ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) 2027 – Fully Funded Master's Scholarship in Switzerland

What Is the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme?

The ESOP is designed to identify and support students with outstanding Bachelor's academic records who demonstrate the potential to contribute meaningfully to their chosen academic disciplines.

Unlike scholarships that are awarded mainly on the basis of financial need, ESOP places considerable emphasis on academic excellence and the quality of the applicant's academic profile.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they belong among the strongest students in their Bachelor's degree programme. ETH Zurich uses the top 10% of the graduating class as its academic excellence benchmark, corresponding to an A grade under its self-assessment guidance.

The programme also evaluates the applicant's ability to think independently and develop a credible research direction. This is why a Master's thesis pre-proposal forms an important part of the scholarship application.

The pre-proposal allows the selection committee to assess how well a candidate can identify a research problem, formulate objectives, consider suitable methods and organise a realistic research project.

Scholarship Benefits and Financial Coverage

Successful applicants receive financial support covering their study and living expenses during the regular duration of their Master's degree.

The scholarship package includes the following:

1. Living and study allowance of CHF 13,500 per semester

From Autumn Semester 2027, ESOP beneficiaries receive CHF 13,500 per semester to support their living and study expenses in Switzerland.

The allowance is paid in three or four instalments, depending on the duration of the Master's programme. Each instalment is issued at the beginning of the semester after the student has completed the required semester enrolment.

2. Full tuition fee waiver

The scholarship includes a tuition fee waiver for the standard duration of the selected Master's programme.

This is an important benefit for international students because it removes the tuition fee obligation covered by the scholarship.

3. Scholarship throughout the regular Master's programme

ESOP is awarded for the standard duration of the selected Master's degree, which is normally three or four semesters.

The scholarship and tuition fee waiver apply for the corresponding regular study period, provided the beneficiary continues to satisfy the programme's conditions.

4. Mentorship and academic networking

Successful scholars receive mentorship and access to the ETH Foundation network.

This provides opportunities to engage with academic professionals and become connected to a wider community of individuals and organisations associated with ETH Zurich.

Important funding clarification: The official scholarship information specifies the CHF 13,500 semester allowance and tuition fee waiver. Applicants should not automatically assume that separate expenses such as international flights, visa fees or health insurance are independently reimbursed.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is intended for outstanding students applying for eligible regular Master's programmes at ETH Zurich.

Applicants should satisfy the following requirements:

1. Hold or be completing a Bachelor's degree

Candidates must have an appropriate Bachelor's academic background for admission to their chosen Master's programme.

Applicants with Bachelor's degrees from universities outside Switzerland are required to use the November 2026 international application window for Autumn 2027 admission.

2. Demonstrate outstanding academic performance

Applicants must have achieved very good results during their Bachelor's degree.

ETH Zurich identifies the top 10% of a Bachelor's graduating class as its academic excellence benchmark, equivalent to grade A under its self-assessment guidance.

This is not simply a general recommendation to have good grades. Applicants should realistically assess whether their academic performance places them among the strongest students in their graduating class.

3. Apply for an eligible ETH Zurich Master's programme

Candidates must apply for a regular Master's degree programme at ETH Zurich.

The scholarship does not cover Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programmes.

Applicants should review the admission requirements of their preferred programme before beginning the scholarship application because meeting the ESOP academic excellence benchmark does not automatically guarantee admission to a particular Master's course.

4. Submit the application during the first application window

Applicants must submit their complete Master's admission and ESOP application through eApply during the first application period.

For the Autumn 2027 intake, the relevant application window is 1–30 November 2026.

5. Prepare an independent Master's thesis pre-proposal

Applicants must submit a research pre-proposal for their intended Master's thesis in addition to the normal documents required for admission.

The document must be developed independently by the applicant and must follow established scientific citation practices.

6. Provide academic references where required

If the selected Master's programme does not already require reference letters, ESOP applicants must name two professors as reference persons.

The professors must know the applicant personally and be willing to provide the required academic references.

Academic Disciplines Covered

ESOP is not restricted to one academic discipline. Students applying for eligible regular Master's programmes across ETH Zurich's academic departments can be considered.

Relevant academic areas include:

• Architecture and Urban Planning.
• Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering.
• Mechanical and Process Engineering.
• Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.
• Computer Science and Data Science.
• Mathematics and Statistics.
• Physics.
• Chemistry and Applied Biosciences.
• Biology and Biotechnology.
• Environmental Sciences.
• Agricultural and Food Sciences.
• Earth and Planetary Sciences.
• Health Sciences and Technology.
• Materials Science.
• Management, Technology and Economics.
• Humanities, Social Sciences and Political Science.

This is an illustrative list of ETH Zurich's academic areas, not a guarantee that every programme or specialisation is eligible. Candidates must select a regular Master's programme and check its specific admission requirements.

Understanding the Master's Thesis Pre-Proposal Requirement

One of the most important parts of an ESOP application is the Master's thesis pre-proposal.

This document helps the selection committee assess the candidate's ability to think independently, identify a scientific problem and develop a feasible research plan.

ETH Zurich's official guidelines require applicants to describe their proposed Master's thesis idea in a maximum of 500 words, excluding references.

The university recommends organising the pre-proposal around the following elements:

1. Proposed research title

Provide a concise title that clearly communicates the subject of the proposed research.

2. Introduction and research background

Briefly introduce the research topic, establish its academic context and explain why the proposed investigation is important.

3. Objectives and research questions

Identify the main questions the proposed research intends to address. The objectives should be clear, specific and realistic.

4. Methods of investigation or implementation

Explain how the proposed research could be conducted. Depending on the discipline, this may involve laboratory experiments, fieldwork, modelling, data collection, software, technical investigations or interdisciplinary collaboration.

5. Previous research and relevant literature

Identify important existing studies and explain how they relate to the proposed work. Applicants may also refer to relevant findings from their previous academic investigations.

6. Timetable and milestones

Provide a realistic outline of how the research could be completed within the time available for the Master's thesis.

ETH Zurich notes that the thesis generally takes approximately four to six months, depending on the programme regulations.

7. References

List the scientific publications cited in the proposal or other relevant literature consulted during its preparation.

Applicants must develop the pre-proposal independently. Plagiarism or failure to acknowledge the work of other researchers can result in disqualification.

The final Master's thesis topic may change after enrolment when the student works with an academic supervisor. The pre-proposal is therefore an initial research plan, not a guarantee that the student will complete precisely the same thesis topic.

Academic Reference Letters

Reference letters are another important part of the ESOP application where the selected Master's programme does not already request them.

In that situation, applicants must nominate two professors who know them personally and can provide meaningful assessments of their academic abilities.

The professors must hold professor titles and positions at a university or educational institution.

Their email addresses must be provided in the application system. ETH Zurich will then send invitations for the professors to upload their reference letters.

The applicant is responsible for checking that both professors complete the submission.

According to ETH Zurich's reference-letter guidelines, the letters should be typed on the official letterhead of the professor's university and signed by the professor.

Applicants should therefore contact potential referees early enough to give them time to prepare and submit their letters.

Documents Required for the Application

Applicants should prepare the following materials:

• The documents required for admission to the selected ETH Zurich Master's programme.
• Academic transcripts and Bachelor's degree information as required by the chosen programme.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Motivation letter and other programme-specific admission documents, where required.
• Independently written Master's thesis pre-proposal of no more than 500 words, excluding references.
• Two academic reference letters, if the selected Master's programme does not already require references.
• Any additional documents requested by the specific Master's programme.

The exact admission-document requirements differ between Master's programmes. Applicants should consult the official admission page for their chosen programme rather than assume that every department requires an identical set of documents.

How to Apply for the ETH Zurich ESOP 2027

Applications are submitted online through ETH Zurich's eApply platform. The scholarship application is connected to the Master's admission application; applicants should not look for an unrelated standalone scholarship registration form.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify an eligible Master's programme

Visit ETH Zurich's Master's programme directory and identify a regular Master's degree that matches your Bachelor's background, academic interests and career objectives.

Read the programme's admission requirements carefully.

Step 2: Assess your academic eligibility

Review your Bachelor's academic performance and determine whether you meet the university's top 10% excellence benchmark.

Applicants should make an honest assessment of their academic standing before investing time in the application.

Step 3: Prepare the admission documents

Gather the academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, motivation letter and any other materials required by the selected Master's programme.

Step 4: Develop your Master's thesis pre-proposal

Prepare an independent research pre-proposal of no more than 500 words, excluding references.

Follow ETH Zurich's guidelines and ensure that your proposed research question, objectives, methods and timeline are academically credible.

Step 5: Arrange academic references where necessary

If your chosen Master's programme does not require references, identify two suitable professors who know your academic work.

Obtain their agreement before entering their contact details in the application.

Step 6: Register and complete the online application

Create an account on ETH Zurich's eApply platform and complete the application for your chosen Master's programme.

Indicate your intention to apply for the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme and upload the additional ESOP pre-proposal.

Step 7: Review and submit before the deadline

Check that every required document has been uploaded and that the information in your application is accurate.

Submit the complete application before the November deadline. Late or incomplete applications cannot be processed.

Selection Process

ESOP is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum academic expectations does not guarantee selection.

Applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committees of the respective Master's programmes. The committees assess applicants' academic records, motivation, research potential and the quality of their supporting documents.

The thesis pre-proposal is particularly important because it provides insight into the applicant's ability to develop an independent scientific project.

The selection process may also include a telephone or video interview in February 2027. Applicants should therefore ensure that the telephone number included in their CV remains active and that they can be contacted during the selection period.

If an applicant expects to be unavailable for an interview, ETH Zurich advises informing the relevant Master's programme coordinator.

The final decision on awarding ESOP scholarships rests with the Rector of ETH Zurich.

For the 2027/2028 academic year, approximately 60 scholarships are planned, although the final number depends on the availability of funding.

Scholarship decisions are expected to be communicated by the end of March 2027.

Important Conditions Scholarship Applicants Should Understand

Before applying, candidates should take note of the following restrictions and conditions:

• Applicants who already hold a Master's degree are not eligible for ESOP.
• Students already enrolled in a Master's programme at ETH Zurich are not eligible.
• Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programmes are excluded.
• Applicants must apply during the first international Master's application window.
• A separate Master's thesis pre-proposal is compulsory.
• The pre-proposal must be developed independently and use appropriate scientific citations.
• Two professors must be nominated if the selected Master's programme does not require references.
• The scholarship cannot be transferred to a different Master's programme after it has been awarded.
• The scholarship covers the regular duration of the chosen Master's programme, normally three or four semesters.
• Students must complete their semester enrolment to receive the corresponding scholarship instalments.

Applicants should also understand that an exchange semester may affect scholarship payments. ETH Zurich's scholarship FAQ explains that the grant is suspended during an exchange semester, although the tuition fee waiver continues under the stated conditions.

Why This Scholarship Is Worth Considering

Studying at ETH Zurich provides an opportunity to undertake advanced postgraduate education in a research-intensive academic environment.

For students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability during their Bachelor's studies, ESOP offers a way to pursue a Master's degree while receiving substantial financial support.

The scholarship is especially valuable because it combines a semester-based living and study allowance with a tuition fee waiver and academic mentorship.

However, the programme is not designed for every student seeking a fully funded Master's degree. Its top 10% academic excellence benchmark, independent thesis pre-proposal and competitive selection process mean that applicants should prepare a strong academic application.

Students should also research their preferred Master's programme thoroughly because admission requirements, prerequisites and language requirements differ across departments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is ETH Zurich ESOP open for 2027/2028?

Yes. The application window for the Autumn 2027 intake opened on 1 November 2026 and closes on 30 November 2026.

2. Can Nigerian students apply?

The official ESOP information does not impose a Nigerian nationality restriction. Applicants with Bachelor's degrees from outside Switzerland must use the international November application window and satisfy the academic and programme-specific requirements.

3. What is the minimum academic requirement?

ETH Zurich identifies applicants among the top 10% of their Bachelor's degree programme, corresponding to grade A under its self-assessment guidance.

4. How much does the scholarship pay?

From Autumn Semester 2027, the scholarship provides CHF 13,500 per semester, together with a tuition fee waiver.

5. Does the scholarship cover the full Master's programme?

It covers the regular duration of the selected Master's programme, normally three or four semesters, subject to the scholarship conditions.

6. Can applicants from any academic discipline apply?

Applicants from different disciplines can apply through eligible regular Master's programmes at ETH Zurich. MAS programmes are excluded.

7. Is a Master's thesis proposal compulsory?

Yes. Applicants must submit an independently developed pre-proposal of no more than 500 words, excluding references.

8. Are recommendation letters compulsory?

Two professor references are required if the selected Master's programme does not already request references.

9. How many scholarships will be awarded?

Approximately 60 ESOP scholarships are planned for the 2027/2028 academic year. The final number depends on available funding.

10. When will successful applicants be notified?

ETH Zurich expects to communicate scholarship decisions by the end of March 2027.

11. Can someone who already has a Master's degree apply?

No. Applicants who already hold a Master's degree are not eligible.

12. Can an applicant apply after 30 November 2026?

No. Applicants seeking ESOP for Autumn 2027 must submit during the first international application window. The later April 2027 window is reserved for candidates with Bachelor's degrees from Swiss universities and cannot be used by applicants with international Bachelor's degrees.

Application Deadline and Official Links

The application deadline for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme 2027 is 30 November 2026.

Interested candidates should begin preparing their Master's admission documents and thesis pre-proposal immediately. Applicants should not wait until the final day because incomplete or late applications cannot be processed.