ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship ESOP 2027 (Fully Funded)

The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship ESOP 2027 is a fully funded masters award at ETH Zurich in Switzerland. It covers a living stipend of CHF 13,500 per semester plus a full tuition waiver for the regular masters duration. It suits top bachelor graduates aiming for autumn 2027 entry. Many students also compare it with other European masters options. For example, some look at the Aalto Excellence Scholarship, another merit based tuition option.

Overview

• Host country, Switzerland
• Host school, ETH Zurich
• Level of study, Masters
• Value, CHF 13,500 per semester living plus tuition waiver
• Nationality, Open to all, including Swiss and international
• Funded by, ETH Zurich and ETH Foundation

Benefits of the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship

First, scholars get a substantial living stipend. Also, tuition is fully waived. Plus, mentorship and network access are included. In short, the award covers this.

• CHF 13,500 per semester for living and study costs from HS27
• Full tuition fee waiver for three or four semesters
• Mentorship through the ETH Foundation network
• Approximately 60 awards planned for 2027/28
• Note, applicants must meet top 10 percent academic standard

Who Should Apply

This award suits students ranking in the top 10 percent of their bachelor programme. It requires a pre-proposal for the masters thesis. Meanwhile, students who prefer a partial funding route in Europe may look at the Radboud Scholarship Programme. That program supports non EU masters students. Therefore, it helps to match your academic strength to the right level of funding.

Eligibility Requirements

Overall, applicants must meet these points.

• Top 10 percent of bachelor graduating class, based on self assessment
• Applying for an eligible masters programme at ETH Zurich
• Not already enrolled in a masters at ETH or holding a masters degree
• Apply during the first international application window
• Upload a pre-proposal for the masters thesis

First Window Only

Notably, ESOP applications must use the November window. Later windows do not qualify. This strict timing is close to the setup used for the France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, where institutional deadlines control the process. Given the fixed window, early preparation of the pre-proposal is essential.

Required Documents

• Masters application via eApply
• Pre-proposal for masters thesis (max 500 words)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• CV with phone number for possible interview
• English or programme specific language proof

How to Apply

First, prepare your pre-proposal and documents. Next, submit the masters application through eApply during 1 to 30 November 2026 and indicate ESOP interest. Then, remain available for a possible February interview. This process is close to the one used for the NTU Research Scholarship. Finally, decisions come by the end of March.

Application Deadline

The application window runs from 1 November to 30 November 2026 at 11:59 MEZ for autumn 2027 start. So, the window opens very soon. Therefore, finalize your pre-proposal now.

Apply Now

Final Thoughts

Overall, this scholarship gives strong living and tuition support for masters study at a top technical university. However, since only about 60 awards are made, check other options too. For instance, the Swedish Institute Scholarship for Global Professionals funds masters study in Sweden.