Switzerland · ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 7
- Components
- L 6.5 / R 6.5 / W 6.5 / S 6.5
- Level
- PG
- Deadline
- September–December (for following autumn intake)
Last verified: 2026-03
About ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships
ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students admitted to master's programmes at ETH Zurich, one of the world's top-ranked technical universities. The scholarship provides tuition waivers and living cost grants. Approximately 30-40 awards are made annually, making it highly competitive.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 100, Cambridge C1 Advanced Grade A
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1ETH Zurich requires IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in every component — a high standard reflecting the university's world-class academic environment. Start preparing well in advance if you are currently below 7.0.
- 2The Excellence Scholarship requires a nomination from your ETH Zurich department. First secure admission, then your application will be considered for the scholarship. An exceptional academic record is the primary selection criterion.
- 3ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities globally. Competition is fierce, so aim for IELTS 7.5+ to demonstrate strong English proficiency alongside your technical qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score is required for ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
ETH Zurich requires IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each component. The university also accepts TOEFL iBT (100+) and Cambridge C1 Advanced (Grade A) as alternatives.
Does ETH Zurich accept IELTS General Training?
No, ETH Zurich only accepts IELTS Academic. Given the university's rigorous academic environment, the Academic format is required to demonstrate readiness for graduate-level technical study.
Can I apply directly for the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship?
You apply for the Excellence Scholarship as part of your master's programme application. Your department evaluates and nominates candidates. There is no separate scholarship application — academic excellence during the admission review determines scholarship eligibility.
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