The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) 2027 offers an excellent opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue a master’s degree at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, one of the world’s leading universities for science, technology, engineering, and research.
The prestigious, fully funded ESOP scholarship supports academically exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding performance, strong motivation, and the potential to contribute to their chosen fields.
In addition to a tuition-fee waiver for the standard duration of the master’s program, the ESOP scholarship provides financial support for study and living expenses. Selected scholars also receive mentoring and access to the ETH Foundation network, offering valuable opportunities for academic growth, professional development, and networking.
Students applying to eligible master’s programs at ETH Zurich can apply for this competitive scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, intellectual ability, and a strong application that reflects their accomplishments and future goals.
For students planning to begin their master’s studies in autumn 2027, the application window will run from November 1 to November 30, 2026. The final deadline is November 30, 2026, at 11:59 AM Central European Time (CET). Applicants should carefully review the admission and scholarship requirements for their selected program and prepare all required documents in advance.
Approximately 60 ESOP scholarships are expected to be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year, depending on available funding. Due to the program’s competitive nature, applicants should ensure that their academic credentials and application materials clearly demonstrate their suitability for this prestigious award.
Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host Institution: ETH Zurich
- Funded By: ETH Zurich
- Degree Level: Master’s degree
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Eligible Applicants: international applicants
- Deadline: November 30, 2026
Degree Level
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) 2027 is available for eligible regular master’s degree programs at ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
Available Subjects
The scholarship is available across a wide range of academic disciplines, including
- Architecture and Engineering
- Computer Science, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence
- Mathematics and Physics
- Chemistry and Biology
- Environmental and Earth Sciences
- Materials Science and Robotics
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences
- Management, Technology, and Economics
- Social Sciences and interdisciplinary fields
Note: ESOP does not cover Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programs. Applicants must apply to an eligible regular master’s program and submit their ESOP application alongside their master’s admission application. Admission requirements vary by program.
Eligibility Criteria for ETH Zurich ESOP 2027
Applicants must generally meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Apply to an eligible regular master’s program at ETH Zurich.
- Have an outstanding academic record and rank among the top 10% of their bachelor’s graduating class, equivalent to an ETH grade A.
- Submit the application during the first master’s application window.
- Meet the admission requirements of the selected master’s program.
- Submit all required admission documents and the ESOP master’s thesis pre-proposal.
Important: The top-10% academic criterion is based on the applicant’s self-assessment. Students already enrolled in an ETH Zurich master’s program or those who already hold a master’s degree are not eligible for ESOP.
Benefits of ETH Zurich ESOP 2027
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial and academic support to outstanding master’s students. Benefits include:
- CHF 13,500 per semester for study and living expenses from the 2027/28 academic year.
- Full tuition-fee waiver for the standard duration of the master’s program.
- Financial support for the regular program duration, usually three or four semesters.
- Mentoring and access to the ETH Foundation network.
- Opportunities for academic development and research.
The scholarship is paid in three or four installments at the beginning of each semester after successful semester enrollment. Applicants should review ETH Zurich’s latest information regarding living costs and personal expenses.
Required Documents for ETH Zurich ESOP 2027
Applicants must prepare the documents required for their selected master’s program and the additional ESOP requirements. These may include:
- Completed online master’s application.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or academic records, according to the program’s requirements.
- Official academic transcripts.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Master’s thesis pre-proposal prepared according to ETH Zurich’s guidelines.
- Letters of recommendation or reference details, where required.
- Other supporting documents specified by the selected master’s program.
Important: The exact document requirements depend on the master’s program. If the program does not require references, ESOP applicants must provide the names of two professors as referees. ETH Zurich will contact them through its application system to request reference letters.
Applicants should check the official scholarship page and their chosen program’s admission requirements before submitting their applications.
Application Process for ETH Zurich ESOP 2027
Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:
Step 1: Select a Master’s Program
Visit the official ETH Zurich website and choose an eligible regular master’s program that matches your academic background and career goals.
Step 2: Review the Eligibility Requirements
Check the admission requirements and ensure that your academic performance meets the ESOP’s high academic standards.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
Collect your academic records, CV, program-specific admission documents, and other required materials. Prepare your master’s thesis pre-proposal according to ETH Zurich’s official guidelines.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Apply for your selected master’s program through ETH Zurich’s online application system, eApply. The ESOP application must be submitted through the same system.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your complete master’s and ESOP application during the first application window, from November 1 to November 30, 2026.
Step 6: Monitor Your Application
Keep your contact information up to date and monitor your email for any communication from ETH Zurich. The selection process may include a telephone or video interview.
Step 7: Wait for the Decision
ETH Zurich expects to communicate scholarship decisions by the end of March 2027. Successful applicants can then prepare for their master’s studies in autumn 2027.
ETH Zurich ESOP 2027 Deadline
The deadline to apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme 2027 is November 30, 2026, at 11:59 AM CET.
The application window opens on November 1, 2026. Applicants with international bachelor’s degrees must apply during this window, and late or incomplete applications cannot be processed.
Students are encouraged to prepare their documents early and carefully review the official application instructions.
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ETH Zurich ESOP 2027?
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme is a competitive scholarship for outstanding students pursuing eligible master’s degrees at ETH Zurich in Switzerland.
2. Is the ETH Zurich ESOP 2027 fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship provides CHF 13,500 per semester for study and living expenses from the 2027/28 academic year, along with a tuition-fee waiver for the standard duration of the master’s program.
3. Who can apply for the ETH Zurich ESOP scholarship?
Outstanding students, including international applicants, who meet the academic requirements and apply for an eligible regular master’s program can apply.
4. What is the academic requirement for ESOP 2027?
Applicants should rank among the top 10% of their bachelor’s graduating class, equivalent to an ETH grade A, based on self-assessment.
5. What is the deadline for ETH Zurich ESOP 2027?
The deadline is November 30, 2026, at 11:59 AM Central European Time (CET).
6. How many scholarships will be awarded?
Approximately 60 scholarships are expected for the 2027/28 academic year, subject to funding availability.
7. Which subjects are covered by ESOP?
The scholarship covers eligible master’s programs across various fields, including engineering, computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, architecture, environmental sciences, and management.
8. Is the scholarship available for MAS programs?
No. ESOP is available for eligible regular master’s programs and does not cover Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programs.
9. What documents are required for ESOP 2027?
Applicants must submit the documents required for their selected master’s program and an ESOP master’s thesis pre-proposal. Reference requirements depend on the program.
10. How can I apply for ETH Zurich ESOP 2027?
Applicants must submit their master’s admission and ESOP applications through ETH Zurich’s online application system, eApply, during the November 2026 application window.
11. When will scholarship results be announced?
ETH Zurich expects to communicate decisions by the end of March 2027.
