The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) at ETH Zurich funds outstanding international students through a full Master’s degree at one of Europe’s top-ranked science and technology universities. For autumn 2027 entry, applications are submitted in a single one-month window: 1 to 30 November 2026. Pakistani applicants holding a bachelor’s degree from outside Switzerland must use this first application window — there is no later route for ESOP.

Scholarship Details

  • Grant covering living and study expenses of CHF 13,500 per semester (from autumn semester 2027; previously CHF 12,000), plus a full tuition fee waiver.
  • Awarded for the regular duration of the Master’s programme (three or four semesters).
  • Approximately 60 ESOP scholarships are assigned for the 2027/28 academic year.
  • Decisions are communicated by the end of March 2027.

Eligibility for Pakistani Applicants

  • Applying to an ETH Zurich Master’s programme (MAS programmes are excluded).
  • A very good bachelor’s result — top 10% of the bachelor’s programme (grade A, self-assessed).
  • Not already enrolled in a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich and not already holding a Master’s degree.
  • Must apply within the first application window (1–30 November 2026); spring-semester entry is not possible.

Required Documents

  • Complete ETH Master’s application via the eApply system, submitted by 30 November 2026, 11:59 a.m. CET.
  • A self-developed pre-proposal for the Master’s thesis, written with established scientific citation practice (ETH provides guidelines; plagiarism leads to exclusion).
  • Two reference persons (professors) if the study programme does not otherwise ask for references — they upload letters after a system email.
  • A telephone number in the CV under which the applicant can be reached, as the selection may include a phone or video interview in February.

Important Dates / Deadline

  • Application window: 1 November 2026 to 30 November 2026, 11:59 a.m. CET (international bachelor’s degrees).
  • Possible interviews: February 2027.
  • Decisions: end of March 2027; programme starts autumn semester 2027.

How to Apply