic and confirm interest.
Deadlines & Important Dates
Timing is critically important for ESOP. The scholarship is only available to applicants who submit their applications during the first application window, which opens on November 1, 2026 and closes on November 30, 2026 at 11:59h MEZ. Applications submitted after this window — even for general Master's admission — are not considered for ESOP funding.
Following the submission deadline, the selection process moves into its evaluation phase. Candidates may be invited for a phone or video call interview during February 2027. All applicants should ensure they are available and reachable during this period.
The final scholarship decisions are communicated to all applicants by the end of March 2027, giving accepted students sufficient time to prepare for relocation and programme registration for the HS27 (Herbstsemester 2027) start.
Given the relatively short application window, students should begin preparing their materials — particularly the thesis pre-proposal and reference letters — well in advance of November 1. Waiting until the window opens to start preparation is not advisable.
Life as a Scholar
Being an ESOP scholar at ETH Zurich is about far more than financial support — it is an immersive academic and cultural experience. Scholars join one of the world's most dynamic intellectual communities, working alongside leading professors, talented peers from dozens of countries, and researchers at the cutting edge of their fields.
Zurich itself offers a remarkable quality of life. The city is compact, safe, and highly efficient, with world-class public transportation, a thriving restaurant and arts scene, and easy access to the Swiss countryside. While Switzerland has a higher cost of living compared to many countries, the CHF 12,000 per semester stipend is designed to provide a comfortable standard of living, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
ETH Zurich offers extensive student support services, including academic advising, career development resources, language courses, and mental health support. The university's international student community is large and welcoming, with numerous student associations, clubs, and events to help newcomers integrate. ESOP scholars also benefit from dedicated mentorship through the ETH Foundation, giving them access to senior academics and professionals who can provide career guidance and open doors to future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible to apply for ESOP? Any student applying for a Master's programme at ETH Zurich who achieved a top 10% result in their Bachelor's degree is eligible. Applicants must not already hold a Master's degree or be enrolled in one at ETH Zurich. There are no nationality restrictions.
2. Can I apply for ESOP if I already attend ETH Zurich for a Bachelor's degree? Yes. ETH Bachelor's students applying for a consecutive Master's programme are explicitly eligible and may even begin ESOP with a formal leave of absence.
3. What does the scholarship cover exactly? ESOP provides CHF 12,000 per semester for living and study expenses, as well as a full tuition fee waiver. Both benefits are awarded for the regular duration of the Master's programme (three or four semesters).
4. Is there an interview as part of the selection process? Possibly. The selection process may include a phone or video call interview in February. Applicants should ensure they are reachable at the telephone number provided in their CV.
5. How many scholarships are awarded each year? Approximately 60 ESOP scholarships are awarded per intake. The exact number may vary based on available funding.
6. When will I find out if I've been awarded the scholarship? All applicants are notified of the final decision by the end of March, following the application deadline in late November and potential interviews in February.
Final Thoughts
For ambitious Master's students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability during their undergraduate years, the ETH Zurich ESOP scholarship represents one of the most compelling opportunities available anywhere in the world. It combines generous financial support, access to a world-class institution, mentorship from the ETH Foundation, and the experience of living and studying in one of Europe's most vibrant cities. The application process is demanding and requires careful preparation — especially the thesis pre-proposal and reference letters — but for students in the top 10% of their field, the effort is absolutely worthwhile. Begin your preparation early, craft a compelling and original pre-proposal, and take the opportunity to connect with potential supervisors before the application window opens. This scholarship has the potential to shape not just your academic career, but your entire professional trajectory.
