ETH Zurich: Acceptance Rate, Courses, Fees, Rankings, Scholarship & More
Table of Contents
ETH Zurich, one of the world’s most prestigious universities, is a hub for innovation, academic excellence, and research-driven learning. Ranked 7th globally in 2025, it attracts thousands of students worldwide, offering top-tier programs in engineering, science, business, and architecture. With a competitive acceptance rate of 27%, ETH Zurich ensures that only the most talented individuals join its ranks. The university also provides affordable tuition fees and scholarship opportunities to support international students. If you’re considering ETH Zurich for your higher education, this guide covers everything from admissions and rankings to tuition fees, scholarships, and accommodation options.
ETH Zurich Highlights 2025
| Attribute | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1855 |
| Campus Size | 320,662 square meters |
| QS World University Ranking (2025) | 7th in the world |
| Campus Locations | ETH Zurich has two main campuses: Zentrum in Zurich and Hönggerberg in the city’s outskirts. |
| Placement Rate | ETH Zurich’s employment outcomes ranking in 2025 was 87.2. |
| Top Recruiters | Google, Microsoft, Bain & Company, and other Swiss companies. |
| Popular Courses for International Students | Architecture and civil engineering Engineering sciences Natural sciences and mathematics System-oriented natural sciences Management and social sciences Electrical engineering Renewable energy |
| English Language Exam Required | TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge C1 advanced (CAE) and C2 Proficiency (CPE) |
| Acceptance Rate | Around 27% |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | For bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, the tuition is about CHF 1,500 per year, which is around $1,600. |
| Website | www.ethz.ch |
ETH Zurich: Courses, Eligibility, and Fees 2025
ETH Zurich is home to a diverse range of courses that prepare students for research and global career opportunities. With a strong emphasis on engineering, architecture, natural sciences, and business, ETH Zurich attracts some of the brightest minds from across the globe. The university maintains high academic standards, and admission is competitive, requiring strong academic records, standardized test scores, and language proficiency. The first-year tuition fee for international students at ETH Zurich is approximately CHF 1,460 (INR 1.32 Lakh / AUD 2,270). Below is a detailed breakdown of ETH Zurich’s popular courses, eligibility criteria, language requirements, and tuition fees for international students:
| Program | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration | Eligibility Criteria | Language Requirements |
| MS | INR 1.32 Lakh / AUD 2,270 | 18 months – 2 years | – Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field – Strong academic background – GRE may be required for some programs | IELTS: 7.0+ / TOEFL iBT: 100+ |
| M.Arch | INR 1.32 Lakh / AUD 2,270 | 2 years | – Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related field – Portfolio submission required – GRE required for some applicants | IELTS: 7.0+ / TOEFL iBT: 100+ |
| MA | INR 5.28 Lakh / AUD 9,000 | 2 years | – Bachelor’s degree in related discipline – Strong academic record – GRE required for some programs | IELTS: 7.0+ / TOEFL iBT: 100+ |
| MBA | INR 5.28 Lakh / AUD 9,000 | 18 months – 2 years | – Bachelor’s degree in business/related field – Minimum 2 years of professional experience | IELTS: 7.0+ / TOEFL iBT: 100+ |
| BSc | INR 1.32 Lakh / AUD 2,270 | 3 years | – High school diploma with excellent grades in Mathematics and Science – Entrance exam required for some programs | IELTS: 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT: 90+ |
ETH Zurich Rankings 2025
ETH Zurich, officially known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, is one of the world’s leading universities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In 2025, the university continues to dominate international and European rankings, reinforcing its status as the top university in Switzerland and one of the best in the world. ETH Zurich ranks among the top 10 globally and holds the #1 position in Europe. Here’s a detailed breakdown of ETH Zurich’s rankings 2025 across various platforms:
| Ranking Body | Global Rank | European Rank | National Rank (Switzerland) |
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | #7th | #1st | #1st |
| Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 | #11th | #1st | #1st |
| Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2023 | #20th | – | #1st |
| Nature Index – Academic Institutions 2023 | #20th | – | #1st |
| QS Europe Rankings 2025 | – | #1st | #1st |
ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate 2025
ETH Zurich, one of the world’s most competitive universities, attracts thousands of applicants each year from across the globe. With a rigorous selection process and high academic standards, ETH Zurich maintains an acceptance rate of approximately 27%, making it highly selective.
For students applying to bachelor’s programs, ETH Zurich requires a minimum overall grade of 5.0 in the Swiss grading system for those coming from universities of applied sciences. Additionally, students applying for Master’s and Doctoral programs must meet specific academic and language requirements, along with competitive standardized test scores. Below is a detailed breakdown of ETH Zurich’s acceptance rate, admission criteria, and key application details:
| Category | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 27% (Highly Competitive) |
| Why is ETH Zurich Competitive? | – High volume of applications from international students – Strong emphasis on academic excellence and research innovation – Limited number of seats available |
| Degree Programs Offered | Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Programs |
| Minimum Grade Requirement (Bachelor’s Applicants) | At least 5.0 in the Swiss grading system (for applicants from universities of applied sciences) |
| Entrance Exam for Bachelor’s Studies | Held annually in the third and fourth weeks of January |
| Language of Entrance Exam | Conducted in German (requires subject terminology familiarity) |
ETH Zurich Scholarships 2025
ETH Zurich offers various scholarships to support outstanding students. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden of tuition and living expenses, making it possible for talented individuals from around the world to pursue their master’s and bachelor’s degrees. The ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is the university’s most prestigious scholarship, covering both tuition fees and living expenses. Following is the various reasons to choose ETH Zurich Scholarships:
- Full or partial funding available for outstanding students.
- Covers tuition fees and living costs for eligible master’s students.
- Competitive selection process with around 60 ESOP scholarships awarded each year.
- Financial aid options for international students requiring support.
Below is a detailed breakdown of ETH Zurich’s scholarships, eligibility criteria and benefits for 2025:
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Benefits |
| Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) | – Open to top-performing students worldwide. – Must be in the top 10% of their Bachelor’s program (Grade A equivalent). – Must apply for a Master’s program at ETH Zurich. | – CHF 12,000 per semester for living expenses. – Full tuition fee waiver. – Mentorship and networking opportunities. |
| ETH Zurich Financial Aid for International Students | – Non-Swiss BSc students who passed first-year exams. – Non-Swiss MSc students who have completed at least 40 ECTS credits in their Master’s program. | – Partial financial assistance. – Covers part of tuition fees and living expenses. – Can be extended for two extra semesters if needed. |
| Country-Specific Scholarships | – Varies based on the country of origin. – Students must apply for government scholarships in their home country before applying to ETH Zurich. | – Additional financial support to complement ETH Zurich scholarships. |
ETH Zurich Accommodation 2025
Securing suitable accommodation is a crucial aspect of preparing for your studies at ETH Zurich. Zurich’s housing market is known for its competitiveness and high demand, making early planning essential. On average, students should budget between CHF 800 to CHF 1,800 per month for housing, depending on the type and location of the accommodation. ETH Zurich offers various housing options to cater to the diverse needs of its student body. Below are various student accommodation options available at ETH Zurich:
| Accommodation Type | Description | Average Monthly Rent (CHF) | Application Process |
| On-Campus Housing | Limited availability; primarily for international master’s students with Excellence Scholarships and specific Joint Master’s programs. | CHF 800–1,000 | Eligible students receive application links via email. |
| Off-Campus Housing | Includes shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaften or WGs) and private rentals. | Shared rooms: CHF 800–1,000 Private apartments: CHF 1,000–1,800 | Search through platforms like University Living. They are known for providing affordable student housing options. |
Conclusion
ETH Zurich affordable tuition fees, scholarship programs, and strong research environment make it a top destination for international students. While admission is competitive, those who secure a place gain access to world-class education and career opportunities. Whether you’re exploring courses, accommodation, or financial aid, ETH Zurich provides a well-rounded academic experience in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Plan ahead, apply early, and take the first step towards an exceptional future at ETH Zurich!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at ETH Zurich?
ETH Zurich has an acceptance rate of approximately 27%, making it a highly competitive university. Admission is based on academic excellence, standardized test scores, and program-specific requirements.
What are the most popular courses for international students at ETH Zurich?
ETH Zurich offers a wide range of engineering, science, and management programs. Some of the most popular courses include:
- Architecture and Civil Engineering
- Engineering Sciences
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- System-Oriented Natural Sciences
- Management and Social Sciences
- Electrical Engineering
- Renewable Energy
What are the tuition fees for international students at ETH Zurich?
ETH Zurich is known for its affordable tuition fees compared to other top-ranked universities. The annual tuition fees for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs are approximately CHF 1,500 ($1,600 USD per year).
How does ETH Zurich rank globally in 2025?
ETH Zurich is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. The latest rankings include:
- #7 in QS World University Rankings 2025
- #11 in Times Higher Education (THE) 2024
- #1 in Switzerland and #1 in Europe
Does ETH Zurich offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, ETH Zurich provides various scholarship programs to support outstanding students. These include:
- Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) – Covers full tuition fees and living expenses (CHF 12,000 per semester).
- ETH Zurich Financial Aid – Provides partial funding for international students based on financial need.
- Country-Specific Scholarships – Offered in partnership with government scholarship programs.
Is Zurich an expensive city to live in as a student?
Zurich has a high cost of living, with students typically spending around CHF 2,000–2,500 per month on accommodation, food, and other expenses. However, ETH Zurich’s affordable tuition fees and scholarships help international students manage costs.
Other Articles
