ETH Zurich, ranked among the top 10 universities in the world, offers one of the most prestigious scholarships in Europe for Master’s students, the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP). It’s a fully funded scholarship designed to support exceptionally talented international students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland) 2025/26
With a commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and international collaboration, ETH Zurich remains a dream destination for students in engineering, science, and technology fields.
What is the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) provides full financial support for the duration of a Master’s degree. It includes:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- A living allowance of CHF 12,000 per semester (approx. CHF 24,000 per year)
- Mentorship and personalized career support
The scholarship is highly competitive and aims to attract the brightest students from around the globe.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To be eligible for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship:
- You must have an excellent academic record (usually in the top 10% of your class)
- You must have a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swiss university degree
- You must apply for a Master’s program at ETH Zurich
- You must not be enrolled in an ETH Master’s already
- You must demonstrate strong motivation and leadership
Eligible Master’s Programs at ETH Zurich
The ESOP is available across most Master’s programs at ETH Zurich, including:
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Architecture
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology and Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Physics and Mathematics
- Robotics, Systems and Control
- Energy Science and Technology
- Quantum Engineering
Check the ETH Zurich website for a full list of eligible programs.
Timeline and Deadlines: The application window is open Nov, 1 – Nov, 30 2025, 11.59h, MEZ
Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose Your Master’s Program
Review the eligible programs on the ETH Zurich website and confirm your eligibility. - Prepare Your Documents
- Motivation letter
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Two reference letters
- Academic transcripts
- GRE (recommended but not mandatory for some programs)
- Submit Application Online
Apply via ETH Zurich’s eApply portal. Make sure to check the box for the Excellence Scholarship. - Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee based on academic merit, motivation, and potential for research.
Why Choose ETH Zurich?
- Ranked #1 in Switzerland and top 10 worldwide
- Nobel Prize–winning alumni including Albert Einstein
- Industry collaborations with Google, IBM, and ETH spin-offs
- Campus in Zurich – one of the world’s safest and most innovative cities
- Diverse and international student community
Scholarship Coverage Summary
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Full waiver |
| Living Costs | CHF 12,000 per semester |
| Duration | Entire duration of Master’s program (3-4 semesters) |
| Mentorship | Yes, included |
| Networking | Access to alumni and research groups |
Conclusion
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is one of the most competitive and rewarding scholarships in Europe for Master’s students. With its generous funding, world-class faculty, and global reputation, ETH Zurich offers a unique opportunity to grow academically and professionally.
If you’re an ambitious student with a passion for science, technology, or engineering, don’t miss this chance to study at one of the world’s best institutions.
FAQs – ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship
Q1: Is the scholarship open to all nationalities?
A1: Yes, international students from any country can apply.
Q2: Can I apply for multiple Master’s programs?
A2: No, you can only apply for one Master’s program at ETH Zurich per intake.
Q3: Is a GRE score mandatory?
A3: GRE is not required for all programs, but highly recommended for international applicants to improve chances.
Q4: How many scholarships are awarded annually?
A4: Around 60–80 scholarships are awarded each year, depending on program capacity.
Q5: Can I work while studying at ETH Zurich?
A5: Yes, students can work up to 15 hours per week during the semester, and full-time during holidays.
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