The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) supports top Master's applicants with CHF 13,500 per semester for a start in the autumn semester 2027 (HS27), plus a tuition fee waiver, and the application window closes on 30 November 2026 at 11:59 pm CET. At Youth Works Hub, we checked the official ETH Zurich scholarship page and set out the key details below.
What the ESOP Scholarship Offers
🧮 Amount: CHF 12,000 per semester, rising to CHF 13,500 per semester from HS27 onwards
🎓 Tuition: the scholarship comes with a tuition fee waiver
📆 Duration: the scholarship covers 3 to 4 semesters of the Master's programme
🏆 Number of awards: about 60 ESOP scholarships are awarded, and you can find similar programmes in the Scholarships section on Youth Works Hub
Application Window
🗓️ Opening and closing: the application window is open from 1 November to 30 November 2026, until 11:59 pm CET, for a start in the Master's programme in HS27
📬 Decisions: results are communicated by the end of March
Who Can Apply
🎯 Academic level: you should belong to the top 10% of your Bachelor's degree programme, meaning grade A; this is based on self-assessment
🏛️ ETH application needed: the scholarship is for applicants to an ETH Zurich Master's programme, and you apply as part of your Master's application
🚫 Not eligible: people who already hold an ETH Master's degree cannot apply
🌍 Nationality: no nationality restriction is stated
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Documents You Need
📁 Standard Master's documents: the usual ETH Master's application documents
📝 Pre-proposal: a pre-proposal for your Master's thesis
👩🏫 References: two professor references if your programme does not ask for references already
How Selection Works
🏫 Admissions committee: the Master's programme admissions committee reviews applications
👤 Final decision: the Rector makes the final decision
📞 Interviews: selected candidates have a phone or video interview in February
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the ETH Zurich ESOP scholarship?
The application window runs from 1 to 30 November 2026, closing at 11:59 pm CET, for a start in the Master's programme in HS27.
How much does ESOP pay?
ESOP pays CHF 12,000 per semester, increasing to CHF 13,500 per semester from HS27 onwards, together with a tuition fee waiver.
How long does the scholarship last?
It covers 3 to 4 semesters of the Master's programme.
Who can apply?
Applicants to an ETH Zurich Master's programme who are in the top 10% of their Bachelor's degree programme (grade A, based on self-assessment). People who already hold an ETH Master's degree cannot apply.
Do I need references?
You need two professor references if your programme does not already request references.
When will I hear back?
Decisions are communicated by the end of March, and interviews take place by phone or video in February.
Deadline
⏳ 30 November 2026
Links
🔗 Scholarship page: https://www.ethz.ch/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html
📝 Application portal: https://www.lehrbetrieb.ethz.ch/eApply/ealogin.view?lang=en
