The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland, also known as the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP), is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in Europe. Offered by ETH Zurich, a world-leading university in science, engineering, technology, and innovation, this scholarship supports highly talented international students who wish to pursue a full-time master’s degree in Switzerland.
Each year, ETH Zurich selects outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, strong motivation, and the potential to make significant contributions to global research and innovation. The scholarship helps students study in one of the most advanced academic environments in the world while experiencing a high quality of life in Switzerland.
What is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is a fully funded program designed to attract top academic talent from across the globe. It provides recipients with complete financial support that covers living costs, study expenses, and tuition fees for the entire duration of their master’s program.
master’sThe scholarship is offered to new Master’s applicants only and is awarded based on academic excellence and a strong personal profile. ETH Zurich aims to support future leaders in science and engineering by offering mentorship, guidance, and access to top-tier research facilities.
Key Benefits of the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026
The ESOP 2026 offers extensive financial and academic benefits, ensuring students can focus fully on their studies and research.
Fully Funded Financial Support
The scholarship provides the following:
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire master’s program.
- A generous living and study allowance of CHF 12,000 per semester, which is enough to cover accommodation, meals, books, health insurance, and other basic expenses.
- Access to academic and career support through the ETH Foundation.
This level of funding allows students to study in Switzerland without financial difficulties, making it one of the most attractive scholarships for international students.
Available Fields of Study
ETH Zurich offers a wide range of master’s degree programs, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Natural Sciences
- Architecture
- Mathematics
- Environmental Sciences
- Management and Social Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Chemistry and Physics
Students can choose from more than 40 master’s programs designed to prepare them for future careers in research, industry, or academia.
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Duration of the Scholarship
The duration of the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship depends on the selected master’s program. Most master’s programs at ETH Zurich last:
- Three semesters, or
- Four semesters for certain specialized fields.
Funding is provided for the regular duration of the program, provided the student meets the academic expectations of the university.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must apply for a full-time master’s program at ETH Zurich for the 2026 intake.
- Must have completed a bachelor’s degree with excellent grades, typically ranking among the top 10 percent of their graduating class.
- Must demonstrate strong academic achievements, research interest, and leadership potential.
- Must submit a high-quality pre-proposal for a master’s thesis (required for application).
- Applicants already enrolled in a master’s program at ETH are not eligible.
Required Documents
To complete the scholarship application, students must prepare and upload the following documents:
- Complete the master’s admission application
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- A detailed pre-proposal for the Master’s thesis
- Two academic recommendation letters (if required by the program)
- Proof of relevant academic or research experience
All documents must be prepared carefully, as the scholarship selection is highly competitive.
Application Process for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026
The application process is entirely online and must be completed through the ETH Zurich admissions portal.
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose Your Master’s Program
- Review the available master’s programs and select the one that aligns with your academic goals.
- Prepare All Required Documents
- Gather your transcripts, CV, thesis pre-proposal, and recommendation letters.
- Apply Online via the ETH eApply Portal
- Submit your master’s application along with the scholarship documents during the official application period.
- Submit Before Deadline
- Applications must be submitted between 1 November 2025 and 30 November 2025.
- Wait for Evaluation
- Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview. Final decisions are usually announced in March 2026.
Selection Process
The selection committee evaluates applications based on:
- Academic excellence
- Quality and originality of the thesis pre-proposal
- Recommendation letters
- Motivation and clarity of academic goals
- Interview performance (if required)
Only top-performing students are selected for the ESOP, making it one of the most competitive scholarships in Europe.
Why Study at ETH Zurich?
ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities. It is known for:
- World-class research laboratories
- Highly qualified faculty
- Strong industry connections
- Cutting-edge innovation in science and engineering
- A multicultural international student community
- A safe and high-quality living environment in Switzerland
Students graduating from ETH Zurich have excellent career opportunities globally.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 is
30 November 2025
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute errors.
Final Thoughts
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 is a remarkable opportunity for talented and ambitious students to pursue a fully funded master’s degree at one of the world’s leading universities. With complete financial support, access to a high-level research environment, and a strong academic community, this scholarship helps students build a successful academic and professional future.
