MastersFully Funded

Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) supports outstanding Master’s students with full funding, mentorship, and access to a network provided by the ETH Foundation.

Provider: ETH Zurich
Host country: Switzerland
Deadline: Nov, 1 - Nov, 30 2026, 11.59h, MEZ
Region: Europe

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Very good result in Bachelor’s degree programme (top 10% of Bachelor’s degree programme = grade A; this is based on self-assessment). Please make sure to be reachable under the telephone number specified in your CV as the selection process might include a phone/VC interview in February. If you are already enrolled in a Master's degree programme at ETH Zurich, or hold a Master degree, you are not eligible for ESOP.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Nov, 1 - Nov, 30 2026, 11.59h, MEZ

Key eligibility criteria

Very good result in Bachelor’s degree programme (top 10% of Bachelor’s degree programme = grade A; this is based on self-assessment). Please make sure to be reachable under the telephone number specified in your CV as the selection process might include a phone/VC interview in February. If you are already enrolled in a Master's degree programme at ETH Zurich, or hold a Master degree, you are not eligible for ESOP.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) (2026)

## Overview The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) at ETH Zurich is a prestigious scholarship designed to attract and support outstanding Master’s students from around the world. This program goes beyond financial assistance, offering a comprehensive package that includes mentorship and networking opportunities through the ETH Foundation. The ESOP aims to foster academic excellence and provide an enriching environment for future leaders in various fields of study. Approximately 60 ESOP scholarships are awarded annually, depending on the availability of funds. ## Benefits The ESOP provides a generous financial package to cover the full study and living costs associated with a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich. Key benefits include: * **Scholarship Amount:** CHF 12,000 per semester to cover living and study expenses. * **Tuition Fee Waiver:** Full waiver of tuition fees for the duration of the Master’s program. * **Duration:** The scholarship is awarded for the regular duration of the Master’s program, typically three or four semesters. * **Mentorship:** Scholars receive mentorship, providing guidance and support throughout their studies. * **Networking:** Access to a valuable network of academics and professionals through the ETH Foundation. ## Eligibility To be considered for the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria: * **Academic Excellence:** Applicants must have achieved a very strong result in their Bachelor’s degree program, placing them in the top 10% of their graduating class (equivalent to a grade A). * **Application Timing:** Must apply within the first application window for the Master’s program. * **Program Status:** Not currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program at ETH Zurich. * **Prior Degree:** Must not hold a Master’s degree. * **Contactability:** Ensure that the provided telephone number in the CV is accurate and that the applicant is reachable, as the selection process may include a phone or video conference interview in February. ## Required Documents In addition to the standard documents required for Master’s admission at ETH Zurich, ESOP applicants must submit specific supplementary materials: * **Pre-proposal for Master’s Thesis:** A self-developed pre-proposal for the Master’s thesis is mandatory. This document should demonstrate established scientific citation practices. Plagiarism or misinformation will lead to immediate exclusion. * **Reference Persons/Letters:** If your chosen study program does not typically require references, you must name two reference persons (professors) for your ESOP application. These individuals will then be prompted by the system to upload a reference letter on your behalf. ## How to Apply The application process for the ESOP is integrated with the standard Master’s application to ETH Zurich: 1. **Online Application:** All ESOP applications are submitted via eApply, ETH Zurich’s online Master’s application portal. 2. **First Application Window:** It is crucial to apply within the first application window for the Master’s program to be considered for the ESOP. 3. **Upload Documents:** Ensure all required documents, including the specific ESOP application documents like the pre-proposal, are uploaded correctly. 4. **Reference Letters:** If applicable, ensure your designated reference persons are aware and prepared to submit their letters after receiving an email from the system. ## Key Dates * **Application Window:** November 1 to November 30, 2026, 11:59 AM MEZ. * **Start of Program:** Master program in HS27. * **Interview Period:** February (potential phone/VC interview). * **Decision Notification:** End of March. ## Selection Criteria The selection process for the ESOP is highly competitive and rigorous: * **Academic Performance:** A very strong Bachelor’s degree result (top 10%) is a primary criterion. * **Pre-proposal Quality:** The quality and originality of the Master’s thesis pre-proposal are crucial. * **References:** Strong reference letters (if applicable) can significantly enhance an application. * **Interview Performance:** Performance in any potential phone or video conference interviews will be considered. * **Admissions Committees:** Applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committees of the respective Master’s programs. * **Final Decision:** The Rector of ETH Zurich makes the final decision on awarding the scholarships, with approximately 60 scholarships assigned annually based on available funds. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application and, especially, your Master’s thesis pre-proposal well in advance of the deadline. * **Pre-proposal:** Carefully craft your pre-proposal, ensuring it demonstrates independent thought, a clear research question, and adherence to scientific citation practices. * **References:** Choose your reference persons carefully and ensure they are aware of the requirements and deadlines for submitting their letters. * **Availability:** Be reachable by phone/VC in February for potential interviews. * **Accuracy:** Double-check all information and documents for accuracy and completeness before submission. ## Official Source For the most up-to-date and complete information regarding the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme, please refer to the official ETH Zurich website: [https://ethz.ch/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html](https://ethz.ch/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Very good result in Bachelor’s degree programme (top 10% of Bachelor’s degree programme = grade A; this is based on self-assessment). Please make sure to be reachable under the telephone number specified in your CV as the selection process might include a phone/VC interview in February. If you are already enrolled in a Master's degree programme at ETH Zurich, or hold a Master degree, you are not eligible for ESOP.

Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://ethz.ch/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Very good result in Bachelor’s degree programme (top 10% of Bachelor’s degree programme = grade A; this is based on self-assessment). Please make sure to be reachable under the telephone number specified in your CV as the selection process might include a phone/VC interview in February. If you are already enrolled in a Master's degree programme at ETH Zurich, or hold a Master degree, you are not eligible for ESOP.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Nov, 1 - Nov, 30 2026, 11.59h, MEZ. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Nov, 1 - Nov, 30 2026, 11.59h, MEZ. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Nov, 1 - Nov, 30 2026, 11.59h, MEZ
Provider deadline information: Nov, 1 - Nov, 30 2026, 11.59h, MEZ. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)?+

Very good result in Bachelor’s degree programme (top 10% of Bachelor’s degree programme = grade A; this is based on self-assessment). Please make sure to be reachable under the telephone number specified in your CV as the selection process might include a phone/VC interview in February. If you are already enrolled in a Master's degree programme at ETH Zurich, or hold a Master degree, you are not eligible for ESOP.

What funding does the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Nov, 1 - Nov, 30 2026, 11.59h, MEZ. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://ethz.ch/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Very good result in Bachelor’s degree programme (top 10% of Bachelor’s degree programme = grade A; this is based on self-assessment). Please make sure to be reachable under the telephone number specified in your CV as the selection process might include a phone/VC interview in February. If you are already enrolled in a Master's degree programme at ETH Zurich, or hold a Master degree, you are not eligible for ESOP.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Nov, 1 - Nov, 30 2026, 11.59h, MEZ. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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