The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) is offering the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) for outstanding international students seeking to pursue a master’s degree in Switzerland for the 2027/2028 academic year.
The scholarship provides financial support covering study and living expenses, a tuition fee waiver, mentorship, and access to the ETH Foundation network.
The programme is highly competitive and is designed for academically exceptional students with outstanding undergraduate records and strong research potential.
Scholarship Overview
– Host Institution: ETH Zurich
– Country: Switzerland
– Scholarship: Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
– Study Level: Master’s Degree
– Academic Session: 2027/2028
– Duration: Three or four semesters, depending on the programme
– Eligible Applicants: Students from all nationalities
– Funding: Fully funded
– Application Period: November 1–30, 2026
Benefits of the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship
Successful applicants will receive:
– CHF 13,500 per semester to cover study and living expenses.
– Full tuition fee waiver for the standard duration of the master’s programme.
– Dedicated academic mentorship.
– Access to the ETH Foundation network.
– Opportunities to participate in research and academic activities.
– The opportunity to study at one of Europe’s leading universities.
The scholarship is awarded for the regular duration of the selected master’s programme, normally three or four semesters.
Available Study Programmes
ESOP is available to outstanding applicants admitted to eligible regular master’s programmes at ETH Zurich.
Some academic areas include:
– Architecture and Civil Engineering.
– Computer Science and Data Science.
– Mathematics and Statistics.
– Mechanical Engineering.
– Electrical Engineering.
– Environmental Sciences.
– Physics and Chemistry.
– Biology and Life Sciences.
– Materials Science.
– Robotics and Systems Engineering.
– Management, Technology and Economics.
– Health Sciences and Technology.
Applicants should review the available master’s programmes and their individual admission requirements before applying.
Note: Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programmes are not eligible for ESOP funding.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2027, applicants must:
– Have an outstanding bachelor’s degree.
– Demonstrate academic performance corresponding approximately to the top 10% of their graduating class.
– Apply for an eligible master’s programme at ETH Zurich.
– Meet the admission requirements of their selected programme.
– Demonstrate strong academic and research potential.
– Submit a master’s thesis pre-proposal as part of the scholarship application.
– Provide two academic references where the selected master’s programme does not already require references.
The scholarship is open to international students, including applicants from Nigeria and other African countries.
Applicants who already hold a master’s degree or are currently enrolled in a master’s programme at ETH Zurich are not eligible.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
– Updated academic CV.
– Bachelor’s degree certificate.
– Academic transcripts.
– Master’s thesis pre-proposal.
– Academic recommendation letters, where required.
– Statement of purpose or motivation letter, if required by the programme.
– Passport or valid identification document.
– English language proficiency evidence, where required.
– Other documents requested for the selected master’s programme.
The thesis pre-proposal must be independently developed and follow established academic citation standards.
How to Apply for ETH Zurich ESOP 2027
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
1. Visit ETH Zurich’s master’s degree programme directory.
2. Select an eligible master’s programme that matches your academic background.
3. Review the admission and scholarship requirements.
4. Prepare all documents required for master’s admission.
5. Develop your master’s thesis pre-proposal.
6. Arrange academic references where necessary.
7. Complete the online master’s application through ETH Zurich’s eApply platform.
8. Indicate your interest in the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme.
9. Upload all required documents and submit your application before the deadline.
There is no separate scholarship application outside the master’s admission process. Applicants must request ESOP consideration through the online application system.
Application Deadline
The application period for the 2027/2028 ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is:
Opening Date: November 1, 2026.
Closing Date: November 30, 2026.
Applicants with bachelor’s degrees obtained outside Switzerland must apply during this first application window. The April 2027 application period is not available to international bachelor’s degree holders applying for ESOP.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
The scholarship is highly competitive, with approximately 60 awards expected for the 2027/2028 academic year.
Applications are evaluated by the admissions committees of the relevant master’s programmes. The final scholarship decision rests with the Rector of ETH Zurich.
Candidates may be invited for a telephone or video interview in February 2027.
Successful applicants are expected to receive scholarship decisions by the end of March 2027.
Conclusion
(Apply Now) The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme 2027 offers exceptional international students an opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in Switzerland.
With a CHF 13,500 semester allowance, tuition fee waiver, mentorship, and access to an international academic network, the scholarship provides substantial support for outstanding students.
Interested applicants should prepare their academic documents and submit their master’s and scholarship applications between November 1 and November 30, 2026.