ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 for PG Students in Switzerland | Last Date to Apply

ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 for PG Students in Switzerland : The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is one of the most prestigious and competitive master’s scholarships in Europe, offered by ETH Zurich in Switzerland. This fully funded scholarship not only covers tuition but also provides a generous living stipend, mentorship, and access to a high-powered network of scholars and alumni through the ETH Foundation. Designed to support outstanding international talent, ESOP empowers bright minds to pursue cutting-edge research and innovation at one of the world’s top technical universities.

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Eligibility Criteria for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship

To be considered for the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship, applicants must meet several key requirements:

1. Academic Excellence: Applicants should rank in the top 10% of their bachelor’s degree program (often equated to a “grade A” performance).
2. Master’s Application: Must apply for an ETH Zurich master’s program (excluding MAS) via the official eApply portal.
3. Bachelor Completion: A completed bachelor’s degree (or near completion) is required by the time of application.
4. Not Already Enrolled in ETH Master’s: Applicants who already hold a master’s degree at ETH or are enrolled in a Master’s there are not eligible.
5. Reachability for Interview: Be reachable by the telephone number listed in your CV, as shortlisted candidates may receive a phone/video interview (typically in February).
6. Master Thesis Pre-Proposal: Applicants must prepare and submit a self-developed pre-proposal for their master’s thesis, following ETH’s guidelines, with proper academic citations.
7. References: If the chosen master’s program does not already require letters of recommendation, you must provide two reference letters from professors.

Benefits of ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship

The ESOP scholarship offers several significant benefits for selected master’s students:

• Full Tuition Fee Waiver: Your ETH Zurich master’s tuition is entirely covered, so you don’t pay any tuition for the regular 3–4 semester duration.
• Living & Study Stipend: CHF 12,000 per semester for living and study-related expenses.
• Duration: Funding is provided for the regular duration of your master’s degree (three or four semesters).
• Mentorship: ESOP scholars receive mentorship support via the ETH Foundation, helping them academically and professionally.
• Network Access: You become part of the ETH Foundation’s network — attending events, connecting with alumni, and leveraging research & career opportunities.
• Prestige & Recognition: Being an ESOP scholar adds distinguished recognition, which can open doors for further academic or industry roles.

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Documents Required for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship

When you apply for ESOP, you need to upload or provide:

1. Pre-proposal for Master’s Thesis: A self-written proposal outlining what you intend to research, adhering to ETH’s guidelines.
2. Motivation Letter: Typically 1–2 pages, explaining your academic interests, achievements, and why you are a strong candidate.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include relevant academic, research, and extracurricular experience — also include a contact telephone number.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Two academic reference letters (unless your master’s program already requires them).
5. Academic Transcripts: Bachelor’s degree transcripts to show academic performance.
6. Other Admission Documents: Depending on your master’s program, you may need to submit additional materials (e.g., diploma certificate, proof of English/German language proficiency, etc.) as part of the ETH master’s admission.

How to Apply for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship

Follow these steps to apply for the scholarship:

1. Click on the “Click Here To Apply” button provided at the end.
2. Carefully review the scholarship details provided.
3. Complete the application form and ensure all required information is accurately filled out.
4. Attach the necessary documents as specified in the scholarship requirements.
5. Finally, click the “Submit” button to submit your scholarship application.

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Last Date to Apply for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship

The application window for the ESOP Scholarship for the 2026 intake opens on 1 November 2025 and closes on 30 November 2025 at 11:59 MEZ.

Contact Details for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship

• ETH Zurich, Financial Aid Office
  Rämistrasse 101, HG F22.1,
  8092 Zürich, Switzerland
• Phone: +41 44 632 20 23 / +41 44 632 20 88
• ETH Foundation (Excellence Scholarships): Isabelle Herold, +41 44 632 60 61

Top 5 Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

1. Weak Thesis Pre-Proposal
   • Mistake: Submitting a vague or poorly structured proposal.
   • Fix: Dedicate time to research, read ETH’s guidelines, pick a feasible topic, and write clearly with references.
2. Not Ensuring Reachability
   • Mistake: Putting a phone number in your CV that is not regularly attended, missing interview calls.
   • Fix: Use an active and frequently checked number; mention availability clearly.
3. Plagiarism or Poor Citation
   • Mistake: Copying parts of others’ work or ignoring citation norms.
   • Fix: Write your own proposal, cite properly, run plagiarism checks before submission.
4. Incomplete or Weak Recommendation Letters
   • Mistake: Asking professors too late, or from irrelevant areas, resulting in generic or weak references.
   • Fix: Choose professors familiar with your work, request letters early, provide context and your achievements.
5. Missing the Application Deadline
   • Mistake: Not aligning your master’s admission and ESOP application windows, or delaying document preparation.
   • Fix: Mark 1–30 November 2025 on your calendar, prepare all documents beforehand, double-check eApply.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can students from any country apply?

Yes — the ESOP scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities, as long as they apply for a master’s at ETH Zurich.

Q2: What happens if I don’t finish my master’s in 3–4 semesters?

The scholarship is granted only for the regular duration (3 or 4 semesters). If you extend beyond that, the scholarship may not continue.

Q3: Is the interview mandatory?

Not everyone gets interviewed. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a phone or video interview in February, but this depends on the number of applicants and selection process.

Q4: Can the same recommendation letters for the master’s admission be used for ESOP?

Yes — if you already submit two academic recommendation letters for your master’s admission, they typically double for ESOP.

Q5: What happens if I’m already studying a master’s at ETH?

If you are already enrolled in a master’s program at ETH or hold a master’s degree, you are not eligible to apply for ESOP.

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Overview of ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026

Scholarship id	CPSA25111900950
Scholarship Name	ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 for PG Students
Scholarship Open for	Boys and Girls
Scholarship Offered by	ETH Zurich / ETH Foundation
Who can Apply ?	Students with a very good Bachelor’s degree (top ~10%), applying for a Master’s at ETH Zurich (not already in an ETH Master’s).
Location of Students eligible	All Over the World
Scholarship Benefits	CHF 12,000 per semester
Last Date to Apply for International students	30 November 2025
Application Link	Click Here to Apply