The ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 is one of Switzerland’s most competitive fully funded scholarships for outstanding students who want to pursue a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich.
Officially called the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP), the scholarship covers full study and living costs during an eligible ETH Master’s programme. Students beginning their studies in Autumn 2027 will receive CHF 13,500 per semester plus a full tuition-fee waiver. Approximately 60 ESOP scholarships are expected to be awarded for the 2027/28 academic year. ETH Zürich
The application window runs from November 1 to November 30, 2026. Applicants using an international Bachelor’s degree must submit their complete application by November 30, 2026 at 11:59 AM CET—before noon, not at midnight. ETH Zürich
Students searching for similar opportunities can also browse Scholarship Central’s Master’s Scholarships directory and Fully Funded Scholarships directory.
ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Detail | 2027/28 Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) |
| University | ETH Zurich |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Degree | Regular Master’s |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Living/study grant | CHF 13,500 per semester |
| Tuition | Full tuition-fee waiver |
| Duration | 3 or 4 semesters |
| Approximate awards | Around 60 |
| Academic expectation | Approximately top 10% of Bachelor’s class |
| International students | Eligible |
| Pakistani students | Eligible |
| Applications open | November 1, 2026 |
| Deadline | November 30, 2026 at 11:59 AM CET |
| Application platform | ETH eApply |
| Thesis pre-proposal | Required |
| Recommendation letters | Two professors where not already required by the Master’s |
| Possible interview | February 2027 |
| Decision | End of March 2027 |
| Autumn semester begins | September 20, 2027 |
ETH states that ESOP is available for regular Master’s programmes and covers living and study expenses as well as tuition for the normal three- or four-semester programme duration. ETH Zürich
What Is the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship?
The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme is ETH Zurich’s flagship scholarship for exceptionally strong Master’s applicants.
It combines three forms of support: a financial scholarship covering study and living costs, a tuition-fee waiver, and access to mentorship and the ETH Foundation network. ETH Zürich
ESOP is specifically aimed at students with outstanding Bachelor’s-level academic results.
ETH describes the expected academic level as approximately:
Top 10% of the Bachelor’s degree programme = Grade A.
This is based initially on the applicant’s self-assessment, although the entire academic application is later evaluated by the relevant ETH Master’s admissions committee. ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 Benefits
The financial package has increased for students starting in Autumn 2027.
Previously, many scholarship websites quoted CHF 12,000 per semester. That amount is outdated for the 2027/28 intake.
ETH officially states that from HS27 onward, ESOP provides:
CHF 13,500 per semester + full tuition-fee waiver. ETH Zürich
Total Scholarship Value
For a standard three-semester Master’s:
CHF 13,500 × 3 = CHF 40,500
plus full tuition waiver.
For a four-semester Master’s:
CHF 13,500 × 4 = CHF 54,000
plus full tuition waiver.
The exact value therefore depends on the regular length of your ETH Master’s programme.
| Master’s duration | Cash scholarship | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| 3 semesters | CHF 40,500 | Fully waived |
| 4 semesters | CHF 54,000 | Fully waived |
ETH says the scholarship covers the full study and living costs of the Master’s programme. ETH Zürich
Is ETH ESOP Really Fully Funded?
Yes.
ETH Zurich itself states that ESOP covers full study and living costs during the Master’s degree course.
The package consists of the CHF 13,500-per-semester scholarship and a full tuition-fee waiver. ETH Zürich
However, applicants should not add benefits that ETH does not officially promise.
For example, the standard ESOP page does not separately list an international flight allowance, family allowance or guaranteed free accommodation.
The CHF 13,500 semester payment is intended to cover normal living and study expenses.
How Is the ESOP Scholarship Paid?
ESOP is not paid as a monthly stipend.
ETH pays the scholarship in either three or four instalments depending on the normal duration of the Master’s programme.
Each instalment is paid at the beginning of the semester after the student completes semester enrolment. The money is transferred to the scholar’s personal Swiss bank or post-office account. ETH Zürich
That means a standard 2027 ESOP scholar receives:
CHF 13,500 at the beginning of each funded semester.
Who Can Apply for ETH Zurich ESOP 2027?
The scholarship is intended for academically exceptional students applying to eligible ETH Zurich Master’s programmes.
The main academic requirement is a very strong Bachelor’s record, approximately equivalent to being among the top 10% of the graduating class. ETH Zürich
For international applicants, ETH Master’s admission generally requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised university. The Bachelor’s must normally represent at least three years of full-time study or 180 ECTS credits and qualify the applicant for a consecutive Master’s programme. ETH Zürich
Applicants must also meet the academic, subject-specific and language requirements of the individual ETH Master’s programme.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Two restrictions are particularly important.
Applicants are not eligible for ESOP if they are already enrolled in an ETH Zurich Master’s programme or already hold a Master’s degree. ETH Zürich
The scholarship is also intended for regular Master’s programmes. Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programmes are not eligible.
Can Pakistani Students Apply for ETH Zurich ESOP?
Yes.
The ESOP programme does not restrict applicants to a specific nationality list. International applicants, including students from Pakistan, can compete provided they satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen Master’s programme and meet the ESOP academic standard.
Applicants with Bachelor’s degrees obtained outside Switzerland must use the November 1–30, 2026 international application window. ETH Zürich
For Pakistani and other international applicants, this November round is therefore the relevant ESOP application period.
ETH Zurich Scholarship 2027 Deadline
This is one of the most important details because several third-party scholarship websites publish the wrong time.
The official ETH Master’s calendar gives the ESOP application deadline as:
November 30, 2026 at 11:59 AM CET.
That means 11:59 in the morning, just before noon—not 11:59 PM. ETH Zürich
ETH’s eApply system similarly states that the Master’s application period runs until 12:00 noon CET on November 30. Lehrbetrieb ETH Zurich
Important Deadline Warning
Do not plan to submit the application on the evening of November 30.
By that point, the deadline will already have passed.
Submitting at least one or two days earlier is much safer, particularly because the application also involves document uploads, references and payment of the application fee.
Can I Apply in April 2027 Instead?
Not for ESOP.
ETH has another Master’s application period in April 2027, but it is restricted to applicants with Bachelor’s degrees from Swiss universities.
More importantly, ESOP applicants must apply during the first November application window. ETH Zürich
So if you miss the November 2026 ESOP deadline, you cannot simply submit an ESOP application during the April round.
ETH Zurich ESOP Application Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | November 1, 2026 |
| ESOP/Master’s deadline | November 30, 2026, 11:59 AM CET |
| Possible ESOP interview | February 2027 |
| Admission decision | By end of March 2027 |
| ESOP decision | End of March 2027 |
| Registration confirmation for visa | From May 2027 |
| Autumn semester begins | September 20, 2027 |
How to Apply for ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027
There is no separate external ESOP scholarship portal.
Applicants apply for their chosen ETH Master’s programme through eApply and indicate within the Master’s application that they want to be considered for ESOP. ETH Zürich
The process is:
- Choose an eligible ETH Zurich Master’s programme and check its academic and language requirements.
- Prepare all normal Master’s admission documents.
- Apply through ETH Zurich’s eApply platform during November 1–30, 2026.
- Select the option indicating that you want to apply for ESOP.
- Upload the required Master’s thesis pre-proposal.
- Provide two academic referees where your Master’s programme does not already require recommendation letters.
- Pay the applicable ETH Master’s application fee.
- Submit the complete application before November 30 at 11:59 AM CET.
Applications submitted late or without all required documents cannot be processed. ETH Zürich
Use the official ETH Zurich ESOP page and the ETH Zurich Master’s application portal when you are ready to apply.
ETH Zurich Master’s Application Fee
International applicants with a Bachelor’s degree from outside Switzerland currently pay:
CHF 150 per Master’s programme application.
The fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived. Applicants may apply to up to two different degree programmes per semester, but the fee is charged separately for each programme. ETH Zürich
There is no separate ESOP scholarship fee.
The CHF 150 is the ETH Master’s admission application fee.
For example:
| Number of Master’s applications | Application fees |
|---|---|
| 1 programme | CHF 150 |
| 2 programmes | CHF 300 |
Applicants should also ensure that their card permits international payments before attempting to submit the application. ETH says applications can only be submitted after the required fee has been paid. ETH Zürich
ETH ESOP Master’s Thesis Pre-Proposal
The Master’s thesis pre-proposal is one of the most important ESOP-specific requirements.
Every ESOP applicant must prepare and upload a research pre-proposal in addition to the normal Master’s admission documents. ETH Zürich
ETH limits the proposal to:
Maximum 500 words, excluding references. ETH Zürich
ETH’s official guideline suggests that the pre-proposal can include a title, introduction, objectives and research questions, proposed methods, relevant previous research or background, timetable and milestones, and references.
The proposed project should be realistic for a Master’s thesis that can normally be completed in approximately four to six months, depending on the programme. ETH Zürich
Is the Pre-Proposal Your Final Master’s Thesis Topic?
No.
The proposal is an outline of a possible future Master’s thesis.
ETH explains that the final thesis topic will be determined later during the Master’s programme in collaboration with the student’s supervisor. ETH Zürich
Applicants therefore do not need to have a final ETH supervisor or permanently fixed thesis topic before applying.
Important Rule About the Pre-Proposal
ETH explicitly requires applicants to develop the thesis pre-proposal independently.
Scientific sources must be referenced correctly, and plagiarism can disqualify the scholarship application. False or misleading information can also result in exclusion from the admission process or later withdrawal of admission and scholarship. ETH Zürich
The strongest approach is to use guidance to understand the expected structure, but write the actual scientific proposal based on your own academic interests, research understanding and ideas.
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation requirements depend partly on the chosen Master’s programme.
If your selected Master’s already requires recommendation letters, those letters can form part of the ESOP evaluation.
If the programme does not normally ask for references, ESOP still requires you to provide two professors as referees. ETH then contacts them through the application system and asks them to upload recommendation letters. ETH Zürich
Applicants should approach potential referees well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final week.
Other Documents Required
There is no single identical admissions checklist for every ETH Master’s programme.
For international Bachelor’s graduates, general Master’s application documents can include academic transcripts, Bachelor’s degree documentation or expected-graduation evidence, a CV, identification documents and language evidence where required. Individual programmes can request further documents such as motivation letters, GRE results, academic references, portfolios or details of previous coursework. ETH Zürich
ESOP then adds the scholarship-specific Master’s thesis pre-proposal and, where necessary, two referees.
Applicants should therefore check the requirements page for their exact ETH Master’s programme rather than copying a generic document checklist.
ETH Zurich ESOP IELTS Requirement
ESOP itself does not have a separate scholarship-specific IELTS requirement.
Instead, applicants must satisfy the language requirement of the ETH Master’s programme they are applying to.
Most ETH Master’s programmes are taught in English, while some programmes require German or a combination of languages. ETH Zürich
For programmes requiring ETH’s standard C1 English level, currently accepted scores include:
| English test | ETH minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 overall |
| IELTS individual sections | Minimum 6.0 each |
| TOEFL iBT, tests after Jan. 21, 2026 | 5.0 on new scale |
| TOEFL iBT, older test scale | 100 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Grade B / 193 |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency | Grade C / 200 |
Applicants should still check their chosen programme because programme-specific language requirements can differ.
Can You Apply for ETH Zurich Scholarship Without IELTS?
Yes, in certain cases.
This is more accurate than simply saying “ETH Zurich does not require IELTS.”
ETH officially exempts applicants from English proof when they completed their entire Bachelor’s degree programme completely in English, provided the language of instruction is properly documented by the university. ETH Zürich
The documentation must confirm that English was the only language of instruction throughout the complete Bachelor’s programme.
Where a separate confirmation is needed, it should generally come from the central university administration, such as the Registrar’s Office, rather than an individual teacher or professor. ETH Zürich
Applicants searching specifically for funding with English-test alternatives can also read Scholarship Central’s Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS for 2027.
Can Pakistani Students Use an MOI Certificate Instead of IELTS?
Potentially, yes—but the documentation must satisfy ETH’s exact rules.
For example, simply obtaining a letter saying that “some classes were taught in English” would not be sufficient.
ETH requires evidence showing that the complete Bachelor’s degree was taught only in English. ETH Zürich
Applicants whose transcripts or Diploma Supplement already clearly state this may be able to use those academic documents. Otherwise, a separate official confirmation from the university’s central administration may be required.
If there is any doubt about whether the exemption applies, ETH advises applicants to submit a valid recognised English certificate instead. ETH Zürich
Can I Submit IELTS After the Deadline?
Generally, no.
This is a crucial difference between ETH and some other universities.
ETH states that required language proof must be submitted by the application deadline. Applications with missing, invalid or insufficient language certificates can be rejected on formal grounds before academic evaluation. ETH Zürich
Therefore, students who do not qualify for an official exemption should arrange their English test well before November 30.
Is GRE Required for ETH ESOP?
There is no universal ESOP GRE requirement.
GRE requirements depend on the specific ETH Master’s programme.
Some programmes may require GRE scores from international applicants, while others do not.
ESOP applicants must satisfy all normal admission requirements of their chosen programme in addition to the scholarship requirements.
The correct approach is therefore to check the individual Master’s programme’s profile of requirements before preparing the application.
Is There a Minimum GPA for ETH ESOP?
ETH does not publish one universal GPA conversion such as:
“3.7/4.0 required.”
Instead, ESOP states an academic expectation of approximately:
Top 10% of the Bachelor’s degree programme / Grade A. ETH Zürich
Because grading systems differ widely between countries, class performance is more useful than converting every applicant to one artificial GPA scale.
Even being in the top 10% does not guarantee a scholarship.
Applicants must also gain admission to their selected ETH Master’s programme and compete for a limited number of ESOP awards.
How Competitive Is ETH ESOP?
Very competitive.
ETH expects to award approximately 60 scholarships for students beginning in 2027/28, with the exact number depending on available funds. ETH Zürich
The university does not publish enough matching applicant-volume data on the current ESOP page to calculate a reliable acceptance rate.
For that reason, applicants should be cautious with websites claiming a specific “ETH ESOP acceptance rate” without official evidence.
The more useful benchmark is ETH’s own requirement: ESOP targets applicants with exceptional academic records, normally around the top 10% of their Bachelor’s cohort.
ETH ESOP Selection Process
Applications are first evaluated by the Admissions Committee of the relevant Master’s programme.
The final decision on awarding ESOP scholarships rests with the Rector of ETH Zurich. ETH Zürich
The selection process may also include a telephone or video interview during February.
ETH specifically advises applicants to ensure that they remain reachable using the phone number included in their CV. ETH Zürich
Scholarship decisions are expected by the end of March 2027.
What Might Happen During the ESOP Interview?
ETH does not publish a universal interview-question list.
However, the official pre-proposal guidance says applicants can be interviewed by an ETH professor or scientist and that their proposed research project may be discussed during evaluation. ETH Zürich
Applicants should therefore be prepared to explain their own academic background, reasons for choosing the Master’s programme, research interests, methods proposed in their pre-proposal and how realistic the project is.
The most important preparation is to understand everything you submitted rather than memorising generic scholarship answers.
Can You Change Master’s Programme After Receiving ESOP?
No.
ETH’s ESOP FAQ says the scholarship cannot be transferred to a different programme from the one for which it was originally awarded. ETH Zürich
Applicants should therefore choose their Master’s programme carefully before submitting the application.
What Happens During an Exchange Semester?
An ESOP scholar who goes on a normal exchange semester generally has the cash grant suspended, although the tuition-fee waiver continues.
The scholarship remains limited to the standard duration of the original ETH Master’s programme. ETH Zürich
However, if a scholar completes the Master’s thesis at another university, the scholarship can continue as long as the normal programme duration is not exceeded. ETH Zürich
These rules matter particularly for students considering international mobility during the Master’s.
ETH Zurich Scholarship 2027 for International Students
ESOP is particularly attractive for international applicants because the scholarship covers both tuition and living expenses rather than simply reducing fees.
International students should, however, plan for several practical requirements before applying: programme-specific academic prerequisites, potentially IELTS/TOEFL or an official English-language exemption, references, the 500-word pre-proposal and the CHF 150 Master’s application fee.
Starting preparation several weeks before November is advisable.
ETH ESOP vs Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
These are two very different Swiss funding programmes.
| Feature | ETH ESOP | Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Main target | Outstanding Master’s applicants | Researchers, PhD applicants and selected artists |
| Institution | ETH Zurich | Swiss institutions broadly |
| Master’s taught degree | Yes | Generally not the standard research route |
| Tuition | Waived under ESOP | Depends on programme/scholarship conditions |
| Cash support | CHF 13,500/semester | Different scholarship structure |
| Application | Through ETH eApply | Country-specific Swiss government process |
Applicants looking for research or doctoral funding should also read Scholarship Central’s Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027/28 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. ETH states that ESOP covers full study and living costs through a CHF 13,500-per-semester grant plus full tuition-fee waiver for students beginning from Autumn 2027. ETH Zürich
What is the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 deadline?
The official Master’s calendar gives November 30, 2026 at 11:59 AM CET. Applicants should note that this is before noon, not midnight. ETH Zürich
When do applications open?
The application period opens on November 1, 2026. ETH Zürich
How much does ETH ESOP provide?
Students beginning in 2027 receive CHF 13,500 per semester plus a tuition-fee waiver. ETH Zürich
How much is that for the whole degree?
A three-semester Master’s can receive CHF 40,500 in cash support, while a four-semester programme can receive CHF 54,000, plus the tuition waiver.
How many ESOP scholarships will be offered in 2027?
ETH expects approximately 60 scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year, subject to available funding. ETH Zürich
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes. International students, including Pakistani applicants, can apply if they satisfy the Master’s admission and ESOP requirements.
Is IELTS required?
Not always. Applicants whose complete Bachelor’s degree was taught only in English may qualify for an official English-language exemption. Otherwise, they need accepted language evidence for the selected programme. ETH Zürich
What IELTS score does ETH require?
For programmes using ETH’s standard C1 English requirement, IELTS Academic requires 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each section. ETH Zürich
Can I submit IELTS after November 30?
Normally no. Required language evidence must be submitted by the application deadline. ETH Zürich
Does ETH accept Medium of Instruction?
Yes, when it officially confirms that the entire Bachelor’s programme was taught only in English and satisfies ETH’s documentation rules. ETH Zürich
Is a research proposal required?
Yes. ESOP applicants must submit a Master’s thesis pre-proposal of no more than 500 words, excluding references. ETH Zürich
Do I need to contact a professor before applying?
ETH does not state that ESOP applicants must secure a final thesis supervisor before applying. The pre-proposal represents a possible thesis project; the actual thesis topic is established later during the Master’s. ETH Zürich
Do I need recommendation letters?
Yes. If the Master’s programme does not already require references, ESOP applicants must name two professors who can provide recommendation letters. ETH Zürich
What is the ETH Zurich Master’s application fee?
Applicants with international Bachelor’s degrees currently pay CHF 150 per degree programme. The fee cannot be waived or refunded. ETH Zürich
Can someone who already has a Master’s degree apply?
No. ETH states that applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible for ESOP. ETH Zürich
Can current ETH Master’s students apply?
No. Students already enrolled in an ETH Zurich Master’s programme are not eligible. ETH Zürich
Is an interview required?
Not for every applicant, but ETH says selection may include a phone or video interview in February. ETH Zürich
When are ETH ESOP 2027 results announced?
The scholarship decision is expected by the end of March 2027. ETH Zürich
Final Advice
The ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027 is an exceptional opportunity for students with outstanding academic records who need full financial support for a Master’s degree in Switzerland.
For the 2027/28 intake, the most important updates are the increased CHF 13,500-per-semester scholarship, approximately 60 available awards, and the strict November 30, 2026 at 11:59 AM CET deadline. ETH Zürich
Applicants should begin preparing early. The strongest applications require more than a good transcript: you may need programme-specific language evidence, references, academic documents and a carefully developed 500-word Master’s thesis pre-proposal.
Students whose entire Bachelor’s degree was taught exclusively in English may also have a genuine route to apply without IELTS, provided they can satisfy ETH’s official language-exemption documentation requirements. ETH Zürich
Before submitting, verify everything through the official ETH Zurich ESOP page and the official ETH Master’s 2027 application calendar.
For more opportunities, browse Scholarship Central’s Master’s Scholarships, Fully Funded Scholarships and Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS for 2027.