The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) offers one of Europe’s most competitive funding opportunities for brilliant Master’s students worldwide. Designed to attract top academic talent, the ESOP provides full financial support, mentorship, and access to a network of experts through the ETH Foundation. Each year, about 60 outstanding students are selected to receive this fully funded scholarship, covering both study and living costs for the entire Master’s duration at ETH Zurich—one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host University: ETH Zurich University
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full tuition fee, Monthly stipend, etc.
Scholarship Benefits of ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2025
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship provides everything a top student needs to focus entirely on academics and research. Recipients receive CHF 12,000 per semester to cover living and study expenses, along with a full tuition fee waiver.
The scholarship runs for the entire duration of the Master’s program (typically three to four semesters). Beyond financial support, ESOP scholars gain mentorship from leading professors and access to ETH Zurich’s exclusive research network, giving them an edge in their academic and professional journey.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Hold an excellent Bachelor’s degree (top 10% of their class) or equivalent academic standing.
- Be applying for a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich (students already enrolled in a Master’s program or holding a Master’s degree are not eligible).
- Submit their application within the first application window (November 1–30, 2025).
- Be available for a possible phone or video interview in February.
Applicants from ETH Zurich’s own Bachelor’s programs are also eligible, provided they are entering a consecutive Master’s course.
See Also:
- Asian Development Bank Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in Asia
- Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2026/27 | Fully Funded Scholarship in China
- Russian Government Open Doors Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship in Russia
Documents Required for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2025
When applying for the ESOP, applicants must upload the following materials through ETH Zurich’s eApply online portal:
- All documents required for the Master’s admission process.
- A pre-proposal for the Master’s thesis, developed independently by the applicant. This proposal should outline the intended research topic, objectives, methods, and references following proper scientific citation practices.
- Two reference letters from academic professors (if not already required by the program).
All documents must be authentic and plagiarism-free. Any form of misinformation or copied content leads to disqualification or revocation of the scholarship.
Scholarship Deadline
The application window opens November 1, 2025, and closes November 30, 2025 (11:59 PM MEZ). Applicants are advised to prepare their documents early and ensure all requirements are submitted before the deadline. Scholarship results are typically announced by the end of March 2026.
Steps on How to Apply
Applying for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is straightforward if you follow the official procedure:
- Visit the ETH Zurich Master’s application portal (eApply).
- Choose your preferred Master’s program and start your application within the first application window.
- Upload all required documents, including your Bachelor’s transcript, CV, motivation letter, and the pre-proposal for your Master’s thesis.
- Add contact details for two referees, who will receive an automated email to submit their recommendation letters.
- Submit your completed application before the deadline.
After submission, shortlisted candidates may be contacted for a virtual or phone interview before final decisions are made.
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