ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
If you’re considering applying for a full-funded opportunity to pursue your Master’s at one of Europe’s top technical universities, then the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) for the 2026 intake is an excellent option. This article walks you through everything you need to know.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Zurich, Switzerland (ETH Zurich)
Host institution: ETH Zurich
Study level: Master’s degree (regular full-time programme, 3 or 4 semesters)
Target group: Outstanding candidates (including international students) applying for any Master’s programme at ETH (excluding MAS programmes)
Fields of Study: All Master’s programmes offered at ETH Zurich are eligible.
Value & coverage:
Approx. CHF 12,000 per semester for living and study expenses.
Full tuition fee waiver (for the regular duration of the Master’s programme: three or four semesters).
Duration: The regular duration of the chosen Master’s programme (3 or 4 semesters).
Application deadline: For start in academic year 2026/27 (Master’s beginning autumn 2026), the application window opens 1 November 2025 and closes 30 November 2025 (11:59 h MEZ) via the ETH Master’s admission portal (eApply).
Start date: Autumn semester 2026 (Master’s studies begin at ETH Zurich)
📚 Scholarship Overview
The ESOP is more than just financial aid. It is a comprehensive support scheme designed for high-performing Master’s candidates who will benefit from not only funding but mentorship and network access.
The scholarship is fully funded by the ETH Foundation and targeted to attract outstanding talent—especially globally.
In addition to the financial coverage (tuition-waiver + living stipend), recipients enter a mentorship component and are part of the ETH Foundation’s network of excellence—offering contacts, events and support for research, personal development and career prospects.
The selection process is competitive: for the academic year 2025/26 around 60 scholarships were to be awarded.
Timeline: After the application deadline at the end of November, shortlisted applicants may be contacted for a phone or video interview (often February) and final decisions are communicated by end of March.
The programme encourages excellent graduates from all countries and all fields to apply; it does not limit to specific nationalities or subject areas.
🎁 Benefits of the ESOP
Full tuition fee waiver for the Master’s programme (3 or 4 semesters)
Living and study expense stipend of about CHF 12,000 per semester (to cover accommodation, food, transport, personal expenses)
Mentorship and networking: Through the ETH Foundation and the ESOP community, you gain access to events, peer-group of scholars, alumni support and potentially industry or research contacts
Recognition & prestige: Being an ESOP scholar positions you as a top candidate in your field internationally, which supports your PhD aspirations or research career
Focus on study and research: The financial support means fewer distractions—such as needing major part-time work—so you can concentrate on academic and professional development
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for ESOP you must satisfy the following:
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (or be completing one shortly) and your result must be “very good” (top 10% of the class, grade A equivalent) in your Bachelor’s programme.
Not already enrolled in a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich, and do not hold a Master’s degree already.
Apply via ETH’s Master’s admission portal (eApply) in the first application window (which for start 2026/27 is Nov 1–30, 2025) and tick the scholarship option accordingly.
Be reachable by the telephone number you list in your CV—because the selection may include a phone or video interview in February.
Prepare and upload a pre-proposal for your Master’s thesis (self-developed, with scientific citations) as part of the ESOP application.
If your Master’s programme does not require reference letters, you must provide two reference persons (professors) who will upload letters of recommendation for the ESOP.
📝 Application Procedure
Here is a step-by-step of how to apply and what to prepare:
Choose your Master’s programme at ETH Zurich and ensure you meet its admission requirements (e.g., Bachelor’s degree background, language requirements etc).
Apply for admission to your chosen Master’s programme via ETH’s eApply portal within the first application window (for 2026 start: 1–30 Nov 2025).
On the same portal, indicate that you wish to apply for the ESOP scholarship (the scholarship application is integrated with the Master’s admission application).
Compile and upload required additional ESOP documents:
A pre-proposal for your Master’s thesis: You develop this yourself, following the guidelines (PDF downloadable from ETH site).
Where required: Two recommendation letters (if the Master’s programme doesn’t already demand references) from professors.
Ensure your CV lists a reachable telephone number (for possible interview).
Academic transcripts, certificate, proof of your ranking/performance (top 10 % qualification)
Motivation letter (or statement of purpose) specifically for ESOP.
Other standard admission documents (Bachelor’s certificate, transcript, language test if required by the Master’s programme)
Shortlisting and possibly interview: If shortlisted you may be invited to a phone/VC interview (often February) as part of the ESOP selection.
Decision: Final scholarship decisions are communicated by end of March (for 2026 intake).
If awarded: Accept the offer, proceed with enrolment, commence your Master’s programme in Autumn 2026.
🚀 Final Word
If you are ready to take the next step in your academic journey the ESOP at ETH Zurich offers a top-tier opportunity: full financial support, access to world-class research environment, mentorship and networking, all while you focus on your Master’s and prepare for a PhD.
