Introduction
For many students in Nigeria and across Africa, getting a world-class engineering education is a dream: top faculty, cutting‐edge labs, global recognition. ETH Zurich is often ranked among the global elite, particularly in STEM. Scholarships that fully or largely fund a student’s living and study costs make that dream realistic.
There has been buzz: “ETH Zurich Engineering Excellence Scholarships – No IELTS, monthly stipend & travel grant”. Some of that is accurate; some is overblown or partially mistaken. This post lays out what is true, what is required, what to watch out for — especially for African/Asian students — and a step-by-step guide to applying. By the end, you’ll know whether it’s possible without IELTS, what the stipend and travel grants are really like, and how to maximize chances of success.
What Is ETH Zurich’s Excellence / ESOP Scholarship?
ETH Zurich offers a scholarship called ESOP (“Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme”) for outstanding Master’s students. Key features include:
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It supports living + study costs for the regular duration of the Master’s programme.
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It includes a tuition fee waiver (so you don’t pay ETH’s tuition) along with expenses for living.
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The requirement: very strong academic performance — typically the top 10% of your Bachelor’s cohort (grade A or equivalent) and meeting all admission prerequisites.
So far, this is confirmed.
Is “No IELTS” True?
Here is where things are more nuanced.
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ETH requires proof of language proficiency for Master’s degree admission. Recognized certificates include TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge’s C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency, depending on the programme.
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However, there are exemptions. If you hold a Bachelor’s degree from certain universities/institutions that were taught fully in English, some ETH programmes allow you to submit a “confirmation of language of instruction” (MOI certificate) in place of a test score. Also, if your previous degree was from ETH or EPF Lausanne, you may be exempt.
Therefore, the statement “No IELTS” is partly true — only if you meet one of the exemption criteria (English medium instruction, etc.). If not, you will need a valid language certificate (which could be IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, etc.).
How Much Is the Stipend / Financial Support?
People sometimes confuse “monthly stipend” with “Semester stipend” or “lump sums”. Here’s what the documentation says:
| Support Type | Amount / Details | What It Really Covers |
|---|---|---|
| ESOP Scholarship | ~ CHF 12,000 per semester (covering both study + living expenses) + full tuition waiver. | For a Master’s programme (3 or 4 semesters usually). Note: this is not a monthly stipend per se, but this sum spread over the semester’s living + study costs. |
| Travel Grants / Allowance | For certain ETH travel‐/mobility / exchange programmes, there are travel allowances. Separate grants exist for field work, internships, etc. | These do not always come automatically with ESOP; often need separate application or being part of particular programmes. |
| Other Scholarships | The Engineering for Development (E4D) doctoral scholarship, etc., come with funding (salary / research costs) for PhD level. But those are different. |
So: CHF 12,000 per semester is the main amount for living + study under ESOP. For many students that translates to roughly CHF ~4,000 per month in living equivalent, but that’s only if one divides evenly and assumes three months per semester (which is not exact). Always budget conservatively.
What’s Not Supported by Official Sources (or Misunderstandings)
To set expectations:
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The claim that no IELTS is needed universally is not supported. ETH’s policy requires a recognized English certificate unless exempted. Many sources that say “no IELTS” omit that caveat.
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Some sources say “monthly stipend + travel grant” in large amounts, or “visa sponsorship” etc., which may be approximations or conflations with other programs. ETH provides many different scholarships, mobility grants, etc., but the ESOP does not automatically include a big separate travel grant.
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Also, “monthly stipend” phrasing can mislead: ESOP gives semester-based support. Travel grants are generally separate and conditional.
Comparison: What ESOP vs Other Scholarships Offer (for African Applicants)
Here’s a table comparing ESOP vs some other scholarship / funding programmes relevant to Africa/Asia, so you can see what is realistic.
| Programme | Eligibility (Africa/Asia) | Language Requirement / Alternatives | Financial Support (Living + Study) | Travel Grant / Additional Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESOP (ETH Zurich) | Master’s applicants; outstanding academic results; top ~10% of BSc cohort; can be from anywhere (including Nigeria/Africa). Must not already hold a Master or be in a Master at ETH. | Recognized language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, etc.), unless an exemption (e.g. your BSc was taught in English; your university issues MOI) applies. | CHF 12,000 per semester + tuition waiver (i.e. nominally full funding) for the duration of the Master’s programme. | Travel costs are not always included; when included, they’re via separate grants or mobility programmes. Not automatic. | Highly competitive. Need thesis pre-proposal. Must apply during ETH’s master’s admission window. |
| Engineering for Development (E4D) / Doctoral Scholarships | Geared to low- and lower-middle income countries; strong research proposals; ETH supervision needed. | English / research level proficiency; similar rules apply. | Full salary for PhD (depending on duration) + research costs. | Some travel or research cost budgets included. | For those intending PhD, not Master’s. |
| Mobility / Exchange / Internship Travel Grants | For ETH students doing internships/research or students from partner universities; sometimes open to international students in specific programs. | Language requirements depend on host; often less strict; but you still need to meet host’s or ETH’s minimum. |
Step-by-Step Guide for a Newbie (Nigeria/Africa) — From Start to Submission
Here’s how to plan and succeed in applying for ESOP or a related ETH Zurich scholarship, especially under the “Engineering Excellence” theme.
| Step | What To Do | Tips / Pitfalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Self-Assessment & Readiness | Make sure your BSc degree is strong; if class ranking is tracked, aim to be among top students. Get good grades, possibly publish or have research experience. | Many applicants have excellent GPAs but weak proposals. Have something that makes you stand out: research experience, internships, projects. |
| 2. Check Language Requirements Early | Determine whether your Bachelor’s programme was taught entirely in English. If yes, get formal confirmation of language of instruction (MOI). If not, register for TOEFL / CAE / IELTS well in advance. | Wait too late, test score might arrive after deadline. Some programmes accept alternate proof, but you must verify via ETH’s website for your specific Master’s programme. |
| 3. Choose Your Master’s Programme & Supervision | Pick a Master’s in engineering / field you really want. Visit ETH’s website; read “Profile of Requirements” for that programme (e.g. any required courses, credits, etc.). | Some Master’s programmes require pre-requisites or specific courses. Missing those could disqualify you. |
| 4. Prepare Documents & Thesis Pre-Proposal | For ESOP, in many cases you’ll need a pre-proposal for your Master’s thesis. Also prepare transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, proof of ranking, etc. | Title your proposal well; show passion, feasibility, objectives. Weak or vague proposals are common reason for rejection. Have strong referees. |
| 5. Apply for Admission + Scholarship (ESOP) Simultaneously | ETH uses eApply. When applying for your Master’s admission, opt in for ESOP. Make sure all required documents are uploaded. | Deadlines are strict. Only once a year window for ESOP (usually Nov for Master’s). Missing any required piece can lead to discard. |
| 6. Budget & Visa / Travel Planning | Check living cost in Zurich; estimate your visa, flight, accommodation. Even with scholarship, there may be upfront expenses (visa, health insurance, arrival). | You might need some savings or external support initially. Some travel grants help, but often applied separately. |
| 7. After Application: Prepare for Possible Interview | Some applicants are contacted (phone or video) for clarification. Keep CV and proposal handy; be ready to explain your goals and why ETH and ESOP. | Practice speaking about your research interest. Be clear. |
| 8. If Not Awarded ESOP: Explore Alternatives | ETH has smaller grants, foundations, mobility programmes. Also look for external funding (home country, NGOs). | Don’t put all eggs in one basket. Many strong candidates don’t get ESOP but manage via combination of funding sou |
Key Insights / Benefits for African & Asian Students
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High Return on Investment: ETH Zürich is globally recognized. A Master’s from ETH with full funding opens doors for research, industry roles, PhDs in top labs globally.
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Strong Support Network: ESOP includes not just money, but mentorship and connection via the ETH Foundation. That’s often overlooked but very valuable.
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Reduced Financial Risk: With tuition waived + covered living costs, your major cost becomes travel and visa. If you plan carefully and access travel grants / exchange grants, the risk is much lower.
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Language Flexibility in Some Cases: The MOI / English-medium degree theory offers a path for students where IELTS/TOEFL access is difficult or expensive. But this path must be confirmed in your specific case.
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Scholarship Windows Are Predictable: ESOP opens once a year (for master’s), so planning ahead (gathering transcripts, proposals, proof, test scores, etc.) is essential.
“Your Statement of Purpose” — A Simple Strong Structure
Since many rejections come down to not just missing documents but poorly articulated goals, here is a suggested structure for your Statement of Purpose (SoP), tailored for ESOP / Engineering Excellence:
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Introduction – Your Motivation
A brief anecdote or experience that sparked your interest in engineering / specific field. -
Your Academic & Project Experience
Highlight relevant courses, research, internships, projects. Emphasize results and how they prepared you for Master’s. -
Why This Field / Topic
What specific problems you want to address; how your background positions you well to contribute. -
Why ETH Zurich & ESOP
What ETH offers (faculty, labs, research culture) that aligns with your goals. Also mention ESOP features (mentorship, funding) and how those will help you. -
Thesis Idea or Pre-proposal Summary
What you want to research. Make it specific enough to show you’ve thought it through (objectives, possible methods, impact). Doesn’t have to be perfect, but demonstrates clarity. -
Future Goals & Contribution
What you will do after Master’s: research, industry, teaching, contributing back home. Also how you plan to use what you learn in your country or region. -
Closing
Reiterate your passion and suitability. Be sincere.
Common Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Submitting incomplete application (missing transcript / ranking / proof of English) | Application rejected or not considered for ESOP | Use ETH’s checklist; have someone else check documents too. Start early. |
| Weak or generic thesis proposal | Doesn’t distinguish you from other excellent candidates | Tailor to current research at ETH; show awareness of what ETH does. Try to connect with faculty if possible. |
| Relying on “no IELTS” without confirming exemption | Surprise requirement / inability to apply in time | Check your programme’s page, contact admissions office, get written confirmation if possible. |
| Underestimating living costs / visa / travel expenses | Financial stress even with scholarship | Budget in CHF, include visa, insurance, initial accommodation, flights etc. See ETH’s living cost guides. |
| Waiting until the last minute for reference letters or documents | Delays, missing deadlines | Ask referees early; have translation of documents ready; official letters of instruction for MOI or language if needed well ahead. |
FAQs (Concise but Useful)
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Q: Can I apply to ETH / ESOP if I have not taken IELTS or TOEFL?
A: Possibly yes — only if you have an equivalent proof of English instruction (MOI) from your institution, or your prior degree was taught fully in English and that’s verifiable. If not, you will need a recognized test. It’s not universal. -
Q: How much does CHF 12,000 per semester cover in Zurich?
A: It is considered sufficient to cover tuition (which is waived) + living costs (rent, food, transport, materials). Zurich is expensive, so lifestyle matters. Don’t expect luxury; shared housing, public transport, budget wisely. -
Q: Are travel grants included in ESOP automatically?
A: No. Travel grants usually are separate. Some ETH mobility / exchange / internship programmes offer travel allowances, but ESOP is mainly for the study + living cost. If travel help is important, you’ll need to apply or check for specific grant options or from home / international organizations. -
Q: How competitive is ESOP?
A: Very competitive. Only ~ 60 scholarships per year (for all programs) are awarded for ESOP. Many excellent applicants miss out. Being in top of class, having strong proposals, recommendations etc., are essential. ETH Zürich -
Q: What is the timeline? When do I apply?
A: For Master’s admissions + ESOP, the application window is usually November 1-30 (for academic year starting autumn of next year). You will know decisions by end of March. ETH Zürich
What African / Nigerian Applicants Should Do Now
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Check whether your undergraduate was entirely in English. If yes, get a formal MOI / Institution confirmation.
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If you haven’t taken an accepted English proficiency test, plan for TOEFL or CAE, etc. Budget for test fees and unavailability.
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Start building your academic profile: strong grades, research / internship, projects.
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Begin writing a thesis proposal early; talk with possible supervisors (if allowed) or explore departments to see which faculty work in your area.
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Save or plan for up-front costs: visa, flights, insurance. Even with scholarship, some cash is needed early.
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Monitor the ETH website so you know exact deadlines for your intended programme. Deadlines are fixed and missing them loses chances.
Conclusion
In summary: ETH Zurich’s ESOP and related engineering excellence scholarships are very real and very generous for international / African students. But they come with strict requirements, especially academically and in proof of English proficiency. The “no-IELTS” idea is only partly true: possible if you meet an exemption (English-medium degree, etc.). The stipend (CHF 12,000 per semester + tuition waiver) is excellent, though travel and visa costs may need separate support.
If you start early, meet the criteria, prepare a strong proposal, and ensure all documents are in order, this can absolutely be achieved. For students in Nigeria and Africa more broadly, this is one of the best opportunities for world-class engineering education with minimal cost burden.
“Excellence is not an act, but a habit” — Aristotle. Let your preparation be your habit, and you’ll give yourself the chance to win.
