ETH Zurich Scholarship 2025-2026 [ (Fully Funded)

Do you dream of pursuing a master’s degree at one of Europe’s leading science and technology institutions — and doing it tuition-free, with living expenses covered? The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) 2025-2026 might be exactly what you need.

ETH Zurich, consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, offers fully funded master’s scholarships to outstanding international and domestic students through two prestigious programs: the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) and the ETH-D Scholarship. These highly competitive scholarships are awarded to students with excellent academic records, typically in the top 10% of their undergraduate programs.

This in-depth guide will walk you through everything international students need to know about the ETH Zurich Scholarship 2025-2026 — including its types, benefits, eligibility, required documents, and a step-by-step guide to applying successfully.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) is a globally renowned public research university located in Switzerland. Founded in 1855, it is known for its cutting-edge research, innovation, and outstanding academic excellence — particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Notable alumni include Albert Einstein and many Nobel Laureates.

With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, ETH Zurich welcomes brilliant minds from across the world to contribute to academic research and applied science.

Scholarship Summary

Host Institution: ETH Zurich
Level of Study: Master’s Degree
Study Location: Switzerland
Programs Covered: Selected Master’s programs (full list available on ETH Zurich’s website)
Scholarship Duration: 3 to 4 semesters (depending on program)
Application Opens: November 1,
Deadline to Apply: November 30,

ETH Zurich Scholarship Types

ETH Zurich offers two major types of scholarships for Master’s students:

1. Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

Full study and living cost coverage
CHF 12,000 per semester (approximately CHF 24,000 per year)
Tuition fee waiver
Awarded to top-performing students (top 10% of class)

2. ETH-D Scholarship

Partial funding with CHF 7,500 per semester
Additional departmental assistantship offering CHF 3,000 per semester
Tuition fee waiver included
Suitable for students showing both academic excellence and potential for research contributions

Both scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on merit.

Scholarship Benefits at a Glance

For ESOP (Excellence Scholarship):

CHF 12,000 per semester for living and study expenses
Full tuition fee waiver
Awarded throughout the standard duration of the Master’s program (3–4 semesters)

For ETH-D Scholarship:

CHF 7,500 per semester stipend
Additional CHF 3,000 per semester through research or teaching assistantship
Full tuition fee waiver

The scholarship amount is paid out in regular installments and helps cover accommodation, food, insurance, and other costs.

Eligible Master’s Programs

The scholarship is applicable to most English-taught Master’s programs offered by ETH Zurich, including but not limited to:

MSc in Data Science
MSc in Mechanical Engineering
MSc in Cyber Security
MSc in Computer Science
MSc in Biology
MSc in Environmental Sciences
MSc in Architecture
MSc in Physics
MSc in Robotics, Systems and Control

A full list of eligible Master’s programs is available at ETH Zurich’s official graduate admissions portal.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship 2025-2026 , applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must hold or be completing a Bachelor’s degree in the top 10% of their class (Grade A)
Must apply for an eligible full-time Master’s program at ETH Zurich
Must demonstrate academic excellence and strong motivation
Must be reachable via the phone number listed on their CV (interviews may be scheduled in February)
Must be non-resident in Switzerland at the time of application
Must have strong command of English or the language of instruction

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents through the ETH eApply Portal during the Master's application process:

Completed online Master’s application via eApply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) including contact phone number
Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter
Academic transcripts and Bachelor’s degree certificate
Two letters of reference (Required even if the program doesn’t typically ask for them)
Pre-proposal for Master’s thesis (developed independently by the applicant)
- Must follow scientific standards
- Maximum 2 pages
- Must be original, properly cited, and plagiarism-free
Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) if applicable

Important: Upload all scholarship-related documents within your Master's application — do not submit them separately.

Pre-Proposal for Master’s Thesis – What Is It?

The pre-proposal is a required document for the ESOP/ETH-D application and must:

Be original and written by the applicant
Demonstrate the applicant’s ability to develop a research question
Show familiarity with the field and relevant literature
Adhere to scientific writing standards and citation practices
Be max. 2 pages long

Plagiarized or improperly cited proposals will lead to automatic disqualification.

Step-by-Step Application Process for ETH Zurich Scholarship 2025-2026

Step 1: Check Program Eligibility

Review ETH Zurich’s Master’s programs to ensure your intended program is eligible for ESOP or ETH-D funding.

Step 2: Prepare All Documents

Compile academic transcripts, letters of reference, CV, pre-proposal, and proof of language proficiency.

Step 3: Apply Online via ETH Zurich eApply Portal

Access the application portal here: ETH eApply Portal

Step 4: Select ESOP/ETH-D Scholarship Option

Indicate your interest in the ESOP or ETH-D scholarship in the application form.

Step 5: Upload All Scholarship Documents with Master’s Application

Ensure that your pre-proposal and references are submitted by the deadline. ETH Zurich will not accept incomplete or late documents.

Step 6: Await Review and Interview (if shortlisted)

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a phone or video interview in February 2026.

Step 7: Admission and Scholarship Decision

Final decisions are communicated before the semester begins in September 2026.

Application Timeline

Applications Open: November 1, 2025
Deadline to Apply: November 30, 2025
Shortlisting & Interviews: February 2026
Program Begins: September 2026

Submit early — ETH Zurich scholarships are highly competitive and limited in number.

Why Choose ETH Zurich?

Ranked among the top 10 universities worldwide
World leader in STEM, architecture, and sustainability
Home to Nobel Laureates, including Albert Einstein
Located in one of the most livable countries globally
Provides access to a global research and innovation ecosystem
Offers cutting-edge labs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship

Official Website

To learn more about the ETH Zurich Excellence and ETH-D Scholarships, visit:
👉 ETH Zurich Master’s Scholarship Official Page

The ETH Zurich Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for high-achieving students to join one of the world’s top universities with full financial support. Whether you're aiming to launch a research career, contribute to global sustainability challenges, or lead innovation in your field — ETH Zurich provides the ideal platform to turn your ambitions into achievements.

Start preparing now, write an impressive thesis pre-proposal, and apply before the deadline. Switzerland — and a world-class future — await.

Official Website