The ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 offers outstanding students the opportunity to complete a fully funded Master’s degree at one of Switzerland’s leading universities.

Officially known as the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP), the scholarship supports academically exceptional students admitted to eligible Master’s programs at ETH Zurich.

For students beginning their Master’s degree in the 2027/28 academic year, the scholarship provides:

CHF 13,500 per semester plus a full tuition-fee waiver.

The funding covers the regular duration of the Master’s program, normally three or four semesters.

In addition to financial support, ESOP scholars receive mentorship and access to the ETH Foundation network.

ETH Zurich expects to award approximately:

60 ESOP Scholarships

for students starting in the 2027/28 academic year.

The application period will run from:

November 1 to November 30, 2026.

International students can apply, but the scholarship is highly competitive. Applicants are generally expected to rank among the top 10% of their Bachelor’s degree program.

Students can review the current requirements on the official ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme page.

ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 Overview

Details	Information
University	ETH Zurich
Scholarship	Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme
Short Name	ESOP
Country	Switzerland
Study Location	Zurich
Study Level	Master’s
Funding	Fully Funded
Scholarship Amount	CHF 13,500 per semester
Tuition Fee	Fully waived
Duration	Regular Master’s duration
Typical Duration	3 or 4 semesters
Expected Scholarships	Around 60
Academic Benchmark	Top 10% / Grade A
International Students	Eligible
Applications Open	November 1, 2026
Deadline	November 30, 2026
Master’s Start	Autumn 2027
Separate Scholarship Application	Included with Master’s application

What Is the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship?

ESOP stands for:

Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme.

ETH Zurich created the program to support exceptional students who want to pursue a regular Master’s degree at the university.

The scholarship combines three main forms of support:

Financial scholarship
Mentorship
Access to the ETH Foundation network

Unlike partial scholarships that cover only tuition or provide a small allowance, ESOP is designed to cover the recipient’s full study and living costs during the regular Master’s program.

That makes it one of the most substantial Master’s funding opportunities available at ETH Zurich.

Is the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship Fully Funded?

Yes.

ETH Zurich explicitly describes ESOP as covering the full study and living costs during the Master’s degree.

For the 2027/28 academic year, the scholarship consists of:

CHF 13,500 per semester

plus:

Full tuition-fee waiver

The financial scholarship is provided for the regular duration of the selected Master’s program.

Therefore, Pathfinderly considers fully funded an accurate description of this opportunity.

Important Funding Increase for 2027/28

Students researching ESOP online may find older articles stating that the scholarship provides:

CHF 12,000 per semester.

That amount applies to earlier cohorts.

ETH Zurich has officially announced that from the 2027/28 academic year, the ESOP scholarship amount increases to:

CHF 13,500 per semester.

Applicants for the Autumn 2027 intake should therefore use the updated figure.

How Much Is the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship Worth?

The total scholarship value depends on the normal duration of your Master’s program.

Three-Semester Master’s Program

A three-semester program could provide:

CHF 13,500 × 3 = CHF 40,500

plus the tuition-fee waiver.

Four-Semester Master’s Program

A four-semester program could provide:

CHF 13,500 × 4 = CHF 54,000

plus the tuition-fee waiver.

These figures show the scholarship component across the regular study period.

Students should remember that the scholarship cannot simply be extended indefinitely if they take longer than the standard duration of their degree.

Tuition Fee Waiver

ESOP recipients also receive a:

Full tuition-fee waiver.

The waiver applies throughout the regular duration of the Master’s program.

Therefore, scholars do not need to use the CHF 13,500 semester scholarship to pay standard ETH tuition fees covered by the waiver.

Scholarship Payments

ETH Zurich pays the ESOP scholarship at the beginning of each semester.

Depending on the Master’s program, scholars receive the funding in:

Three instalments, or
Four instalments

The number corresponds with the standard length of the degree.

Students must complete their semester enrollment before receiving each payment.

The scholarship is paid into the student’s personal:

Swiss bank or postal account.

How Long Does ESOP Funding Last?

ESOP covers the regular duration of the Master’s program.

At ETH Zurich, this is generally:

Three or four semesters.

The tuition-fee waiver follows the same regular study duration.

Students should therefore plan their studies carefully.

Funding is not designed to continue indefinitely when a student extends the degree beyond its normal duration.

How Many ESOP Scholarships Are Available for 2027?

ETH Zurich expects to award approximately:

60 scholarships

for students beginning in the 2027/28 academic year.

The exact number can change depending on available funding.

This limited number also shows why ESOP is highly competitive.

Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee a scholarship.

Who Can Apply for ETH Zurich ESOP?

The scholarship is designed for students who want to begin an eligible regular Master’s degree at ETH Zurich.

Applicants need an excellent academic record.

ETH Zurich states that candidates should have:

Very good results in their Bachelor’s degree program.

As a benchmark, applicants should generally be among the:

Top 10% of their Bachelor’s program

ETH Zurich describes this as approximately:

Grade A.

This benchmark is based on self-assessment at the application stage.

Can International Students Apply?

Yes.

International students can apply for ESOP.

The November application window is particularly important for international candidates because applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree from outside Switzerland must apply for Autumn 2027 admission between:

November 1 and November 30, 2026.

The scholarship is not restricted to Swiss nationals.

Students from different countries can compete for ESOP if they meet the academic and admission requirements.

Can Swiss Students Apply?

Yes.

Eligible Swiss students can also apply for ESOP.

However, anyone seeking ESOP must submit the scholarship application during the first Master’s application window in November, even though some students with Swiss Bachelor’s degrees have another general Master’s application window in April.

The ESOP application cannot be postponed until the second admission round.

Academic Requirement

Academic excellence is central to ESOP selection.

ETH Zurich expects applicants to have achieved approximately:

Top 10% standing in their Bachelor’s program.

However, being in the top 10% does not mean you automatically receive the scholarship.

The university also evaluates the overall strength of the application.

This includes your:

Master’s admission profile
Academic preparation
Research potential
Master’s thesis pre-proposal
Recommendations
Overall suitability

Competition is strong because only around 60 scholarships are expected for the 2027/28 intake.

Can Current ETH Zurich Students Apply?

ETH Zurich Bachelor’s students progressing to a consecutive Master’s degree can apply for ESOP.

They must still complete the required scholarship application during the appropriate period.

Additional documents can apply to ETH Bachelor’s students, including:

Current academic record
ESOP motivation letter
CV
Two professor recommendations
Master’s thesis pre-proposal

Current ETH students should follow the instructions applicable specifically to their academic situation.

Who Cannot Apply?

You are not eligible for ESOP if you are already enrolled in a Master’s degree program at ETH Zurich.

You are also not eligible if you:

already hold a Master’s degree.

The scholarship is intended for students entering an ETH Zurich Master’s program rather than those already completing one.

Is ESOP Available for Bachelor’s Degrees?

No.

ESOP supports eligible:

Master’s degree programs.

Students seeking funding for an undergraduate degree should look for other scholarship opportunities.

Is ESOP Available for PhD Study?

ESOP itself is a Master’s scholarship.

It does not fund a regular PhD as its primary purpose.

Students seeking doctoral funding should explore ETH Zurich’s PhD positions and doctoral funding routes separately.

Is ESOP Available for MAS Programs?

No.

ETH Zurich specifically states that ESOP supports students in a regular Master’s program, not a:

Master of Advanced Studies (MAS).

Applicants should distinguish between regular MSc/MA Master’s degrees and continuing-education MAS programs.

ETH Zurich Master’s Programs

ETH Zurich offers Master’s programs across numerous academic fields.

Broad areas include:

Architecture and Civil Engineering

Programs can include areas connected with:

Architecture
Civil engineering
Geomatics
Environmental engineering
Integrated building systems

Engineering Sciences

Students can find Master’s programs in areas such as:

Biomedical engineering
Biotechnology
Electrical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Materials science
Robotics
Process engineering
Nuclear engineering
Quantum engineering

Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Programs include fields such as:

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Statistics
Computational science
Pharmaceutical sciences

Computer Science

ETH Zurich offers advanced study in areas connected with:

Computer science
Data
Cybersecurity
Computational science
Robotics
Artificial intelligence-related fields

System-Oriented Natural Sciences

Programs can include:

Environmental sciences
Earth sciences
Agricultural sciences
Atmospheric and climate science
Food science
Health sciences
Space systems

Management and Social Sciences

Options include programs such as:

Management, Technology and Economics
Science, Technology and Policy
Comparative and International Studies
History and Philosophy of Knowledge

Admission requirements vary considerably between programs.

Applicants should first identify an appropriate degree through the official ETH Zurich Master’s degree programs.

ESOP Application Period for 2027

The ESOP application window for students starting their Master’s degree in Autumn 2027 is:

November 1–30, 2026

Applicants must use the first Master’s application window.

This applies even to students who might otherwise qualify for another ETH Master’s admission window.

ESOP applications submitted outside the designated first application period are not accepted.

Exact Application Deadline

The current ETH Zurich Master’s admission calendar gives the international/ESOP application deadline as:

November 30, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. Central European Time (CET).

Applicants should not confuse 11:59 a.m. with the end of the day.

Submit earlier rather than waiting until the final hours.

Late or incomplete applications cannot be processed.

When Will the Master’s Degree Begin?

Successful applicants will begin their ETH Zurich Master’s program in:

Autumn Semester 2027.

International applicants cannot use the Autumn 2027 application to begin their program in an unrelated earlier semester.

Do You Need a Separate ESOP Application?

The ESOP application is submitted together with the Master’s application through ETH Zurich’s:

eApply system.

During the Master’s application, eligible applicants can indicate that they want to apply for ESOP and provide the additional scholarship documents.

Therefore, you do not submit an unrelated scholarship application through a third-party website.

Always use the official ETH Zurich application system.

Master’s Thesis Pre-Proposal

One of the most important ESOP requirements is the:

Master’s thesis pre-proposal

Applicants must submit this in addition to the standard Master’s admission documents.

The pre-proposal presents an idea for potential Master’s thesis research.

This requirement makes ESOP different from many scholarships that ask only for:

Academic transcripts
CV
Motivation letter
Recommendations

You should start preparing the pre-proposal well before the November deadline.

Why the Pre-Proposal Matters

The pre-proposal demonstrates your ability to think independently about research.

It can show:

Understanding of a research problem
Ability to formulate questions
Awareness of existing literature
Scientific reasoning
Research planning
Academic writing ability

The proposal does not necessarily mean you will later complete exactly that thesis project.

Its purpose is partly to demonstrate your research potential during the scholarship selection process.

Pre-Proposal Must Be Your Own Work

ETH Zurich is very clear about academic integrity.

The Master’s thesis pre-proposal must be:

developed independently by the applicant.

You must also use established scientific citation practices.

Plagiarism or misleading information can result in:

Exclusion from admission
Withdrawal of admission
Revocation of the scholarship

Applicants should therefore treat the pre-proposal as genuine academic work rather than copying a research proposal from another source.

Reference Letters

ESOP applications require:

Two letters of recommendation

The references should come from professors who can evaluate your academic performance and potential.

For programs where references are not normally required for Master’s admission, applicants still need to provide two reference persons specifically for ESOP.

The referees receive instructions through the application system for submitting their letters.

Choose professors who know your work well.

A detailed recommendation from someone familiar with your academic performance can be more useful than a generic letter from a prominent academic who barely knows you.

Documents Required for ETH Zurich ESOP

The exact Master’s admission documents depend on your selected program and academic background.

However, an ESOP application generally involves the normal Master’s application documents plus scholarship-specific materials.

These can include:

Bachelor’s degree documents
Academic transcripts
Curriculum vitae
Master’s program application materials
Master’s thesis pre-proposal
Two recommendation letters
Program-specific documents

Some Master’s programs may also require:

Motivation letter
English-language proof
GRE
Additional academic records
Portfolio
Other supporting materials

Always check the requirements for your specific Master’s program.

English Language Requirement

There is no single ESOP-specific IELTS or TOEFL score that applies to every Master’s program.

Language requirements come from the Master’s degree admission requirements.

Depending on the program and applicant’s educational background, ETH Zurich may require recognized proof of English proficiency.

Applicants should therefore check the language requirements for their chosen Master’s program rather than relying on a general scholarship article.

Is GRE Required?

Not universally.

GRE requirements depend on the selected Master’s program and the applicant’s academic background.

Some programs may require or consider GRE scores, while others do not.

Check your exact degree requirements before applying.

How to Apply for ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027

Step 1: Choose an ETH Zurich Master’s Program

Start by identifying the Master’s degree that matches your Bachelor’s education and academic goals.

Review its admission requirements carefully.

Step 2: Check Your Academic Standing

ESOP targets outstanding students.

Assess whether your Bachelor’s performance places you approximately within the top 10% of your program.

Step 3: Review Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Check whether your Master’s program requires:

English-language proof
GRE
Motivation letter
Portfolio
Additional coursework
Other documents

Do this well before November.

Step 4: Prepare Your Master’s Thesis Pre-Proposal

Develop an original research idea that fits your intended field.

Follow ETH Zurich’s official pre-proposal guidelines.

Do not leave this until the final days before the deadline.

Step 5: Contact Two Professors for Recommendations

Ask potential referees early.

Give them enough time to prepare detailed recommendations.

Step 6: Prepare the Master’s Admission Documents

Gather:

Academic records
Degree certificates where applicable
CV
Required test results
Program-specific documents

Step 7: Start the eApply Application

When applications open on November 1, 2026, use ETH Zurich’s official Master’s application system.

Select the appropriate Master’s program.

Step 8: Apply for ESOP Within the Master’s Application

Complete the ESOP section and upload the additional scholarship documents.

Step 9: Submit Before November 30

Make sure the complete application is submitted before:

November 30, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. CET.

Do not wait until the final minutes.

Does ESOP Have an Application Fee?

ESOP itself is not a separate commercial scholarship application.

However, applicants should check the standard ETH Zurich Master’s application process for any admission-related application fee applicable to their circumstances.

Never pay an individual or unofficial agency for a supposed guaranteed ESOP award.

ESOP Selection Process

Applications are first evaluated by the admissions committees of the relevant Master’s programs.

The final scholarship decision rests with the:

Rector of ETH Zurich.

Selection therefore involves more than simply meeting a GPA threshold.

The university considers the quality of the overall application.

Is There an ESOP Interview?

Possibly.

ETH Zurich states that the selection process may include a telephone or video interview in February.

Applicants should make sure the telephone number provided in their CV remains active.

If you know that you will not be available during that period, ETH Zurich advises informing the relevant study-program coordinator.

When Will ESOP Results Be Announced?

ETH Zurich expects to communicate final scholarship decisions by:

End of March 2027

Applicants should monitor the contact details provided in their application.

How Competitive Is ETH Zurich ESOP?

ESOP is highly competitive.

ETH Zurich expects approximately 60 awards for the 2027/28 academic year.

Applicants are already expected to have excellent Bachelor’s results, typically within the top 10%.

Therefore, academic eligibility should be viewed as the starting point rather than a guarantee of selection.

A strong applicant should combine:

Excellent grades
Appropriate academic background
Strong recommendations
Research potential
High-quality pre-proposal
Strong Master’s application

How to Strengthen Your ESOP Application

Start the Pre-Proposal Early

This is one of the most distinctive parts of the application.

Give yourself time to:

Read academic literature
Identify a research problem
Develop research questions
Consider methodology
Refine the proposal
Check citations

Choose a Master’s Program That Fits Your Background

Do not select a program simply because it sounds prestigious.

Admission committees assess whether your Bachelor’s education provides the required academic preparation.

Ask for Strong Recommendations

Choose professors who can discuss specific examples of your:

Academic performance
Research ability
Analytical skills
Independence
Potential for graduate study

Demonstrate Research Potential

Previous publications are not necessarily required.

Research potential can also appear through:

Bachelor’s thesis
University projects
Laboratory research
Research assistant work
Independent projects
Academic competitions
Strong technical work

Follow Every Program Requirement

An excellent scholarship application cannot compensate for an incomplete Master’s admission application.

Check both:

Master’s admission requirements + ESOP requirements.

Can You Transfer ESOP to Another Master’s Program?

No.

ETH Zurich states that the scholarship cannot be transferred to a different study program from the one for which it was originally awarded.

Choose your Master’s program carefully before applying.

What Happens During an Exchange Semester?

If an ESOP scholar completes an exchange semester, scholarship payments can be suspended during that period.

The tuition-fee waiver can continue according to ETH Zurich’s rules.

The total scholarship remains linked to the regular duration of the original Master’s program.

Students planning an exchange should confirm the financial implications with ETH Zurich.

Why Study at ETH Zurich?

ETH Zurich is a major research university with Master’s programs across engineering, natural sciences, computing, mathematics, environmental sciences and several interdisciplinary fields.

For ESOP recipients, the value extends beyond financial support.

Scholars also gain:

Mentorship
ETH Foundation network access
International academic environment
Research opportunities
Connections with faculty and researchers

These benefits can be particularly useful for students considering research, industry or future doctoral study.

ETH Zurich ESOP vs Other International Scholarships

Students interested in graduate study in Europe can also explore the MARIHE Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, which supports an international Master’s program across European institutions.

Those considering Japan can explore the Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship, which provides comprehensive government funding for eligible international students.

For graduate study in Qatar, the Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship provides tuition waivers and stipends to selected students, although funding varies by program and applicant.

Students interested in short-term research rather than a complete Master’s degree can explore the ETH Summer Research Fellowship, a funded two-month programme in computer science and related fields at ETH Zurich in Switzerland.

The ETH Zurich ESOP is particularly attractive for academically outstanding students seeking a fully funded Master’s degree at ETH Zurich.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 applications open?

Applications open on November 1, 2026.

What is the ESOP deadline?

The application deadline is November 30, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. CET.

Is ETH Zurich ESOP fully funded?

Yes. ETH Zurich states that ESOP covers full study and living costs during the regular Master’s program.

How much is the scholarship for 2027/28?

The updated scholarship amount is CHF 13,500 per semester, plus a tuition-fee waiver.

Why do some websites say CHF 12,000?

CHF 12,000 per semester is the previous amount. ETH Zurich states that from the 2027/28 academic year the amount increases to CHF 13,500 per semester.

How many scholarships will be awarded?

ETH Zurich expects approximately 60 ESOP scholarships for students starting in 2027/28.

Can international students apply?

Yes.

What grades do I need?

ETH Zurich expects very strong Bachelor’s results, with the top 10% / Grade A used as the general benchmark.

Is ESOP available for Bachelor’s study?

No. It supports eligible Master’s programs.

Can PhD students apply?

ESOP is a Master’s scholarship, not a standard PhD funding program.

Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?

No. ETH Zurich states that applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible.

Can current Master’s students at ETH apply?

No. Students already enrolled in an ETH Zurich Master’s program are not eligible for ESOP.

Do I need a research proposal?

You need a pre-proposal for your Master’s thesis.

How many recommendation letters are required?

ESOP applications require two recommendation letters.

Do I need IELTS?

Language requirements depend on your selected Master’s program and educational background.

Do I need GRE?

Not for every program. Check the requirements of your selected ETH Zurich Master’s degree.

Is there an interview?

There may be a telephone or video interview during the selection process, potentially in February.

When are scholarship results announced?

Decisions are expected by the end of March 2027.

Final Thoughts

The ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 is a major fully funded opportunity for academically outstanding students who want to complete a Master’s degree in Switzerland.

For the 2027/28 academic year, ETH Zurich has increased the scholarship to:

CHF 13,500 per semester plus a full tuition-fee waiver.

Funding continues for the regular duration of the Master’s program, usually three or four semesters.

Around 60 ESOP scholarships are expected for the incoming 2027/28 cohort.

Competition will be strong. Applicants should generally rank among the top 10% of their Bachelor’s program and need a high-quality Master’s application, two recommendations and an independently developed Master’s thesis pre-proposal.

Applications open on November 1, 2026 and close on November 30, 2026.

Students interested in applying should first explore the official ETH Zurich ESOP information and then check the Autumn 2027 Master’s application dates.

Preparing the pre-proposal and recommendations before applications open is strongly advisable.

Last verified: October 2026

Pathfinderly provides educational information about international opportunities. Scholarship amounts, admission requirements and application procedures can change. Always verify current information with ETH Zurich before applying.