The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) 2027 is an upcoming fully funded Master’s scholarship for high-achieving applicants, including students from Pakistan. The application window opens on 1 November 2026 and closes on 30 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central European Time. Applicants must submit ESOP with their ETH Zurich Master’s application.
Quick Overview
| Official name | Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) |
|---|---|
| University | ETH Zurich, Switzerland |
| Study level | Master’s degree |
| Application status | Upcoming; opens 1 November 2026 |
| Deadline | 30 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. CET |
| Funding | CHF 13,500 per semester from autumn 2027 plus tuition-fee waiver |
| Duration | Regular Master’s duration, normally three or four semesters |
| Approximate awards | About 60 for the 2027/28 academic year |
About the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship
ETH Zurich awards ESOP to academically outstanding Master’s applicants. The programme combines financial support with mentorship and access to the ETH Foundation network. It is highly competitive: the published academic benchmark is a Bachelor’s result in the top 10 percent of the applicant’s programme, described by ETH as grade A.
Pakistani applicants should first choose an eligible ETH Zurich Master’s programme and confirm that their Bachelor’s qualification satisfies that programme’s admission rules. ESOP is not a separate route around admission requirements.
Financial Benefits
For students starting in autumn semester 2027, ETH Zurich states that ESOP provides CHF 13,500 per semester for living and study expenses and a tuition-fee waiver. The award runs for the regular duration of the Master’s programme, which is three or four semesters depending on the degree.
The scholarship is intended to cover full study and living costs, but applicants should still budget for initial travel, residence-permit steps, deposits and any personal expenses due before the first payment.
Programme and Selection Structure
Applicants submit the scholarship request inside ETH Zurich’s eApply Master’s application during the first application window. The relevant Master’s admissions committee assesses the application, while the final scholarship decision rests with the Rector of ETH Zurich. ETH may conduct a telephone or video interview in February, so the telephone number in the applicant’s CV must remain reachable.
ETH expects to communicate decisions by the end of March. A scholarship award remains subject to admission and the programme’s official conditions.
Eligibility Requirements
- Apply for an eligible ETH Zurich Master’s degree starting in autumn 2027.
- Have an excellent Bachelor’s result, normally within the top 10 percent of the programme.
- Do not already hold a Master’s degree.
- Do not already study in an ETH Zurich Master’s programme.
- Meet all academic, language and programme-specific admission requirements.
- Be available for a possible telephone or video interview in February.
Pakistani applicants should compare their transcript and grading scale with the admission page for the chosen Master’s programme. Self-assessing as top 10 percent does not guarantee admission or funding.
Required Documents
ESOP applicants must provide all documents required for the selected Master’s programme. ETH also requires:
- A self-developed pre-proposal for the Master’s thesis, prepared according to ETH’s published guidelines and normal scientific citation practice.
- Two academic reference persons if the selected programme does not already request references. ETH contacts them to upload letters.
- A current CV with a working telephone number.
Programme-specific files can include degree certificates, transcripts, proof of language ability and other admissions documents. Use the exact checklist shown in eApply.
How to Apply
- Review the official ETH Zurich ESOP page.
- Select an ETH Zurich Master’s programme and read its admission requirements.
- Prepare the Master’s admission documents, thesis pre-proposal and reference details.
- Open an application through the official ETH Zurich eApply portal from 1 November 2026.
- Select the ESOP scholarship option inside the Master’s application and submit everything by 30 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET.
- Monitor email and keep the telephone number in the CV active for a possible February interview.
Do not wait until the final day. Pakistani applicants may need time to obtain official transcripts, translations and reference letters.
Further Scholarships for Pakistani Students
- Open Doors Russian Scholarship application guide
- Lester B. Pearson Scholarship guide
- HEC Commonwealth Scholarships for Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ETH Zurich ESOP 2027 application open?
Not yet. The official window opens on 1 November 2026 and closes on 30 November 2026.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes. International applicants may apply if they meet the selected Master’s admission requirements and the ESOP excellence standard.
Does ESOP require a separate application?
The ESOP request is completed within the ETH Zurich online Master’s application during the first application window.
How much funding is offered?
For autumn 2027 entrants, ETH lists CHF 13,500 per semester plus a tuition-fee waiver for the regular Master’s duration.
Does meeting the top 10 percent benchmark guarantee selection?
No. It is an eligibility benchmark for a competitive selection and does not guarantee admission or a scholarship.
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