The Scholarship

Who Can Apply for ETH Zurich ESOP 2027

A very good Bachelor result (top 10% = grade A, by self-assessment), the first application window only, and you must not already hold a Master’s or be enrolled in an ETH Master’s.

ScholarshipUnion Editorial 2 min read Updated Oct 6, 2026

Quick eligibility checker

Six published ESOP gates. This is a planning tool, not an official ETH decision.

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1
Very good Bachelor result — top 10% of the programme = grade A, on your self-assessment?
2
You will apply in the first application window (1–30 November 2026 for HS27)?
3
You do not already hold a Master’s degree?
4
You are not already enrolled in a Master’s at ETH Zurich?
5
You are applying to a regular ETH Master’s — not an MAS?
6
The phone number on your CV will reach you in February (or you will tell the programme coordinator)?

Result

You match these published ESOP gates. Planning tool, not an official ETH decision. Continue to eApply or the combined tracker.

Result

One or more official exclusions may apply. Confirm on the official ESOP page.

What ETH actually publishes

Source: Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme. ESOP is ETH’s own Master’s award. It is not ESKAS.

Very good Bachelor result

ETH writes: top 10% of the Bachelor’s degree programme = grade A. This is based on self-assessment, and the ESOP page does not require a separate ranking letter. Your transcript still has to support that claim.

First window only

“For an ESOP Scholarship you must apply within the first application window.” For HS27 that is 1–30 November 2026. The dates page also lists ESOP as a reason the November window is mandatory — including for Swiss-Bachelor holders who want ESOP.

Already a Master’s student, or already holding a Master’s

If you are already enrolled in a Master’s at ETH Zurich, or you hold a Master’s degree, you are not eligible. That is a hard official line. Do not treat a second Master’s as an ESOP route.

Master’s, not MAS

ETH supports excellent Master’s students with ESOP and states “no MAS”. A Master of Advanced Studies is outside this award.

ETH Bachelor, consecutive Master’s

Consecutive ETH Bachelor students also apply for ESOP via eApply. Only ETH Bachelor students may start ESOP with a leave of absence.

February reachability

Selection may include a phone or video interview in February. Stay reachable on the telephone number in your CV. If you will not be available, inform the study programme coordinator.

Admission is a separate bar

ESOP sits on top of Master’s admission. ETH’s Master application page says admission is highly selective and looks at the requirement profile, undergraduate performance, university standing, tests where required, motivation and recommendations. Meeting ESOP’s top-10% self-assessment does not waive those programme profiles.

The official ESOP FAQ states that if you receive no ESOP nomination, admission to the Master’s can still stand. See the FAQ.