ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027 in Switzerland

ETH Zurich’s Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) supports outstanding applicants to eligible master’s programmes with a scholarship, a tuition fee waiver, mentorship and access to the ETH Foundation network. For students starting in Autumn Semester 2027, ETH lists support of CHF 13,500 per semester for the regular duration of the master’s programme.

ETH describes ESOP as a scholarship covering study and living expenses. The award is competitive, and meeting the academic benchmark does not guarantee selection. ETH expects approximately 60 awards for the 2027/28 intake, with the final number depending on available funding.

Scholarship Benefits

• CHF 13,500 per semester for students starting in Autumn Semester 2027
• Tuition fee waiver for the regular duration of the master’s programme
• Mentorship and access to the ETH Foundation network
• Funding for the regular duration of the programme, normally three or four semesters

Who Can Apply

Applicants must apply for an eligible ETH Zurich master’s programme and demonstrate excellent academic performance. ETH’s benchmark is a result among the top 10% of the bachelor’s cohort, corresponding to grade A under its self-assessment guidance. Applicants who already hold a master’s degree or are enrolled in a master’s programme at ETH Zurich are not eligible. Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programmes are excluded, and applicants must meet the admission requirements for their chosen programme.

Application Details

Study Level: Master’s
Host Institution: ETH Zurich
Host Country: Switzerland
Scholarship: CHF 13,500 per semester, tuition fee waiver, mentorship and ETH Foundation network access
Application window for a 2027 start: November 1–30, 2026
Expected decision: By the end of March 2027

Applicants must apply during the first master’s application window to be considered for ESOP. ETH lists November 1–30, 2026 for a start in Autumn Semester 2027. Check ETH’s live application portal and the selected programme’s instructions for the current submission requirements and deadline.

Thesis Pre-Proposal and References

ESOP applicants must submit an independently developed pre-proposal for their master’s thesis, using established scientific citation practices. If the chosen programme does not request references, applicants must name two professors as reference persons. ETH will contact them with instructions for submitting reference letters.

ETH warns that plagiarism or negligent or intentional misinformation can result in exclusion from the admission process or revocation of admission and a scholarship. Review ETH’s current pre-proposal guidance and any programme-specific requirements before preparing your application.

How to Apply

1. Choose an eligible ETH Zurich master’s programme and review its admission requirements.
2. Prepare the required admission documents and your master’s thesis pre-proposal.
3. Submit the master’s application through ETH Zurich’s online system during the first application window, November 1–30, 2026.
4. Complete the ESOP requirements in the online process, including reference information where required.
5. Remain reachable during the selection period in case ETH requests a phone or video interview.

Read the latest eligibility, application and pre-proposal requirements on the official ETH Zurich ESOP page. ETH says the relevant master’s admissions committees evaluate applications, while the Rector makes the final scholarship decision.