ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

ETH Zurich

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Applicants to an ETH master's with a very good bachelor's result (roughly the top 10% of the class), not already enrolled in an ETH master's and without a master's degree. Apply through eApply with a self-written thesis pre-proposal; interviews may take place in February.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The main ETH Zurich scholarship for master's students. You apply together with your master's application, and the final decision is made by the ETH Rector.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Applicants to an ETH master's with a very good bachelor's result (roughly the top 10% of the class), not already enrolled in an ETH master's and without a master's degree. Apply through eApply with a self-written thesis pre-proposal; interviews may take place in February.
2. Note the deadline. Nov 1 – Nov 30 (annual; the round for the September 2027 start runs 1 - 30 Nov 2026 until 23:59 CET, decisions at the end of March 2027) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. ETH eApply master's application; Thesis pre-proposal; Two reference letters if your programme does not need them; Transcripts and CV.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Absolute academic standing in Bachelor's degree (top 10% threshold), quality of motivation, and innovative research potential.

Profile of past winners

Valedictorians and top-ranked engineering, physics, and computer science graduates from international universities with undergraduate research publications or advanced capstone projects.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
3. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.

Quick answers

Who can apply for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)?

Applicants to an ETH master's with a very good bachelor's result (roughly the top 10% of the class), not already enrolled in an ETH master's and without a master's degree. Apply through eApply with a self-written thesis pre-proposal; interviews may take place in February.

What does ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) cover?

Living and study contribution of CHF 12,000 per semester (CHF 13,500 per semester from autumn 2027) plus a tuition fee waiver, for the regular length of the master (3-4 semesters); about 60 scholarships

When is the deadline for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)?

Nov 1 – Nov 30 (annual; the round for the September 2027 start runs 1 - 30 Nov 2026 until 23:59 CET, decisions at the end of March 2027) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)?

Host countries: Switzerland.

What documents do I need for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)?

ETH eApply master's application; Thesis pre-proposal; Two reference letters if your programme does not need them; Transcripts and CV.

How are applicants selected for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)?

Absolute academic standing in Bachelor's degree (top 10% threshold), quality of motivation, and innovative research potential.

How much work is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) application?

Very High: Master's Admission Application + Pre-proposal / ESOP Pre-proposal Statement