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Study in Switzerland | ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026

November 7, 2025 8:05 am

Study in Switzerland | ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026

ETH Zurich, one of Europe’s top universities for science, technology, and innovation, invites applications for the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) 2026. This prestigious Swiss scholarship offers full financial and academic support to exceptional Master’s students from across the globe. It goes beyond tuition funding by providing mentorship, living expenses, and access to an elite professional network through the ETH Foundation — empowering future researchers, innovators, and leaders to achieve excellence.

About the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship

The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) recognizes outstanding academic talent and leadership potential. It is tailored for students who want to make an impact in their field while studying at one of the world’s most respected technical universities. The program combines:

A fully funded scholarship that covers tuition and living costs
Academic mentorship from ETH professors and research experts
Exclusive networking opportunities with industry and academic leaders through the ETH Foundation

This all-inclusive package allows scholars to focus entirely on academic growth, research innovation, and personal development without financial worries.

Scholarship Benefits – What You Will Receive

The ETH Zurich ESOP 2026 ensures complete financial support throughout the standard duration of a Master’s program (three to four semesters). Each award includes:

CHF 12,000 per semester for living and study expenses
Full tuition fee waiver for the entire program
Personal mentorship from faculty and professionals
Access to ETH Foundation’s network, connecting you to top employers and research institutions

This powerful combination of funding and mentorship helps scholars excel in one of Europe’s most advanced learning environments.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the ETH Zurich ESOP 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Outstanding academic record: Applicants should rank within the top 10% of their Bachelor’s degree class (Grade A or equivalent).
Degree requirements: You must not already hold a Master’s degree or be enrolled in a Master’s program at ETH Zurich.
Availability: Applicants must remain reachable via the contact information listed in their CV, as shortlisted candidates may receive interview invitations in February 2026.
Master’s thesis pre-proposal: Submit a self-written research proposal aligned with ETH Zurich’s scientific standards.
References: Applicants must list two academic referees who will upload recommendation letters directly to the application system.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit all required materials through the ETH Zurich eApply portal before the deadline. Required documents include:

Completed Master’s program application
Pre-proposal for the Master’s thesis
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates
Reference details of two professors
Hard copies are not required during the online application phase.

Click Here to Apply

Selection and Timeline

The Admissions Committees for each Master’s program review all ESOP applications based on academic excellence, motivation, and research potential. Shortlisted candidates may attend interviews in February 2026. The Rector of ETH Zurich makes the final selection, and successful applicants will be notified by March 2026.

For the 2026 academic year, approximately 60 scholarships will be awarded, subject to available funding.

Why Choose ETH Zurich?

ETH Zurich ranks consistently among the top 10 universities worldwide for science and engineering. Home to 21 Nobel laureates, including Albert Einstein, the university fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration across disciplines. With world-class laboratories, research institutes, and international partnerships, ETH offers a perfect environment to build a global career in technology and science.

Application Deadline

Opens: November 1, 2025
Closes: November 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. MEZ)

Final Thoughts

The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme 2026 is more than financial aid; it is a launchpad for global innovators and changemakers. If you are ready to elevate your academic journey and build an impactful career in science or technology, this Swiss scholarship offers everything you need to succeed.