Ladoscholar: ETH Zurich is one of the world’s top technical universities, and its Excellence Scholarship officially the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme, or ESOP is how it helps outstanding students afford it.
ESOP is ETH Zurich’s own award for excellent master’s students, combining a living-and-study scholarship with mentorship and access to the ETH Foundation network. It’s separate from the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship.
What you get:
- A scholarship of CHF 13,500 per semester from autumn 2027, plus a tuition fee waiver.
- Tuition waived for the normal programme duration.
- Mentoring and a place in the ETH Foundation network.
About 60 scholarships are planned for 2027/28. That’s a tight one. A strong, well-prepared application matters.
Eligibility
- Level: Master’s students only.
- Academic standing: The benchmark is the top 10% of your bachelor’s programme, based on self-assessment. You don’t need to prove the exact percentile, but your record should be clearly exceptional.
- Admission first: You apply for the master’s and the scholarship together, so you must also meet your programme’s admission requirements.
- Who can’t apply: Students already enrolled in a master’s programme at ETH Zurich are excluded.
- Nationality: The scholarship is open to international applicants worldwide.
How to Apply
1. Choose your master’s programme. Each programme has its own admission rules, including language and prerequisite requirements.
2. Apply through ETH’s online portal during the window. There’s no separate ESOP form. You apply for ESOP within your master’s application and upload the pre-proposal. ESOP is an option within the master’s application.
3. Don’t wait for April. Applicants who miss the November window can’t apply for ESOP in the April window.
4. Write a strong pre-proposal. A short research pre-proposal must show that you can turn an interesting subject into a workable scientific question. This is where many applicants win or lose.
5. Line up two referees. Two professors are required as references if your study programme doesn’t already request them.
6. Submit early. Late or incomplete applications cannot be processed. Don’t assume you can fix technical issues at the last minute.
How to stand out:
- Show research potential, not just grades. Mention projects, theses, labs or publications.
- Pick a pre-proposal topic that fits ETH’s research strengths and your programme.
- Keep it specific. A narrow, realistic question override a huge vague one.
- Ask referees who know your actual work, not just famous names.
Key Dates
- 1 November 2026: Application window opens.
- 30 November 2026: Application deadline.
- February 2027: Interviews are expected.
- End of March 2027: The Rector makes the final decision, and results are sent.
- September 2027: Studies begin.
Documents Needed
Exact lists vary by master’s programme, so check yours. Expect to prepare:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Research pre-proposal for ESOP
- Two professor references
- Language proof, if required by your programme
- Passport or ID
Tip: Contact your referees now. Professors need time, and November is a busy month.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the November window. This is the single biggest trap. There’s no second chance for that cycle.
- Applying for ESOP separately. It’s part of the master’s application, not a standalone form.
- Writing a vague pre-proposal. “I want to study renewable energy” says nothing. Ask a real question.
- Ignoring admission requirements. You must qualify for the programme itself.
- Weak or late references. Give your professors plenty of time.
- Submitting on deadline day. Portals get busy, and incomplete files aren’t processed.
Application Link
Who This Is Best For: Top-performing bachelor’s graduates from anywhere in the world who want a master’s at ETH Zurich and can show real research potential. Not for students already enrolled in a master’s at ETH, or for anyone who can’t be ready by the single November window.
