ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships

Are you a high-achieving international student dreaming of pursuing a world-class Master’s degree in a cutting-edge environment? Look no further than ETH Zurich, consistently ranked among the top universities globally in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). ETH Zurich boasts a rich history of innovation and a vibrant international community, making it an ideal destination for ambitious graduate students. However, the cost of studying abroad can be a significant hurdle. This is where the prestigious ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships come into play, offering crucial financial support to exceptional talents from around the world.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships, specifically the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) and the ETH-D Scholarship. We’ll delve into their benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, and offer practical tips to maximize your chances of securing one of these highly sought-after awards. Understanding these ETH Zurich Master’s scholarships is the first step towards realizing your academic aspirations at a leading European institution.

What Are the Excellence Masters Scholarships?

The ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships are designed to support outstanding students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at ETH Zurich. Recognizing exceptional academic performance and potential, ETH Zurich offers two main types of scholarships under this umbrella: the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) and the ETH-D Scholarship.

The great news for prospective students is that you only need to go through one combined application process to be considered for both ESOP and ETH-D. This streamlined approach simplifies the application journey, allowing you to focus on presenting your best qualifications. Whether you are interested in the theoretical depths of physics or the practical applications of engineering, the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships are open to students across a wide range of Master’s programmes, including the highly competitive Master in Quantum Engineering.

Funding & Benefits (ESOP vs. ETH-D)

While both scholarships aim to support talented individuals, they differ in their funding models and benefits. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for managing your expectations.

Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

The ESOP is the more comprehensive of the two scholarships. Successful ESOP recipients receive a generous package that includes:

CHF 12,000 per semester: This substantial stipend is intended to cover your living expenses during your studies in Zurich.
Tuition fee waiver: Your tuition fees for the duration of your Master’s programme at ETH Zurich will be waived.

The duration of the ESOP funding aligns with the regular length of your chosen Master’s programme, typically 3–4 semesters. This makes the ESOP effectively a fully funded Master’s Switzerland opportunity for those who receive it. ETH Zürich is proud to offer these prestigious ETH Zurich Master’s scholarships.

ETH-D Scholarship

The ETH-D Scholarship offers a partial stipend to successful candidates. The exact amount of this stipend can vary. In addition to the financial support, ETH-D scholars often receive a departmental offer, which could be in the form of an assistantship or an additional scholarship provided by the specific department related to your Master’s programme.

It’s important to understand the positioning of the ETH-D Scholarship in relation to ESOP. While ESOP provides more comprehensive funding, the ETH-D Scholarship still offers valuable financial assistance and potential opportunities for research experience or further funding through departmental engagement. Think of ESOP as the premier, fully funded option, while ETH-D provides significant support and pathways for further academic and professional development. Many talented students benefit greatly from the ETH-D scholarship.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)	ETH-D Scholarship
Stipend	CHF 12,000 per semester	Partial stipend (amount varies)
Tuition Fees	Waived	Usually not waived (check programme-specific details)
Additional Offer	None guaranteed	Potential departmental assistantship or extra scholarship
Funding Duration	Regular length of Master’s (3–4 semesters)	Typically aligns with Master’s duration
Funding Level	More comprehensive	Partial funding

Eligibility (Must-Meets)

The ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships are highly competitive, and meeting the eligibility criteria is the first crucial step. Here are the essential requirements you must fulfill to be considered:

Top Academic Performance: You must demonstrate an excellent academic record in your Bachelor’s degree. Typically, this means being in the top 10% of your graduating class or having achieved a grade equivalent to an A. Your transcripts and academic achievements will be carefully evaluated.
First Application Window: You must submit your Master’s application during the first application window, which typically runs in November for the following academic year (Autumn semester). Applying in later application windows will make you ineligible for these scholarships.
No Existing ETH Master’s or Prior Master’s Degree: You are not eligible to apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships if you are already enrolled in a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich or if you already hold a Master’s degree. These scholarships are intended for students entering their first Master’s programme.

Meeting these “must-meet” criteria ensures that your application will be considered for the prestigious ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships.

Timeline & Deadlines (for Autumn 2026 start)

Staying on top of the crucial dates is paramount for a successful scholarship application. For students planning to begin their Master’s studies in Autumn 2026, the key deadlines are as follows:

Application Window: 1 November – 30 November 2025 (closes at 11:59 a.m. CET). It is crucial to submit your complete Master’s application, including the scholarship application components, within this timeframe.
ESOP Decisions Announced: End of March 2026. Successful ESOP candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application around this time.
Expected ESOP Awards: Approximately 60 ESOP awards are anticipated to be granted for the 2025/26 academic year. This number gives you an idea of the competitiveness of these ETH Zurich Master’s scholarships.

Mark these dates clearly in your calendar and plan your application preparation well in advance to ensure you meet all deadlines for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships.

Required Documents & Special ESOP Items

To apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships, you need to submit the standard documents required for your chosen Master’s programme, along with some specific items for the scholarship application:

Standard Master’s Application Materials: These typically include your Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts, a CV, a statement of purpose, and proof of English language proficiency. Ensure you check the specific requirements for your chosen Master’s programme on the ETH Zurich website.
Master’s Thesis Pre-Proposal: This is a crucial component of your scholarship application, especially for ESOP. You will need to develop a concise pre-proposal for your intended Master’s thesis, following the specific guidelines provided by ETH Zurich. This pre-proposal allows the selection committee to assess your research interests, analytical skills, and the potential impact of your proposed work.
Two Referees (if your programme doesn’t already request references): While some Master’s programmes at ETH Zurich already require reference letters as part of the standard application, if your chosen programme does not, you will need to provide contact information for two referees who can speak to your academic abilities and potential. Ensure you contact your referees well in advance and provide them with sufficient information about your application and the scholarship. ETH Zürich emphasizes the importance of strong recommendations for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships.

Carefully review the ETH Zurich website for the most up-to-date list of required documents and the specific guidelines for the Master’s thesis pre-proposal. Attention to detail in preparing these materials is essential for a strong application for these prestigious ETH Zurich Master’s scholarships.

Selection & Interviews

The selection process for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships is rigorous and multi-stage:

Departmental Evaluation: Your application, including your academic record and the Master’s thesis pre-proposal, will first be evaluated by the department offering your chosen Master’s programme. The department will assess your suitability for the programme and your potential for academic excellence.
Possible Phone/Video Interview: In February, shortlisted candidates may be invited for a phone or video interview with the department. This interview provides an opportunity for the department to learn more about your motivations, research interests, and overall profile.
Final Decision by the Rector: Based on the departmental evaluation and any interviews conducted, the Rector of ETH Zurich makes the final decision on the scholarship awards.

The selection committee looks for candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic talent, a strong research aptitude, and a clear motivation for pursuing their Master’s studies at ETH Zurich. Strong performance in your previous studies and a well-articulated Master’s thesis pre-proposal are key to success in the selection process for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships. ETH Zürich takes a holistic view when awarding these study in Switzerland scholarships.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Applying for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships is integrated into the standard Master’s application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Create your Master’s Application in eApply: Visit the ETH Zurich admissions website and create an account in the eApply portal.
Select Your Master’s Programme: Choose the Master’s programme you wish to apply for.
Indicate Interest in ESOP/ETH-D: During the application process, you will find a section where you can indicate that you wish to be considered for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships (ESOP and ETH-D). Make sure you tick the relevant box.
Upload Your Master’s Thesis Pre-Proposal: Prepare your Master’s thesis pre-proposal according to the ETH Zurich guidelines and upload it as part of your application. This is a specific requirement for the scholarship application.
Ensure Referees Submit Letters (if required): If your chosen Master’s programme does not automatically request reference letters, you will need to provide the contact details of two referees in the eApply system. The system will then send them a link to upload their letters of recommendation. Ensure your referees are aware of the deadline and submit their letters promptly.
Submit Your Complete Application Before the Deadline: Double-check that you have uploaded all required documents, including those for the Master’s programme and the scholarship, and submit your application before the deadline of 30 November 2025 (11:59 a.m. CET) for the Autumn 2026 intake.

Checklist for Your Application:

☐ Create an eApply account
☐ Select your Master’s programme
☐ Indicate interest in ESOP/ETH-D
☐ Prepare and upload your Master’s thesis pre-proposal
☐ Provide referee details (if applicable)
☐ Ensure all standard Master’s application documents are uploaded
☐ Submit your application before the deadline

By following these steps carefully, you can ensure that your application for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships is complete and submitted on time.

Costs, Living in Zurich & Tips

Zurich is consistently ranked among the most expensive cities in the world. Understanding the reality of living costs is crucial for planning your studies, even with scholarship support. While the exact figures can vary depending on your lifestyle, you should anticipate significant monthly expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and personal items.

This is where the ESOP’s comprehensive funding becomes particularly valuable. With the CHF 12,000 per semester stipend and the tuition fee waiver, ESOP effectively provides full funding for your Master’s studies at ETH Zurich, allowing you to focus on your academics without significant financial worries.

For ETH-D scholars, the partial stipend will help offset some of these costs, and the potential for a departmental assistantship can provide additional financial support and valuable experience. However, you will likely need to have other sources of funding to cover your living expenses fully.

Practical Planning Tips:

Start your accommodation search early: Finding affordable housing in Zurich can be challenging. Explore student dormitories and private options well in advance.
Factor in health insurance costs: Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland. Research different providers and budget accordingly.
Consider part-time work (with caution): While it’s possible for international students to work part-time, prioritize your studies, especially in the demanding environment of ETH Zurich. Ensure your visa allows for part-time employment.
Budget wisely: Create a detailed budget to track your expenses and make the most of your funding.
Explore additional funding opportunities: Even if you receive an ETH-D Scholarship, research other smaller scholarships or grants that might be available.

Understanding the cost of living and planning accordingly will contribute to a smoother and more successful study experience in Zurich. The ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships are a significant step towards making this dream a reality.

FAQs

Can I apply to both ESOP and ETH-D?Yes, the single combined application process covers consideration for both the ESOP and the ETH-D Scholarship. You do not need to submit separate applications.
What are the nuances of eligibility?As mentioned earlier, you must be in the top 10% of your Bachelor’s graduating class (or equivalent), apply in the first November window, and not already hold an ETH Master’s degree or another Master’s degree. Meeting these criteria is essential for your application to be considered for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships.
Who is considered a competitive applicant?Competitive applicants typically have outstanding academic records, a well-articulated and compelling Master’s thesis pre-proposal that aligns with the research interests of ETH Zurich faculty, strong letters of recommendation (if applicable), and a clear passion for their chosen field of study. They demonstrate the potential to excel in a rigorous academic environment and contribute to the ETH Zurich community.
Can current ETH Master’s students apply?No, current students already enrolled in a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich are not eligible to apply for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships. These scholarships are for prospective students entering their first Master’s programme.

These FAQs address some common questions regarding the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships. Always refer to the official ETH Zurich website for the most up-to-date and detailed information.

Key Dates (Autumn 2026 Start):

Application Window: 1 – 30 November 2025
ESOP Decisions: End of March 2026

Official Links:

ETH Zurich Master’s Admissions: [Insert Link to Official ETH Zurich Master’s Admissions Page Here]
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships: [Insert Link to Official ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarships Page Here]

Conclusion & Call to Action

The ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships represent an incredible opportunity for talented international students to pursue their academic dreams at one of the world’s leading universities. The comprehensive support offered by ESOP and the valuable assistance provided by the ETH-D Scholarship can significantly ease the financial burden of studying abroad, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your studies and research.

To maximize your chances of success, we strongly encourage you to start your preparation early. Begin by researching Master’s programmes that align with your interests and carefully review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for the ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships. Pay close attention to crafting a strong and compelling Master’s thesis pre-proposal that showcases your research potential. If your programme doesn’t automatically request references, identify suitable referees well in advance and ensure they are well-informed about your application and the scholarship. Finally, remember the critical deadline: submit your complete application before 11:59 a.m. CET on 30 November 2025.

Don’t miss this chance to unlock your potential and join the vibrant academic community at ETH Zurich. Take the first step today towards a transformative educational experience supported by the prestigious ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships.