Study at ETH Zurich
Study at one of Europe's leading universities for engineering, technology, computer science, architecture, natural sciences, mathematics, and innovation.
Where Einstein Studied
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich), founded in 1855, is one of the world's leading universities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Located in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland, ETH consistently ranks among the top 10 universities globally.
ETH Zurich has produced 22 Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Einstein, who studied and later taught at the institution. The university is renowned for its pioneering research in artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, climate science, and advanced engineering.
With over 24,500 students from more than 120 countries, ETH Zurich combines Swiss precision and quality with a deeply international academic culture. Its graduates are among the most sought-after by global employers, and the university has spawned over 500 spin-off companies.
Academic Departments
16 departments covering science, engineering, architecture, and management
Department of Computer Science
English (MSc), German (BSc)
Department of Mechanical & Process Engineering
German (BSc), English (MSc)
Department of Electrical Engineering & IT
German (BSc), English (MSc)
Department of Architecture
German (BSc), English (MSc)
Department of Mathematics
German (BSc), English (MSc)
Department of Physics
German (BSc), English (MSc)
Department of Chemistry & Applied Biosciences
German (BSc), English (MSc)
Department of Biology
German (BSc), English (MSc)
Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering
German (BSc), English (MSc)
Department of Management, Technology & Economics
English
Department of Earth Sciences
German (BSc), English (MSc)
Department of Health Sciences & Technology
German (BSc), English (MSc)
Fees & Costs
Tuition Fees
Semester Fee
CHF 730 per semester (approximately β¬750 / USD $820)
CHF 1,460 per year (same for Swiss and international students)
ETH Zurich charges the same low tuition for all students regardless of nationality β one of the most affordable top universities globally.
Monthly Living Costs
Tuition fees and living expenses are approximate estimates based on official ETH Zurich information and may change annually. Students should verify the latest fees on the official ETH Zurich website before applying.
Scholarships & Funding
Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
Full living costs grant + tuition waiver for Master's studies
Outstanding Master's students with excellent academic record (top 2-3% of applicants)
Highly competitive β approximately 50 scholarships awarded per year
ETH-D Scholarship
CHF 12,000/year + tuition waiver
ETH Zurich Bachelor's students continuing to Master's with excellent grades
Internal scholarship for continuing ETH students
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Monthly allowance + tuition + health insurance + travel
International students from selected countries for research or postgraduate studies
Administered by the Swiss government for foreign scholars
Doctoral Funding
Full salary (CHF 50,000 β 90,000/year)
All doctoral students at ETH Zurich are employed as research/teaching assistants
PhD students receive a competitive salary β not a scholarship but employment
External Scholarships
Varies
Various private foundations and government programmes
ETH maintains a database of external funding sources for international students
Admission Requirements
Deadline
1 December (early) / 15 December (regular) for autumn semester β varies by programme
Most Master's programmes are taught in English. Admission is competitive β a strong academic background is essential.
Life at ETH Zurich
Swiss precision meets international academic culture in one of Europe's most liveable cities
ETH Main Building
The iconic main building on RΓ€mistrasse with panoramic views of Zurich β home to lectures, the library, and the famous Polyterrasse.
Research Labs
State-of-the-art laboratories including the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre, clean rooms, and the ETH Quantum Center.
Student Associations
150+ student organizations including VSETH (student union), cultural groups, sports clubs, and entrepreneurship societies.
Sports & Fitness
ASVZ sports programme offering 120+ activities β from sailing on Lake Zurich to skiing in the Alps, all included in semester fees.
Student Housing
WOKO and Wohnbaugenossenschaft cooperatives offer affordable student housing. ETH assists international students with accommodation.
Zurich City Life
One of the world's most liveable cities β stunning lake, vibrant culture, excellent public transport, and access to the Swiss Alps.
Innovation & Startups
ETH ieLab, Student Project House, and Pioneer Fellowship programme support student entrepreneurs and spin-offs.
Libraries & Study Spaces
ETH Library with 8 million documents, 24/7 study spaces, and the HΓΆnggerberg campus with modern architecture.
Research, Innovation & Career Outcomes
Research Excellence
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
Home to world-leading AI research including autonomous systems, machine learning, and the Robotic Systems Lab.
Quantum Computing
ETH Quantum Center β pioneering quantum information processing, quantum sensing, and quantum communication.
Climate & Sustainability
Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science leading global climate research and the ETH Sustainability initiative.
Biomedical Engineering
Department of Health Sciences and Technology developing medical devices, neural interfaces, and rehabilitation robotics.
Advanced Manufacturing
Multi-scale manufacturing research including 3D printing, nanotechnology, and smart materials.
Space & Particle Physics
Contributions to CERN, space mission instrumentation, and fundamental physics research.
International Students
Over 40% of students and 70% of faculty come from outside Switzerland, representing 120+ countries
Your Path to ETH Zurich Starts Here
EducationalHub provides end-to-end support for your ETH Zurich application
Expert ETH Counselors
Advisors who understand ETH Zurich's unique admission process including entrance exams and programme-specific prerequisites.
Programme Selection
Guidance choosing the right department and programme across ETH's 16 departments and 100+ specialisations.
Application Strategy
Help with motivation letters, CV preparation, reference letters, and meeting programme-specific requirements.
Scholarship Guidance
Identify and apply for ESOP, Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, and external funding opportunities.
Visa & Residence Permit
Complete support for Swiss student visa and residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung) applications.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Accommodation search, health insurance setup, orientation planning, and settling into life in Zurich.
ETH Zurich Admission Enquiry
Let our experienced counselors guide your ETH Zurich application
Hear from ETH Students
Lukas M.
Germany
βETH's computer science programme is incredibly rigorous but the quality of teaching and research opportunities are unmatched. The proximity to Google, IBM, and Swiss tech startups made internships easy to find.β
MSc Computer Science
Priya K.
India
βThe research facilities at ETH are extraordinary. Working alongside world-class professors on cutting-edge robotics gave me skills that opened doors across Europe and beyond.β
MSc Robotics, Systems & Control
Carlos R.
Spain
βETH Architecture combines Swiss precision with creative freedom. The digital fabrication labs and computational design tools here are among the best in the world.β
MSc Architecture
Testimonials are representative examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor's programmes are primarily taught in German. Most Master's programmes are taught entirely in English. Doctoral research is conducted predominantly in English. ETH offers free German language courses for international students.
ETH Zurich charges CHF 730 per semester (approximately β¬750) for all students regardless of nationality. This makes it one of the most affordable world-class universities. However, living costs in Zurich are high (CHF 1,800β2,800/month).
You need a relevant Bachelor's degree with strong grades (typically top third of your class), English proficiency (TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+), and programme-specific prerequisites. Some programmes require GRE scores. Admission is competitive.
Yes. The Excellence Scholarship (ESOP) covers living costs and tuition for outstanding Master's students. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are available for postgraduate students from many countries. All doctoral students receive a salary.
Yes. EducationalHub provides expert guidance on programme selection, application strategy, entrance exam preparation, scholarship applications, visa processing, accommodation planning, and pre-departure support tailored to ETH Zurich.
Options include WOKO student cooperatives (CHF 500-800/month), private shared apartments (WGs), and ETH-affiliated housing. Zurich's housing market is competitive, so early application is essential. ETH assists new international students.
For Master's and doctoral programmes: usually not, as most are in English. For Bachelor's programmes: yes, German C1 level is required. ETH offers free German courses, and many international students learn German during their studies.
ETH graduates are highly sought after globally. Over 95% find employment within one year. Switzerland offers a 6-month job-seeking visa extension after graduation. Average starting salaries exceed CHF 95,000 in Switzerland.