ETH Zurich Scholarship

ETH Zurich, a world-renowned university in Switzerland, provides an exceptional opportunity for talented international students, including those from Pakistan, to study Master's degrees through the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP). This fully-funded scholarship is intended to recruit and nurture exceptional academic talent, allowing students to concentrate on their studies and research without financial constraints.

For Pakistani students looking to receive a world-class education and broaden their horizons, the ETH Zurich ESOP offers a highly competitive yet extremely rewarding opportunity. The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is a distinguished scholarship for students with outstanding academic performance in their Bachelor's degree. It is one of two major scholarship programs granted by ETH Zurich to Master's students, the other being the ETH-D Scholarship. ESOP is extremely competitive and offers substantial financial support, as well as mentorship and networking possibilities.

Programs Offered

The ETH Zurich ESOP applies to all Master's degree programs offered by the ETH Zurich. These programs include a wide range of topics, with a primary emphasis on STEM fields. Some of the common areas include:

Engineering sciences: This include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, data science, biomedical engineering, and so on.
Architecture & Civil Engineering: This includes Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and so on.
Natural sciences that are system-oriented include Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Food Science, among others.
Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Examples include biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
Management and social sciences subjects include comparative and international studies, science, technology, and politics, among others.

Make sure to look at the Master's programs offered and their admission requirements on the ETH Zurich website.

Benefits

The ESOP scholarship is a great choice for Pakistani students looking to study overseas:

Full Financial Support: The scholarship takes care of living costs and study expenses. Recipients get a grant of CHF 12,000 (around PKR 3.6 million) each semester.
No Tuition Fees: All tuition fees for the Master's program are covered for the entire time you have the scholarship.
Mentorship Program: Scholars join a network with the ETH Foundation and get mentorship, offering helpful advice and support during their studies.
Networking Opportunities: Access to the ETH Foundation network provides opportunities for professional relationships and future career progress.
World-Class Education: Join a top-tier university known for its brilliance in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Exposure to Diverse Cultures: Immerse yourself in Switzerland's vibrant and varied environment, which will help you improve your critical thinking and flexibility.

The scholarship usually lasts for the normal length of a Master's program, which is about three or four semesters.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ETH Zurich ESOP, Pakistani applicants must meet the following qualifying criteria:

Excellent Academic Performance: Applicants must have received outstanding performance in their Bachelor's degree, specifically ranking in the top 10% of their program (equivalent to a grade A).
Master's Degree Program: The scholarship is only available to students who want to pursue a Master's degree at ETH Zurich.
No Prior Master's Degree: You are ineligible if you are currently enrolled in a Master's degree program at ETH Zurich or have already earned a Master's degree.
English Proficiency: A strong grasp of English is generally necessary for Master's programs at ETH Zurich, but this is not specifically specified in the ESOP application documents. It is recommended that you examine the English language requirements for your chosen Master's degree.
Reachability: Make sure the phone number on your CV is correct and that you are available, as the selection process may include a phone or video interview in February.

How to Apply

The application for the ETH Zurich ESOP is connected with the Master's program. Here's a step-by-step instructions:

Meet Admission Requirements: First and foremost, make sure you meet the general admission requirements for your preferred Master's degree at ETH Zurich.
Apply for the Master's Program through eApply: All ESOP applications are submitted via ETH Zurich's online Master application platform, "eApply." If you are applying to multiple Master's programs, you must complete a separate application for each one.
Upload ESOP-Specific Documents: In addition to the usual Master's admission materials, you must upload the following to your ESOP application:
- Pre-proposal for your Master's thesis: This is an important document. You’ll need to create a pre-proposal for your thesis following the specific guidelines, which you can usually find as a PDF on the ETH Zurich website. Make sure it’s your own work and that you follow proper citation rules. Copying or sharing wrong info could get you disqualified.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Put together a clear and organized CV that shows your academic accomplishments, research background, and any relevant work experience.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Even if your Master's program doesn’t usually require references, you still need to list two professors as your referees for the ESOP application. They will get an email from the system to submit their letters.

Application Window: Applicant can only apply for ESOP during the first application window for the Autumn Semester, which usually runs from November 1 to November 30 the year before you want to enroll. Make sure to check the official ETH Zurich website for the exact dates, as they can change a bit.
Be Reachable: As part of the eligibility, make sure your contact details, especially your phone number, are correct on your CV. You might have phone or video interviews in February.
Official Website: Always check the official ETH Zurich website for the latest info on ESOP and how to apply.

FAQs

1. What's the application deadline for the ETH Zurich ESOP for next year?

The usual deadline for the ESOP is November 30 of the year before you plan to start (so for the 2025/26 year, it's November 30, 2024). Be sure to check the official ETH Zurich website for the latest info, since dates can change.

2. How many ESOP scholarships are given out each year?

About 60 ESOP scholarships are awarded annually. The actual number may vary depending on funding.

3. When will I hear back about the scholarship decision?

You can expect decisions for ESOP scholarships to be announced by the end of March.

4. Can I apply for the ESOP if I'm already studying for my Bachelor's at ETH Zurich?

Only ETH Bachelor students can start the ESOP while on a leave of absence. If you're already in a Master's program at ETH Zurich or already have a Master's, you can’t apply for ESOP.

5. Is there an age limit for the ESOP scholarship?

There’s no age limit mentioned on ETH Zurich's scholarship pages. The focus is on academic performance.

6. Do I need to submit an IELTS or TOEFL score for the ESOP application?

While there aren't specific IELTS/TOEFL requirements for the ESOP, you usually need to show English proficiency for Master's programs at ETH Zurich. Check the specific requirements for your chosen program on the ETH Zurich website.

7. Can I work part-time while on the ESOP scholarship?

You can work part-time and do assistantships as long as your studying doesn’t suffer. Just know that if an assistantship makes your studies take longer, you’ll need to cover that extra semester yourself. It's best to look up the specific rules about jobs and internships on the ETH Zurich student portal.

8. What if my Master's program has a mandatory internship? Would I still get the grant?

If your program requires an internship of at least 10 weeks, the grant goes on hold during that time but will continue after the internship's over for the rest of your studies. You should keep the ESOP office updated on your plans.

9. Can I switch my ESOP to a different study program?

No, you can’t transfer the grant to another program; it has to stay with the one you originally applied for.

10. What’s a pre-proposal for the Master's thesis, and what should I include?

The pre-proposal should outline your planned Master's thesis project, including a title. It usually has a word limit (like 500 words, not counting references) and should show that you understand the subject and relate to the research interests of the faculty in your program. You can find more details about this on the ETH Zurich website.