ETH Zurich

Why Study at ETH Zurich?

Affordable Excellence

As a public federal university, ETH offers world-class education for a fraction of the cost of US/UK universities (~$800 USD/semester).

Heart of Europe

Located in Zurich, consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities, with easy access to the Alps and major European capitals.

Tech Hub

Zurich is home to Google's largest engineering office outside the US, creating massive internship and career opportunities for ETH grads.

Innovation

ETH spins off over 25 startups every year. The "Student Project House" allows you to prototype ideas with free funding and equipment.

Global Community

Almost half of the student body comes from abroad, creating a truly international environment, especially at the Master's and PhD levels.

Einstein's Legacy

Study in the same halls where Albert Einstein studied and later taught. ETH maintains a rigorous standard of theoretical and practical science.

Popular Programs

Mechanical Engineering

Maschineningenieurwissenschaften

Architecture

One of the world's top Arch schools

Computer Science

Informatik (Foundational Theory)

Physics

Physik (Rigorous Mathematics focus)

Civil Engineering

Bauingenieurwissenschaften

Electrical Engineering

Elektrotechnik & Info. Tech.

Mathematics

Theoretical and Applied Math

Environmental Sciences

System-oriented natural sciences

Chemistry

Chemie und Chemieingenieur

Biology

Focus on molecular and systems bio

*Note: Most Bachelor's programs are taught in German. C1 proficiency is required.

MSc Computer Science

Tracks in AI, Systems, Theory

MSc Robotics

Robotics, Systems and Control

MSc Data Science

Interdisciplinary data analysis

MSc Architecture

Advanced design and urban systems

MSc Quantum Engineering

Bridging physics and engineering

MSc Cyber Security

Joint degree with EPFL

MSc Mech. Engineering

Focus on Micro/Nano systems

MSc Biotech

Biotechnology in Basel (D-BSSE)

MSc Energy Science

Sustainable energy technologies

MSc Quantitative Finance

Joint with University of Zurich

*Most Master's programs are taught entirely in English.

Scholarships & Funding

Excellence Scholarship

The ESOP covers full study and living costs (CHF 12,000/semester) for the top 2-3% of incoming Master's students.

ETH-D Scholarship

Provides a partial stipend (CHF 7,500/semester) and a tuition waiver for outstanding Master's students.

Low Tuition

Because tuition is heavily subsidized (~730 CHF/semester), many students do not need large scholarships compared to US/UK.

Teaching Assistantships

Many Master's students work as Hilfsassistenten (TAs), earning ~28 CHF/hour to support their living expenses.

Solidarity Fund

A fund for foreign students who encounter financial difficulties during their studies, ensuring they can finish their degree.

Paid PhDs

PhD positions at ETH are treated as employment. Doctoral students receive a full salary (approx. 50k-80k CHF/year).

Two Campuses, One Mission

Main Building (Zentrum)

Located in the heart of Zurich, this historic building (built by Semper) houses Architecture, Humanities, and Math.

Hönggerberg

Known as "Science City," this modern campus on the hill hosts Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Material Science.

ETH Link

A dedicated free shuttle bus (the e-Link) connects the two campuses in 15 minutes for students and staff.

Polyterrasse

The famous terrace offering arguably the best view of Zurich's old town and the lake—the main social hub.

Student Project House

A giant makerspace open to all students with 3D printers, laser cutters, and coaching to build your own ideas.

ETH Library

The largest public scientific and technical library in Switzerland, holding millions of documents and digital resources.

Research & Innovation

Robotics & Drones

ETH is a world leader in autonomous systems. The Flying Machine Arena and ANYbotics (robot dogs) were born here.

Quantum Science

The Quantum Center at ETH is pioneering the development of quantum computers and quantum information theory.

Sustainability

Home to the World Food System Center and Energy Science Center, tackling global climate and resource challenges.

Data Science

The Swiss Data Science Center is a joint venture helping to apply ML and AI across all scientific disciplines.

Life Sciences

ETH collaborates closely with the University of Zurich and University Hospital for cutting-edge biomedical research.

Future Cities

The Future Cities Lab develops sustainable urban solutions, with research hubs in Zurich and Singapore.

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate (Bachelor)

Language: German C1 is mandatory. Most Bachelors are in German.
School Leaving Certificate: Swiss Matura or equivalent (e.g., A-Levels, IB, US High School Diploma).
Entrance Exam: If your certificate is not fully recognized (e.g., standard Indian CBSE), you must pass the "Reduced Entrance Exam".
Subjects: Heavy focus on Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in the entrance exam.
No Interviews: Admission is based strictly on documents and/or exam results.
Application Window: Nov 1 - April 30 (Varies for visa-requiring students).

Graduate (Master)

Language: English C1/C2. (TOEFL 100+ / IELTS 7.0+).
Bachelor's Degree: Must be from a top-tier university with excellent grades (Top 10% of class).
Curriculum Match: Your Bachelor's courses must closely match ETH's prerequisites.
GRE: Required for students from non-Bologna (non-EU) states for most programs.
Letters of Recommendation: 2-3 academic references required.
Motivation Letter: Crucial for explaining your research interests.
Portfolio: Strictly required for Architecture and Design applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak German?

For **Bachelor's** programs: YES. Almost all are taught in German, and a C1 certificate is required to apply.
For **Master's** programs: NO. Most are taught entirely in English.

What is the acceptance rate?

ETH does not publish an official "acceptance rate" like US colleges. If you meet the academic requirements (and pass the entrance exam if applicable), you get in. However, the drop-out rate after the first year examinations (Basisprüfung) is high (~30-40%).

Is it expensive to live in Zurich?

Yes. While tuition is very low, Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Students should budget approximately CHF 2,000 - 2,500 per month for living costs (rent, food, insurance).

What is the ETH Entrance Exam?

If your high school diploma is not recognized as equivalent to the Swiss Matura (e.g., many non-EU diplomas), you must sit for an entrance exam in Zurich. It tests Math, Physics, Chem, Bio, and a language, all in German.

25,000+

22

~730 CHF

40%