The ETH Zurich acceptance rate is highly selective, reflecting the university’s global reputation in STEM education and research. For 2025, the overall acceptance rate is estimated at 25–27%, but it varies by program. Bachelor’s programs typically see acceptance rates of 25–30%, while Master’s programs are more competitive, ranging from 10–20% due to limited seats and strong international demand. Admission decisions focus on academic excellence, including strong grades, relevant coursework, and meeting program-specific prerequisites. Some Bachelor’s applicants may also need to pass an entrance exam, depending on prior qualifications and country of study.
Key Statistics briefly:
Key Metric
Detail
Approximate Acceptance Rate
25%-27% (estimated)
Master’s Programs
Highly selective, limited seats
Bachelor Programs
Strict entrance requirements based on academic equivalency
International Students
Strong global representation, ~35% of the student body
ETH Zurich doesn’t publish official acceptance rates, but it describes its Master’s admissions as “highly selective,” especially for top-performing Bachelor’s graduates. While there are no formal quotas at any level, third-party estimates suggest acceptance rates of about 25–30% for Bachelor’s programs, 10–20% for Master’s, and 10–15% for PhDs, based on total enrollment of 21,299 students and known application numbers.
ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate V/S Other Top Universities Acceptance Rate
ETH Zurich does not publish an official acceptance rate, but the estimated acceptance rate is around 27% based on analyses of application volumes and enrollment (21,299 students). MIT reports 4.6% (1,334 admits from 29,281 applicants), Stanford 3.9% (2,190 from 55,471), Oxford undergraduate ~14% (3,245 from 23,061), and Imperial College London ~10-15% in STEM.
Note: ETH Zurich offers higher chances of admission and lower tuition ₹1.6 lakh/year (CHF 1,460/year) for qualified STEM applicants compared to U.S. universities, where acceptance rates often fall below 5%.
Key Admission Requirements for ETH Zurich Applicants
ETH Zurich sets strict admission standards for each program, focusing on academic excellence. There are no fixed quotas, but candidates must meet program-specific criteria. Applicants should note that the ₹5,500 (CHF 50) application fee is for submitting the online application, while tuition is ₹1.6 lakh/year (CHF 1,460/year).
Requirement
Bachelor’s Details
Master’s Details
Language
German C1 (required for all courses)
English or German, depending on program (TOEFL/IELTS optional)
Academic
Swiss Matura (high school leaving certificate) or equivalent.
Non-Swiss applicants must pass the entrance exam in math, physics, and chemistry.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with top performance (GPA roughly 4.5/6.0 or higher)
Documents
High school diploma, language certificate, and entrance exam results
NOTE: Doctoral admission differs fundamentally; applicants secure professor sponsorship first, then formalize via faculty recommendation rather than open competition.
ETH Zurich Application Process and Timeline
ETH Zurich's centralized eApply portal manages all applications with program-specific windows, no extensions or late submissions permitted, ensuring fairness in quota-free admissions. Bachelor's non-Swiss applicants follow distinct timelines with mandatory entrance examinations, while Master's are divided by nationality/degree origin (international deadlines precede Swiss by months).
Detailed Step-by-Step Application Process:
Verify Eligibility (1-2 weeks prep): Cross-check academic qualifications against Swiss standards, confirm language proficiency (German C1 mandatory for Bachelor's via Goethe/ÖSD certificates), and review program-specific prerequisites on ethz.ch.
Register eApply Account: Create an account during open application windows only; Swiss Bachelor's applicants use separate Master's portal access.
Complete & Submit Application: Upload ALL required documents: transcripts (translated/official), detailed CV, 1–2-page motivation letter (program/research fit), 2-3 academic recommendations, language certificates, and passport copy. Pay a ₹13,500 (CHF 150) non-refundable fee via card.
Entrance Examination (Bachelor's non-Swiss only): Post-approval, register for a comprehensive reduced entrance exam (mathematics, physics, chemistry) testing university-level readiness; practice materials available officially.
Admission Decision & Enrollment: Monitor eApply status daily; accept offer electronically, pay first tuition semester ₹82,398 (CHF 730), complete visa/immigration formalities, and attend mandatory orientation.
ETH Zurich 2026 Intake Timeline
ETH Zurich 2026 applications follow strict program-specific windows via eApply; no extensions granted. International Master's applicants must apply months ahead of Swiss peers; Bachelor's non-Swiss require exam registration.
Program
Application Period
Entry Semester
Bachelor’s (non-Swiss certificate)
1 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026
Autumn only
Bachelor’s (Swiss certificate)
1 Dec 2025 – 30 Apr 2026
Autumn only
Master’s (non-Swiss Bachelor’s)
1–30 Nov 2025
Autumn only
Master’s (Swiss Bachelor’s or equivalent)
1–30 Apr 2026
Autumn only
Proven Tips to Improve Your Chances at ETH Zurich
Getting into ETH Zurich is highly competitive, but careful preparation can make a difference. Focus on aligning your chosen program with your academic strengths, maintaining a strong GPA, and preparing thoroughly for language and entrance exam requirements.
1. Align Your Program with Your Strengths Choose programs that match your strongest academic background. For Master’s applicants, ETH gives heavy weight to your Bachelor’s GPA (aim for a Swiss equivalent of 4.5/6.0 or higher) and the reputation of your previous university.
2. Prepare for Bachelor’s Entrance Requirements If you’re applying for a Bachelor’s program, start early with German C1 language proficiency. Non-Swiss applicants must also pass the reduced entrance exam in math, physics, and chemistry. Use ETH’s official practice materials and focus on understanding core concepts.
3. Craft a Strong Motivation Letter Your motivation letter (1–2 pages) should highlight:
Why you want to study at ETH Zurich
Your prior academic and research achievements
Specific ETH research areas or projects that align with your interests
4. Secure Strong Recommendation Letters Get 2–3 recommendation letters from professors who know your work well. Strong references can reinforce your academic credibility and highlight your potential for success at ETH.
5. Focus on Holistic Excellence ETH evaluates applicants on a combination of GPA, university prestige, exam results, language proficiency, and personal motivation. Balancing all these aspects increases your chances of admission.
Conclusion
The ETH Zurich acceptance rate of around 27% offers strong opportunities for qualified STEM applicants compared to highly selective schools like MIT or Stanford. With affordable tuition of ₹ 1.6 lakh (CHF 1,460)/year and world-class research facilities, success depends on a strong GPA (Swiss equivalent 4.5/6.0 or higher), German C1 for Bachelor’s applicants, and meeting the 2026 application deadlines.
If you are still unsure, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.
FAQs
Is ETH Zurich hard to get into?
Yes, ETH Zurich is highly selective. Its overall estimated acceptance rate is around 27%, but this varies by program and level. Master’s and PhD programs are especially competitive, with some programs seeing acceptance rates as low as 10–15%.
Can an Indian student get into ETH Zurich?
Absolutely. Indian students make up a notable portion of the international student body, which is around 35% of total enrollment. Strong grades, relevant coursework, and research experience are key, along with English proficiency and well-prepared applications.
How much does it cost to go to ETH Zurich?
Tuition at a top university is relatively low, around ₹1,60,000 (CHF 1,500) per semester. However, living costs in Zurich are higher, averaging ₹1,60,000–₹2,15,000 (CHF 1,500–2,000) per month for accommodation, food, transport, and insurance. Scholarships can significantly help in reducing these expenses.
Do acceptance rates vary by program or department at ETH Zurich?
Yes, acceptance rates differ widely by department. Engineering, Computer Science, and Architecture programs are among the toughest, with acceptance rates often below 20%. Less competitive programs in pure sciences or interdisciplinary fields tend to admit a slightly higher proportion of applicants.
Is ETH better than Oxford?
It depends on your field. ETH excels in STEM, engineering, and technology, while Oxford is strong in humanities, law, and social sciences. ETH graduates have high employability; over 80% of Master’s students find jobs within six months of graduation.
What is the application deadline for ETH Zurich?
Bachelor’s program applications usually close in early March, while Master’s programs accept applications until mid-December to February. PhD deadlines vary by supervisor availability. Applying early improves chances for both admission and scholarships.
Does ETH Zurich offer scholarships to international students?
Yes, including the ETH Excellence Scholarship for Master’s students. These awards cover tuition, living expenses, or both. Around 20–25% of top Master’s applicants may receive some form of funding.
Are entrance exams required for ETH Zurich?
Bachelor’s applicants from some countries must pass entrance exams or meet equivalency requirements. Master’s programs rely more on GPA and prior coursework. For STEM fields, strong math and science foundations are essential.
Can students work while studying at ETH Zurich?
Yes, students can work part-time, usually up to 15–20 hours per week during semesters. This helps cover living expenses but rarely offsets tuition fully. Approximately 30% of international students take on part-time jobs.
Do you need to know German to study at ETH Zurich?
Most Master’s and PhD programs are taught in English. German is optional but helpful for daily life and internships. Around 60% of Bachelor courses may require basic German proficiency.
How long does the ETH Zurich admission process take?
Evaluation can take 6–12 weeks for Master’s applications. PhD applications may take longer due to supervisor matching. Early submission ensures enough time for document verification and recommendation letters.
How does ETH Zurich select PhD candidates?
PhD admissions focus heavily on research fit with a faculty supervisor. About 10–15% of applicants are admitted annually, depending on available projects. A strong research proposal and alignment with ETH’s labs are critical.
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