Looking to pursue a world-class education in Europe? The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland offers an incredible opportunity for highly talented international students to study in one of the most prestigious institutions in the world—ETH Zurich, located in Switzerland. Through its Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP), ETH Zurich provides financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to outstanding students starting their Master’s degree programs. The scholarship is fully funded, covering both tuition fees and living expenses throughout the duration of the Master’s course.
Recognized globally for its academic excellence in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics, ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide. The ESOP 2026 is designed for students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential in their undergraduate studies. This program not only offers a generous financial aid package, but also provides mentorship by ETH faculty and access to the ETH Foundation’s professional network—creating a strong foundation for academic and career success.
Applications for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 will be to November 30, 2025. There is no separate application fee, and all eligible students—regardless of nationality—are encouraged to apply. Whether you’re planning to specialize in computer science, architecture, mechanical engineering, physics, or another advanced field, this is your chance to study in Switzerland on a fully funded scholarship and gain exposure to one of the best academic environments in Europe.
Details About ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland:
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host Organization : ETH Zurich
- Degree Level: Masters
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 30 November 2025
Financial Benefits:
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is a prestigious and fully funded scholarship that offers comprehensive financial support to exceptional Master’s students. The scholarship not only ensures that students can focus on their academic and research goals without financial burden but also enhances their experience through mentorship and institutional support. Here’s a breakdown of the financial benefits offered under the ESOP:
- CHF 12,000 Per Semester for Living and Study Expenses
Selected scholars receive a scholarship of 12,000 Swiss Francs per semester, which helps cover accommodation, food, transportation, books, and other daily expenses while studying in Switzerland. - Full Tuition Fee Waiver
All recipients benefit from a complete waiver of tuition fees, allowing them to pursue their Master’s degree at ETH Zurich without the worry of academic costs. - Scholarship Duration Matches Program Length
The financial support is granted for the full duration of the Master’s program, which is typically three or four semesters, depending on the course structure. - Leave of Absence Option for ETH Bachelor Students
Current ETH Zurich Bachelor students are eligible to begin the ESOP with an approved leave of absence, allowing them flexibility to transition smoothly into their Master’s studies under the scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria:
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is reserved for the most talented and academically outstanding students worldwide. To maintain the scholarship’s competitive and merit-based nature, ETH Zurich has outlined strict prerequisites for applicants aiming to pursue a Master’s degree under this fully funded opportunity.
- Top Academic Performance in Bachelor’s Program
Applicants must have achieved excellent academic results, typically ranking in the top 10% of their undergraduate class, equivalent to a grade A. A strong academic foundation is crucial for selection. - Available for Phone or Video Interview
Candidates should be reachable via the phone number listed in their CV, as the selection committee may conduct a telephone or video interview during the evaluation process, usually scheduled for February. - Master’s Program Enrollment Status
Students who are already enrolled in a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich, or who already hold a Master’s degree, are not eligible for this scholarship. The ESOP is specifically designed for new Master’s applicants only.
Required Documents:
To apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026, applicants must provide specific documents in addition to the standard Master’s degree application requirements. These materials help assess your academic readiness and research potential. Incomplete or plagiarized submissions will lead to disqualification.
Essential Documents:
- All Required Documents for ETH Master’s Admission
First, ensure you prepare and submit all documents needed for your ETH Zurich Master’s program application, such as transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, etc. - Pre-Proposal for Master’s Thesis
You must submit a self-written pre-proposal outlining your intended Master’s thesis topic.- This document must follow scientific citation standards.
- Plagiarism or misinformation will result in immediate disqualification or revocation of the scholarship if discovered later.
- Reference Letters (if not required by your program)
If your selected Master’s program does not ask for references, you must name two academic referees (professors).- These referees will receive an automated email from ETH’s system prompting them to upload a recommendation letter on your behalf.
- Ensure your referees are informed and willing to respond promptly.
Selection Process – ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026:
Around 60 Excellence Scholarships are awarded each year to top-performing Master’s applicants. Selection is based on academic excellence and research potential, reviewed by the admissions committees of each Master’s program.
Final decisions are made by the ETH Zurich Rector, and results are announced by the end of March 2026. The number of awards depends on available funding.
How to Apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland:
To apply for the ETH Zurich ESOP 2026, follow these steps:
- Go to ETH Zurich Website
- Choose Your Master’s Program
Select an eligible Master’s degree offered at ETH Zurich. - Apply Online via ETH Zurich Portal
Complete the online application for your chosen Master’s program between November 1 and November 30, 2025. - Upload Required ESOP Documents
Along with the standard admission documents, upload your pre-proposal for the Master’s thesis and provide two referees (if not already required by your program). - Submit Before Deadline
Ensure all materials are submitted before 11:59 PM (MEZ) on November 30, 2025. - Await Notification
Final selection results will be announced by March 2026.
