ETH ZURICH (SWISS FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY)
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
full · masters
- ~CHF 12,000/semesterLiving allowance (est.)
- Tuition waivedCoverage
- ETH ZurichHost institution
- Master'sStudy level
- 3–4 semestersDuration
- Founded 1855University
At a glance
full
Funding
€32k
Max amount
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
Open to applicants of any nationality
Country
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
Provider
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme (ESOP) funds outstanding students to undertake a master's degree at ETH Zurich in Switzerland — a science and technology university founded in 1855 and consistently ranked among the top in continental Europe. ESOP is the fuller of ETH's two excellence scholarships. It provides a study and living allowance of around ~CHF 12,000 per semester — about ~CHF 24,000 per year — together with a waiver of ETH's tuition fees, for the duration of the master's programme (normally 3 to 4 semesters). It is awarded to a small number of applicants with the strongest academic records across ETH's departments. You apply for ESOP at the same time as applying for the master's programme, with a closing date around 30 November (est.) for the following autumn intake. Treat the figures and date here as estimates and confirm current details on ETH Zurich's official scholarship pages.
What's covered
- Study & living allowance — Around ~CHF 12,000 per semester (about ~CHF 24,000 per year) for study and living costs.
- Tuition waiver — A waiver of ETH Zurich's tuition fees for the master's.
- Duration — For the normal length of the master's (typically 3–4 semesters).
- All departments — Awarded across ETH's science, engineering, and related master's programmes.
- Merit-based — For applicants with the strongest academic records.
How to apply
Apply for the ETH master's programme and submit the ESOP scholarship application in the same cycle, by the deadline.
- Choose a master's — Select an eligible ETH Zurich master's programme.
- Apply for admission — Submit your ETH master's admission application with transcripts and documents.
- Apply for ESOP — Complete the ESOP scholarship application, including the required statements, in the same cycle.
- Meet the deadline — Submit by around 30 November (est.) for the following autumn intake.
- Selection — ETH selects ESOP scholars on academic excellence.
- Decision & enrolment — If awarded, accept and enrol at ETH Zurich.
Eligibility
LevelApplying for a consecutive master's programme at ETH Zurich.
Academic meritAn outstanding bachelor's record (typically near the top of your cohort).
Open internationallyOpen to applicants worldwide, including those from other universities.
Joint applicationApplying for ESOP at the same time as the master's admission application.
Full-time studyCommitting to full-time master's study at ETH.
ESOP is highly selective and awarded to a small number of applicants. A separate, less generous Master Scholarship Programme (MSP) also exists; ESOP is the fuller award.
Eligible countries
Open to applicants of any nationality
Deadlines
2027 entry2026-11-30
Selection
ETH Zurich selects ESOP scholars on academic excellence — chiefly the strength of the bachelor's record and the overall application — across its departments. A small number of the strongest master's applicants are awarded the scholarship each cycle.
Verified sources
- ETH Zurich — Excellence Scholarship (ESOP)ethz.chofficial
About the provider
ETH Zurich (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich), founded in 1855, is a science and technology university ranked among the top in Europe. Its Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme (ESOP) funds outstanding master's students with a living allowance and a tuition waiver.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is ETH Zurich's ESOP?
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The Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme — ETH Zurich's fuller excellence scholarship for outstanding master's students, covering a living allowance and a tuition waiver.
What does it cover?
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A study and living allowance of around ~CHF 12,000 per semester (about ~CHF 24,000 per year) plus a waiver of ETH's tuition fees, for the master's programme.
Who is eligible?
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Outstanding applicants for a consecutive master's at ETH Zurich, including students from other universities, with a top bachelor's record.
How do I apply?
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Apply for the ETH master's programme and submit the ESOP scholarship application in the same cycle by the deadline.
When is the deadline?
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Around 30 November for the following autumn intake; the 2026 date here is an estimate. Confirm on ETH's scholarship pages.
How long does it last?
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For the normal length of the master's programme, typically 3 to 4 semesters.
How selective is it?
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Very — ESOP is awarded to a small number of the strongest applicants across ETH's departments each year.
Is there a smaller ETH scholarship too?
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Yes — ETH also runs the Master Scholarship Programme (MSP), which is less generous; ESOP is the fuller award.
Is it open to international students?
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Yes — ESOP is open to applicants of any nationality, including those applying from abroad.
Does it cover a PhD?
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No — ESOP is for master's study; doctoral funding at ETH is arranged separately through positions and other schemes.
How good is ETH Zurich?
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ETH Zurich, founded in 1855, is consistently ranked among the top science and technology universities in continental Europe and the world.
Where can I confirm current details?
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On ETH Zurich's official excellence scholarship pages, which list the allowance, tuition waiver, eligibility, and deadline.