ETH Zurich offers the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) and the ETH-D Scholarship to support talented students pursuing a Master’s degree. These scholarships provide financial aid and mentorship to help students excel in one of Europe’s top technical universities.
1. Scholarship Summary
- Scholarship Type: Fully-funded and partial-funded (ETH-D Scholarship)
- Level of Study: Master’s degree
- Institution: ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Application Deadline: December (for the following academic year)
2. University/Institution Details
- University: ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich)
- Location: Zurich, Switzerland
- World Ranking: #9 (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- Programs Offered: Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Management, and more
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 years (depending on the program)
Study Areas for ETH Zurich Master’s Programs (Eligible for Excellence Scholarships)
Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
- Civil Engineering
- Materials Science
- Energy Science and Technology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Robotics, Systems, and Control
- Micro and Nanosystems
- Data Science
Computer Science and Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Applied Geophysics
- Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences
Environmental and Earth Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Atmospheric and Climate Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Geology and Geophysics
Life Sciences and Health Sciences
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Health Sciences and Technology
- Neurosciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Architecture and Design
- Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
- Integrated Building Systems
Management and Social Sciences
- Management, Technology, and Economics (MTEC)
- Science, Technology, and Policy
- History and Philosophy of Knowledge
These study areas reflect ETH Zurich’s strength in interdisciplinary fields, combining engineering, technology, and science with management and policy studies. Programs may require students to have strong foundations in their respective fields and demonstrate research potential.
3. Scholarship Benefits
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend of CHF 12,000 per year (to cover living and study expenses)
- Support services, mentorship, and networking opportunities
ETH-D Scholarship
- Partial stipend (CHF 7,500 per year)
- Additional funding provided by the department (may vary)
- Tuition fee waiver
3.1. Benefits Not Included
- Health insurance premiums (mandatory for international students)
- Travel expenses to and from Switzerland
- Personal and leisure expenses
4. Scholarship Eligibilities
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) recognized by ETH Zurich.
- Outstanding academic achievement (top 10% of the class).
- Applicants must demonstrate motivation and leadership potential.
- Strong recommendation letters are required.
- Admission to a Master’s program at ETH Zurich is mandatory.
5. Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Motivation letter (explaining why you are applying and your future goals)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- GRE or GMAT scores (for certain programs)
- Proof of English or German proficiency (depending on the program)
6. Application Process
- Apply online for the desired Master’s program at ETH Zurich.
- During the application process, indicate your interest in the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship.
- Upload all required documents before the deadline (typically in December).
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
- Scholarship decisions are announced before the academic year starts.
7. Tips for Successful Application
- Highlight your academic achievements and research experience in the motivation letter.
- Obtain strong recommendation letters from academic supervisors.
- Ensure your application aligns with the program’s goals and ETH Zurich’s research areas.
- Submit all documents before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
- If possible, contact faculty members in your field of interest before applying.
8. Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
- Accommodation: CHF 600-1,200/month
- Food: CHF 400-600/month
- Health Insurance: CHF 250-400/month
- Public Transport: CHF 80-120/month
- Books and Study Materials: CHF 100-150/month
- Miscellaneous: CHF 150-300/month
- Total Estimate: CHF 1,500-2,500/month
9. Why Choose the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
- Study at one of the world’s leading universities in technology and innovation.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research opportunities.
- Financial support covers tuition and living expenses, reducing financial burden.
- Networking opportunities with global scholars and industry leaders.
- A great environment to develop leadership, research, and technical skills.
Hi! Now I am working a job. My work experience 3+. I completed honours 2018. Now can I apply for this scholarship? I have very keen to study aboard. Please give me a solution.
Why not! Your job experience can strengthen your profile if it is relevant to your intended program. All the best!