ETH Zurich Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (Switzerland)

ETH Zurich scholarships – the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities in science, engineering, technology, and innovation. Located in the heart of Switzerland, ETH Zurich is not only a hub of academic excellence but also a pioneer in research that addresses some of the most pressing global challenges, from climate change to digital transformation. With a legacy that includes over 20 Nobel Prize winners and countless ground breaking discoveries, the university attracts some of the brightest students, researchers, and innovators from across the globe.

For the 2026 academic year, ETH Zurich reaffirms its commitment to supporting international talent through a wide range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships. The ETH Zurich scholarships are designed to remove financial barriers, allowing outstanding students to concentrate on their academic and research goals. The flagship programs include the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) and the ETH-D Scholarship, both of which offer comprehensive financial support for master’s students.

The Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) provides full coverage of tuition fees, a generous living allowance, and mentorship opportunities, enabling students to fully immerse themselves in research and innovation. Similarly, the ETH-D Scholarship combines partial funding from the university with additional support from departments, external partners, or foundations, ensuring that students have the financial stability needed to succeed.

Beyond university specific scholarships, international students may also apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships and external funding from global organizations, further expanding opportunities for those seeking to study at ETH Zurich. Together, these programs reflect ETH’s mission to cultivate a diverse and inclusive academic community, where brilliant minds from all corners of the world can collaborate, innovate, and contribute to society.

With its strong industry connections, state of the art research facilities, and supportive funding landscape, ETH Zurich offers not only a world-class education but also a platform for international students to build meaningful careers and contribute to global progress.

Scholarship Summary

Scholarship Programs

1. Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)

• Covers full tuition fee waiver.
• Provides a living and study stipend of CHF 12,000 per semester.
• Includes mentorship and networking opportunities.
• Highly competitive, awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements.

2. ETH-D Scholarship

• Covers partial tuition fee waiver.
• Provides CHF 7,500 per semester for living and study costs.
• Departments may also provide additional financial support (assistantships or stipends).

3. Funded PhD Positions

• ETH Zurich doctoral candidates are typically employed as research assistants.
• Receive a monthly salary (CHF 47,000–50,000 per year), plus health insurance and social security.
• Funded by professors’ research projects, Swiss National Science Foundation, or industry collaborations.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must hold an excellent academic record (top 10% of class).
• Applying for a Master’s program at ETH Zurich.
• Strong motivation letter and clear research interests.
• Must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to future contributions.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).

ETH Zurich scholarships Benefits

• Full tuition waiver for ESOP scholars.
• Living stipend of CHF 7,500–12,000 per semester depending on scholarship.
• Health insurance & social security (for PhD students).
• Mentorship and career development support.
• Access to world-class research labs, industry networks, and innovation hubs.
• Also check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)

Required Documents

• Online application for Master’s admission.
• CV (curriculum vitae).
• Motivation letter outlining goals and achievements.
• Two reference letters from academic supervisors.
• Official transcripts and degree certificates.
• Proof of English language proficiency.

Application Process

1. Apply for a Master’s Program – Submit an online application to ETH Zurich.
2. Indicate Scholarship Preference – Select ESOP or ETH-D in the funding section.
3. Submit Supporting Documents – Upload transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and references.
4. Departmental Evaluation – Applications are reviewed by faculty committees.
5. Final Selection – ETH Zurich scholarships announces recipients in March/April 2026.
6. Check KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 |Fully Funded in Korea

Deadlines

• Application Opens: November 1, 2025.
• Application Closes: December 15, 2025 (for fall 2026 intake).

Duration of Scholarship

• Master’s Programs: 2 years (4 semesters).
• PhD Positions: 3–5 years, depending on research project.

Final Thoughts

ETH Zurich scholarships offers some of the most competitive and generous scholarships in Europe, designed to support exceptional students who want to pursue advanced studies in Switzerland. With its ESOP, ETH-D, and fully funded PhD positions, ETH provides not only financial security but also access to groundbreaking research and a global academic community. For ambitious students, this is a golden opportunity to study at one of the world’s top universities. Want to boost your chances? Read our guide: Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Fully Funded Scholarship