ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP) 2026: 100% Fully Funded Master’s Study in Switzerland
ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, known for excellence in science, engineering, technology, and innovation. For outstanding international students who dream of studying at this prestigious institution, the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) offers a rare opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree with 100% financial support.
This post explains everything you need to know about the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP)—what it covers, who is eligible, how to apply, and how to increase your chances of success.
What Is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP)?
The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is a highly competitive, merit-based scholarship offered by ETH Zurich to exceptionally talented international and domestic students admitted to a Master’s program.
The scholarship is designed to attract top-performing students from around the world and support them financially so they can focus fully on their academic and research work without financial stress.
Level of Study Covered
- Master’s Degree only
- Taught in English or German
- Available across most ETH Zurich Master’s programs in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Architecture
- Mathematics
- Environmental and Earth Sciences
Bachelor’s and PhD programs are not covered under ESOP.
What Does the ETH Zurich ESOP Cover? (100% Funding)
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is considered fully funded and includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Living expenses allowance of approximately CHF 12,000 per semester
- Financial support for the entire duration of the Master’s program (3–4 semesters)
This funding is sufficient to cover:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Health insurance
- Study materials
- Basic living costs in Switzerland
With ESOP, students are not required to seek additional funding.
Who Is Eligible for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
The scholarship is extremely competitive, and only a small percentage of applicants are selected each year. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold (or be completing) a Bachelor’s degree relevant to the chosen Master’s program
- Achieve excellent academic performance (typically top 10% of class)
- Demonstrate strong academic motivation and leadership potential
- Be admitted to an eligible Master’s program at ETH Zurich
Both international and Swiss students are eligible to apply.
Academic Excellence Matters Most
ETH Zurich places strong emphasis on:
- Academic transcripts
- Course difficulty and rigor
- Consistency of high performance
- Academic references
Unlike need-based scholarships, ESOP is purely merit-based, meaning financial background does not influence selection.
How to Apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship
There is no separate scholarship application portal. The scholarship application is submitted together with your Master’s program application.
Step 1: Choose Your Master’s Program
Select an eligible ETH Zurich Master’s degree that aligns with your academic background.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
These typically include:
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Academic references
- Statement of purpose
Step 3: Submit Scholarship Application
Within the ETH application portal, you must submit:
- A separate scholarship motivation letter
- A preliminary research or academic plan
Failure to submit these documents means you will not be considered for ESOP.
Step 4: Evaluation and Selection
Applications are reviewed by the ETH Zurich scholarship committee based on:
- Academic excellence
- Intellectual potential
- Quality of motivation and future goals
Application Deadlines
- Applications open: November
- Deadline: Mid-December (varies by program)
- Results announced: March–April
- Program starts: September
Late applications are not accepted.
Why Study at ETH Zurich?
✔ One of the top 10 universities globally
✔ Strong links with global employers and research institutions
✔ Access to cutting-edge laboratories and innovation hubs
✔ High graduate employability worldwide
✔ Safe, high-quality living environment in Switzerland
ETH Zurich alumni include Nobel Prize winners, CEOs, and global innovators.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning ESOP
- Apply early and choose the right Master’s program
- Write a clear, focused motivation letter
- Highlight academic achievements and research interests
- Demonstrate long-term goals aligned with innovation or research
- Secure strong academic recommendation letters
Because ESOP is highly selective, even small details can make a difference.
Final Thoughts
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP) is one of the best 100% fully funded Master’s scholarships in Europe. It offers not only financial support but also access to one of the most respected academic institutions in the world.
If you are an academically outstanding student with ambition and discipline, this scholarship can open the door to a world-class education and global career opportunities—without the burden of tuition or living costs.
