The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027—officially known as the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)—is a fully funded scholarship for outstanding students applying for an eligible Master’s degree at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Funded by ETH Zurich and the ETH Zurich Foundation, the scholarship supports academically exceptional Swiss and international students by covering major study and living expenses throughout the standard duration of their Master’s programme.

In addition to financial support, ESOP scholars receive individual mentorship from ETH Zurich faculty members and become part of the ETH Foundation network, providing valuable academic and professional connections. If you are planning to study in Switzerland and have an excellent academic record, this scholarship is one of the strongest opportunities available.

📌 Quick Highlights

About the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027

The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is ETH Zurich’s flagship funding programme for exceptional students beginning a Master’s degree. It is awarded to applicants with outstanding academic achievements and strong research potential who have secured admission to an eligible Master’s programme.

The scholarship covers the standard duration of the Master’s programme (three or four semesters) and requires applicants to submit a self-developed Master’s thesis pre-proposal as part of the selection process. This proposal allows the admissions committee to evaluate an applicant’s independent research skills and academic interests before enrolment.

Applications for ESOP are accepted only during the first Master’s application window (1–30 November), regardless of whether the applicant completed their Bachelor’s degree in Switzerland or abroad. According to ETH Zurich, approximately 60 ESOP scholarships are expected to be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year.

Official Note: All information in this guide has been verified using the official ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (ESOP) guidelines and Master’s admissions information.

Other Fully funded Scholarships: 🎓Rhodes Fully funded Scholarship 2027.

Financial Benefits for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027

The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027 (ESOP) is designed to reduce the financial burden of studying in Switzerland by supporting scholars throughout the standard duration of their Master’s programme.

Selected scholars receive the following benefits:

• CHF 12,000 per semester to cover living and study expenses.
• Tuition fee waiver for the standard duration of the Master’s programme.
• Individual mentorship from an ETH Zurich faculty member.
• Access to the ETH Foundation network, offering opportunities to connect with researchers, industry professionals, alumni, and other scholars.

The scholarship is awarded for the regular duration of the Master’s programme (three or four semesters), provided the recipient continues to meet the programme requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027

Applicants must satisfy the following official requirements before applying for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027.

Academic Qualification

Applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or complete one before the Master’s programme begins.
• Demonstrate excellent academic performance, generally corresponding to the top 10% of their Bachelor’s programme (Grade A equivalent).

Master’s Admission

Applicants must:

• Apply for an eligible ETH Zurich Master’s programme.
• Submit their application during the first application window (1–30 November 2026) through the official eApply portal.

Master’s Thesis Pre-Proposal

Every ESOP applicant must prepare and upload a self-developed Master’s thesis pre-proposal that follows ETH Zurich’s scientific citation guidelines. The proposal should reflect the applicant’s academic interests and independent research capability.

Who Cannot Apply

According to the official ESOP guidelines, you are not eligible if you:

• Are already enrolled in a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich.
• Already hold a Master’s degree.

Required Documents for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027

Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their application:

• Completed Master’s application through eApply.
• Self-developed Master’s thesis pre-proposal.
• Official Bachelor’s transcripts and degree certificate (or expected graduation documents).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• High school graduation certificate (matriculation certificate or equivalent).
• Valid passport or national identity document.
• Signed declaration of consent.
• English language proficiency documents, where required for admission.
• Two academic reference letters from university professors (only if the selected Master’s programme does not normally require references).

Note: A portfolio is required only for applicants to the Architecture MSc and Landscape Architecture MSc programmes. It is not a general ESOP requirement.

How to Apply

Applications for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027 (ESOP) are submitted together with the Master’s admission application through the official eApply portal. There is no separate ESOP application form.

Follow these steps:

1. Select an eligible ETH Zurich Master’s programme.
2. Complete the online Master’s application through eApply between 1 November and 30 November 2026.
3. Upload all required admission documents.
4. Submit your self-developed Master’s thesis pre-proposal with the application.
5. If your chosen Master’s programme does not normally require recommendation letters, nominate two university professors who will submit their references through the official system.
6. Pay the CHF 150 Master’s application fee and submit your application before the deadline.

Applicants should ensure the telephone number provided in their CV remains active, as shortlisted candidates may be invited for a phone or video interview during the selection process.

Other Fully funded Scholarships: 🎓 Commonwealth Scholarship 2027

Important Dates for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Official Links

• Official Scholarship Page: https://ethz.ch/students/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html
• Master’s Application Portal: https://ethz.ch/en/studies/master/application/eapply.html
• Application Dates: https://ethz.ch/en/studies/master/application/dates.html
• How to Apply: https://ethz.ch/en/studies/master/application/international-bachelor/how-to-apply.html