Are you an exceptional international student dreaming of pursuing a master’s degree at one of the world’s top universities?
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship and Opportunity Programme (ESOP) offers fully funded scholarships for talented students to study at ETH Zurich in Switzerland.
This prestigious scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a generous living stipend for the duration of your master’s program.
Read on to learn how you can take advantage of this incredible opportunity to study at a world-class institution in Switzerland.
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About ETH Zurich
Fully Funded ETH Zurich Scholarship Launches Global Careers: Meet the Scholars Changing the World
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, especially in science and engineering fields. Some key facts about ETH Zurich:
- Ranked #8 in the QS World University Rankings 2024
- 21 Nobel Laureates have studied, taught or conducted research at ETH Zurich
- Over 23,000 students from over 120 countries
- Cutting-edge research facilities and partnerships with leading global companies
Studying at ETH Zurich offers unparalleled opportunities to learn from world-renowned professors, engage in groundbreaking research, and launch a successful global career.
The Excellence Scholarship allows top international talent to access this world-class education.
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship Overview
The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is ETH Zurich’s premier scholarship for international master’s students. Here are the key details:
- Scholarship value: Covers full tuition fees plus CHF 12,000 per semester living stipend
- Duration: Covers entire master’s program (3-4 semesters)
- Number of scholarships: Approximately 60 awarded each year
- Eligible programs: All ETH Zurich master’s degree programs
- Nationality: Open to students of all nationalities (except Swiss)
This generous scholarship package allows recipients to focus fully on their studies without financial stress. The living stipend of CHF 12,000 per semester (about $13,000 USD) is sufficient to cover living costs in Zurich.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with excellent academic results (top 10% of your class)
- Apply for admission to an ETH Zurich master’s program starting in the fall semester
- Demonstrate exceptional academic talent and motivation
- Not already be enrolled in a master’s program at ETH Zurich
- Not hold Swiss citizenship or permanent residency
There are no restrictions based on age, gender, or field of study. All nationalities are eligible to apply (except Swiss).
Application Process
The application process for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship involves the following steps:
- Apply for admission to your chosen ETH Zurich master’s program through the online application portal. The application period opens in November.
- Submit scholarship application through the same online portal. You must indicate your interest in the Excellence Scholarship when submitting your program application.
- Provide required documents, including:CV/resume
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Motivation letter
- Research proposal or master’s thesis idea
- Application deadline: November 30, 2024 for programs starting in September 2025
- Selection process: Applications are evaluated by the admissions committee of each master’s program. Top candidates may be invited for an online interview.
- Notification of results: Scholarship recipients are notified by the end of March 2025.
It’s crucial to submit a complete and compelling application before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship enjoy the following benefits:
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the master’s program
- Living stipend of CHF 12,000 per semester (about $13,000 USD)
- Travel allowance of CHF 1,000 per year for conference attendance
- Mentoring program with an ETH professor
- Networking opportunities with other scholarship recipients and ETH alumni
This comprehensive funding package allows scholars to fully immerse themselves in their studies and research without financial constraints.
The additional mentoring and networking components provide valuable guidance for academic and professional development.
Tips for a Strong Application
Competition for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is extremely high. Here are some tips to strengthen your application:
- Highlight academic excellence: Emphasize your top grades, class ranking, academic awards, and research experience.
- Demonstrate passion for your field: Show deep interest in your chosen area of study through relevant projects, internships, or publications.
- Craft a compelling research proposal: Present an innovative and feasible research idea for your master’s thesis.
- Secure strong recommendation letters: Choose recommenders who can speak in detail about your academic abilities and potential.
- Showcase leadership and extracurriculars: Highlight any leadership roles, volunteer work, or other activities that demonstrate well-roundedness.
- Explain motivation for ETH Zurich: Articulate clearly why ETH Zurich is the ideal place for your master’s studies.
- Proofread carefully: Ensure your application is free of errors and presents your qualifications in the best light.
Taking time to prepare a polished and persuasive application will maximize your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship.
ETH Zurich Master’s Programs
ETH Zurich offers a wide range of master’s programs across various disciplines. Some popular programs include:
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Architecture
- Environmental Sciences
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Management, Technology and Economics
For a complete list of available master’s programs, visit the ETH Zurich Master’s degree programmes page.
Living in Zurich
Zurich consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities. As an ETH Zurich student, you’ll enjoy:
- A safe and clean environment
- Excellent public transportation
- Rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and festivals
- Proximity to nature with lakes, mountains, and hiking trails
- International atmosphere with a diverse student population
While the cost of living in Zurich is high, the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship stipend is designed to cover typical student expenses.
Career Prospects for ETH Zurich Graduates
Graduating from ETH Zurich with a master’s degree opens doors to exciting career opportunities worldwide. ETH Zurich alumni are highly sought after by top companies and research institutions.
Some key facts about career prospects:
- 95% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
- Average starting salary of CHF 90,000 per year
- Many graduates go on to pursue PhDs at top international universities
- Strong connections with industry leaders in Switzerland and globally
The skills, knowledge, and network you gain at ETH Zurich will set you up for long-term career success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship:
Q: Can I apply for the scholarship before being admitted to a master’s program?
A: No, you must apply for admission to an ETH Zurich master’s program and the scholarship simultaneously through the online application portal.
Q: Are there any restrictions on field of study?
A: No, the scholarship is open to students in all master’s degree programs offered at ETH Zurich.
Q: Can I work part-time while on the scholarship?
A: Yes, scholarship recipients are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week during the semester.
Q: What are my chances of receiving the scholarship?
A: The selection process is highly competitive. Typically only about 5-10% of applicants receive the scholarship.
Q: If I don’t get the Excellence Scholarship, are there other funding options?
A: Yes, ETH Zurich offers other scholarships and financial aid options. You can find more information on the ETH Zurich scholarships page.
Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I’ve already started a master’s program elsewhere?
A: No, the scholarship is only for students starting a new master’s program at ETH Zurich.
Q: Is there an age limit for applicants?
A: No, there is no age restriction for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship.
Q: Do I need to know German to study at ETH Zurich?
A: Most master’s programs at ETH Zurich are taught in English.
However, learning some German can be helpful for daily life in Zurich.
Q: Can I defer the scholarship if awarded?
A: Generally, scholarships cannot be deferred. If you cannot start your program in the fall semester, you would need to reapply the following year.
Application Timeline
Here’s a typical timeline for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship application process:
- November 1, 2024: Application period opens
- November 30, 2024: Application deadline
- December 2024 – February 2025: Application review and evaluation
- February 2025: Potential interviews for shortlisted candidates
- End of March 2025: Notification of results
- April 2025: Deadline to accept or decline scholarship offer
- September 2025: Start of master’s program at ETH Zurich
It’s important to start preparing your application well in advance of the deadline to ensure you have time to gather all required documents and craft a strong application.
Alternative Scholarships and Funding Options
While the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship is highly competitive, there are other funding options available for international students:
- ETH Zurich Master’s Scholarship: A partial scholarship covering tuition fees for students with excellent academic records.
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: Offered by the Swiss government for foreign students and artists.
- ETH Zurich Foundation Scholarships: Various scholarships funded by private donors and companies.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees: EU-funded scholarships for joint master’s programs.
- Country-specific scholarships: Many countries offer scholarships for their citizens to study abroad.
- External scholarships: Various organizations and foundations offer scholarships for international students.
For more information on these options, visit the ETH Zurich Financial page.
Preparing for Your Move to Switzerland
If you’re awarded the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship, here are some steps to prepare for your move to Switzerland:
- Visa application: Apply for a Swiss student visa as soon as you receive your admission letter.
- Housing: Start looking for accommodation early. ETH Zurich provides some student housing, but spots are limited.
- Health insurance: Arrange mandatory Swiss health insurance coverage.
- Language preparation: Consider taking German language courses before or upon arrival.
- Budget planning: Familiarize yourself with the cost of living in Zurich and plan your budget accordingly.
- Cultural research: Learn about Swiss culture and customs to ease your transition.
ETH Zurich’s International Student Support team provides guidance and resources to help international students settle in.
Networking and Professional Development Opportunities
Beyond financial support, the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship provides numerous opportunities for networking and professional development:
- Annual ESOP symposium: Scholars present their research and network with peers and faculty.
- Industry partnerships: ETH Zurich’s strong ties with industry leaders offer internship and job opportunities.
- Research groups: Scholars can join cutting-edge research groups in their field of study.
- Entrepreneurship programs: Support for students interested in launching startups.
- Career services: Workshops, career fairs, and personalized advice to help launch your career.
These opportunities help scholars build a strong professional network and gain valuable skills beyond their academic studies.
Impact of Studying at ETH Zurich
Choosing to pursue your master’s degree at ETH Zurich can have a profound impact on your personal and professional life:
- Academic excellence: Learn from world-renowned experts and access state-of-the-art facilities.
- Global perspective: Interact with a diverse student body from over 120 countries.
- Research opportunities: Contribute to groundbreaking research projects.
- Career boost: Gain a qualification highly valued by employers worldwide.
- Personal growth: Develop independence, cultural awareness, and problem-solving skills.
- Swiss experience: Immerse yourself in the unique culture and beauty of Switzerland.
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship makes this transformative experience accessible to talented students regardless of their financial background.
Conclusion
The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship presents an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue a world-class master’s education in Switzerland.
With full funding, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research, this scholarship can be a launchpad for a successful global career.
If you have an excellent academic record and are passionate about your field of study, we encourage you to apply for this prestigious scholarship.
Start preparing your application well in advance of the November 30 deadline to put your best foot forward.
Remember, the key to a successful application is to demonstrate not only your academic excellence but also your potential to contribute to your field and make the most of the opportunities at ETH Zurich.
For the latest information and to begin your application, visit the official ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship website.
Good luck with your application, and we hope to welcome you to ETH Zurich as an Excellence Scholar in the near future!
Apply Now for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship
