ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, offers a prestigious opportunity for outstanding Master’s students through the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP). This scholarship supports students in their pursuit of academic excellence by covering both study and living expenses, and provides mentorship and networking opportunities through the ETH Foundation.
What is the ESOP Scholarship?
The ESOP is designed to assist students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance during their Bachelor’s studies. Selected students receive a comprehensive scholarship, including coverage of tuition fees and living expenses, as well as access to a network of mentors and professionals associated with the ETH Foundation. This programme is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving students aiming to excel in their Master’s studies at ETH Zurich.
Benefits of the ESOP
The ESOP provides substantial financial support, including:
- Living and Study Expenses: CHF 12,000 per semester, which helps cover accommodation, food, and other living costs during the duration of the Master’s program.
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Complete waiver of tuition fees for the entire duration of the Master’s program, which typically lasts between three and four semesters.
- Mentorship and Networking: Scholars benefit from mentorship and access to the ETH Foundation’s professional network, which can be invaluable for academic and career growth.
Who is Eligible?
To be considered for the ESOP, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s Academic Excellence: Students must be in the top 10% of their Bachelor’s degree programme, corresponding to a grade A.
- Master’s Program Applicants: This scholarship is only available for students applying for a Master’s programme at ETH Zurich, including ETH Bachelor students who are transitioning into a consecutive Master’s program. Students already enrolled in a Master’s program or holding a Master’s degree are not eligible.
- Application Requirement: The applicant must submit a pre-proposal for their Master’s thesis as part of their application, adhering to scientific citation standards and academic honesty.
How to Apply for the ESOP?
The application process for the ESOP is managed through ETH Zurich’s eApply system (https://www.lehrbetrieb.ethz.ch/eApply/ealogin.view?lang=en), which is the same system used for the Master’s programme applications.
Application Period: The application window for the 2025 ETH Zurich scholarship is open from November 1 to November 30, 2024, at 11:59 PM MEZ as per this call letter https://ethz.ch/students/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html.
In addition to the standard documents required for the Master’s programme, applicants must submit a pre-proposal for their Master’s thesis, outlining their research ideas. If the program doesn’t request references, applicants should provide the names of two professors who can upload reference letters on their behalf.
Selection Process:
The selection process for the ESOP is highly competitive. Around 60 scholarships are awarded annually, depending on the available funding. The evaluation is conducted by the Admissions Committees of the respective Master’s programmes, and final decisions are made by the Rector of ETH Zurich. Applicants will be notified of the scholarship decision by the end of March 2025.
Important Dates
- Application Window: November 1 to November 30, 2024
- Selection Process: Phone or video interviews may take place in February 2025.
- Final Decision: Notifications sent by the end of March 2025.
