Looking to pursue a world-class education in Europe? The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 is a remarkable opportunity for exceptional international students to study at one of the most prestigious universities in Switzerland. ETH Zurich is globally renowned for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research. Through the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP), the university provides fully funded financial support, personalized mentorship, and access to an influential academic network. The scholarship covers both tuition fees and living expenses, ensuring that outstanding Master’s students can focus entirely on their studies and research.
ETH Zurich is widely respected for its leadership in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) and consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. The ESOP 2026 is designed for students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, research potential, and strong leadership qualities during their undergraduate studies. In addition to generous funding, the program offers valuable academic guidance from ETH faculty and access to the ETH Foundation’s professional network, creating a powerful foundation for future success in both academics and industry.
Applications for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026 must be submitted by November 30, 2025, and—best of all there is no application fee. Eligible candidates from all nationalities are welcome to apply. Whether you aim to specialize in computer science, architecture, mechanical engineering, physics, data science, biotechnology, or any other advanced field, ESOP gives you the chance to study in Switzerland on a fully funded scholarship and gain exposure to one of Europe’s most innovative learning environments.
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Details About ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026
Host Country: Switzerland
Host Institution: ETH Zurich
Degree Level: Master’s Degree
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
Benefits of the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026
The ETH Zurich ESOP scholarship is one of the most generous and prestigious funding programs in Europe. It enables talented students to pursue their Master’s degree without financial stress while benefiting from the academic excellence ETH Zurich is known for.
Key Benefits
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage
ESOP pays all tuition fees for the entire duration of your Master’s program (3–4 semesters). - CHF 12,000 Per Semester Living Allowance
This generous stipend covers accommodation, meals, travel, study supplies, and other essential expenses. - Personalized Academic Mentorship
Scholars receive guidance from ETH professors and academic advisors to support their research and academic development. - Access to ETH Foundation Network
Students gain entry into a strong professional community that includes industry leaders, researchers, and alumni. - Research & Innovation Opportunities
Work in world-class laboratories, participate in cutting-edge research projects, and collaborate with global experts. - No Bond or Repayment Required
The scholarship is merit-based with no financial obligations after graduation. - Prestigious Recognition
Being an ESOP scholar enhances academic credibility and is highly valued by employers and research institutions worldwide.
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Eligibility Criteria for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026
Applicants must meet ETH Zurich’s strict selection standards. ESOP is designed for high-achieving students with strong academic and personal qualities.
Academic Eligibility
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree with excellent academic results (top 10% of the class).
- Must meet the admission requirements of the chosen ETH Zurich Master’s program.
- Strong foundation in the field you intend to study.
Scholarship & Program Requirements
- Must be applying for your first ETH Master’s degree.
- Students already enrolled in an ETH Master’s program are not eligible.
- ESOP applications are only accepted in the first application round.
Personal & Professional Criteria
- Strong motivation for academic or research advancement.
- Demonstrated leadership skills or extracurricular involvement.
- Clear academic goals and research interest aligned with your Master’s program.
- Ability to produce a high-quality research thesis pre-proposal.
General Eligibility
- No nationality restriction — open to all international students.
- Must be reachable via the phone number listed on your CV.
Required Documents for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is a fully funded scholarship for outstanding Master’s students. Applicants must submit the following essential documents:
Documents for ETH Master’s Admission
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or proof of expected graduation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter / Statement of Purpose
- Passport or national ID copy
- Language proficiency certificates (if required by the program)
- Program-specific documents
ESOP-Specific Documents
- Pre-proposal for Master’s thesis
- Self-written outline of your intended research topic
- Must follow scientific citation standards
- Plagiarism or false information will lead to disqualification
- Reference letters (if not required by the program)
- Names of academic referees
- Referees will be contacted by ETH to submit their recommendation letters
- Ensure referees are informed and responsive
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How to Apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2026
- Choose Your Master’s Program
Select the Master’s program you wish to pursue at ETH Zurich from the list of eligible programs. Ensure your academic background and research interests align with the program requirements. - Start Your Online Application
Submit your application through the official ETH Zurich admission portal. Fill out all required fields accurately, including personal, academic, and contact information. Only applications submitted during the first application round are eligible for ESOP consideration. - Upload ESOP-Specific Documents
- Attach your Master’s thesis pre-proposal, outlining your research topic, objectives, and methodology.
- If your program does not require reference letters, provide the names of two academic referees. ETH Zurich will contact them directly to submit recommendation letters. Ensure your referees are informed and ready to respond.
- Submit Your Application Before the Deadline
Submit all documents, including Master’s admission and ESOP-specific documents, before 11:59 PM (MEZ) on November 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. - Wait for the Final Decision
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a phone or video interview, usually conducted in February 2026. Final results are announced by the end of March 2026. Successful applicants will receive instructions to accept the scholarship and complete enrollment.