ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) is one of the world’s top-ranked universities in Switzerland, placed 7th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The overall ETH Zurich acceptance rate is 27%, with undergraduate programs 25–30%, master’s programs 10–20%, Computer Science MSc 8–15%, and international students 15–20%. Indian students applying to popular master’s programs have an estimated acceptance rate of 10–15%. With over 22,000 students, 40% from outside Switzerland, ETH Zurich is highly respected for engineering, computer science, and natural sciences, making admission very competitive.
ETH Zurich attracts thousands of applicants from more than 120 countries each year. Postgraduate programs are especially selective, requiring top academic records, research experience, strong recommendation letters, and language proficiency (TOEFL ≥100, IELTS ≥7). Popular fields like Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Architecture are highly competitive, while undergraduate programs are slightly more accessible.
In this blog, we break down the ETH Zurich acceptance rate for 2025, program-specific estimates, eligibility criteria for bachelors and master’s programs, application deadlines, tips to improve your admission chances, and scholarships available for international students.
Explore top universities, costs, and visa details in our complete guide:Study in Switzerland
What is the ETH Zurich acceptance rate in 2025?
ETH Zurich is one of the most prestigious technical universities in the world, which naturally makes it highly selective. The ETH Zurich acceptance rate in 2025 is estimated at around 27% overall, but this varies depending on the course level and applicant background. Undergraduate programs tend to have a slightly higher acceptance rate, while master’s programs, especially in popular fields like Computer Science, are much more competitive.
For international students, the acceptance rate is usually lower due to tougher eligibility checks, academic equivalency, and limited seats. For instance, the ETH Zurich acceptance rate for Indian students is estimated to be between 10–15%, depending on the program.
Below is a breakdown of estimated acceptance rates for different categories:
ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate 2025 (Estimated):
Program Type
Estimated Acceptance Rate
Overall Acceptance Rate
~27%
Undergraduate Programs
25–30%
Master’s Programs
10–20%
International Students (All Levels)
15–20%
Computer Science Master’s Program
8–15%
ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate for Indian Students
~10–15%
Please note: ETH Zurich does not provide official acceptance rates. These numbers are generally based on student experiences and estimated data.
ETH Zurich follows a strict and merit-based admission process, especially for international students. Whether you're applying for a bachelor's, master's, or PhD program, you must meet the minimum academic and language requirements set by the university.
Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor's Programs
Academic Qualification: You must have completed your school-leaving certificate equivalent to the Swiss Matura. Indian students need an excellent score in JEE Advanced to qualify.
Language Proficiency: ETH Zurich’s undergraduate courses are taught in German. You must show proficiency through recognized tests like TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe-Zertifikat C1/C2.
Eligibility Criteria for Master's Programs
Bachelor’s Degree: You need a strong academic background in a relevant field from a recognized university.
Grades: ETH Zurich expects students to be in the top 10–15% of their class.
Prerequisite Knowledge: Some master’s programs (especially in Engineering and Computer Science) require prior coursework in specific subjects.
Language Proficiency: Many master’s programs are taught in English. You must provide IELTS (minimum 7.0) or TOEFL (minimum 100) scores.
How competitive is ETH Zurich compared to other global universities?
ETH Zurich is widely ranked among the top 10 universities worldwide, making it highly competitive, particularly in STEM and research disciplines. Alongside institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Oxford, ETH stands out for its academic rigour, research excellence, and global recognition.
ETH Zurich vs. Other Global Universities (2025):
University
QS Ranking 2026
Known Competitiveness
ETH Zurich
#7
Highly competitive; especially in Computer Science and Engineering
ETH Zurich has specific deadlines for each program level, and the application window varies depending on whether you're a Swiss or international applicant. These dates are crucial, especially for non-EU/EEA students like those from India, due to additional time needed for visa processing and document verification.
ETH Zurich does not offer rolling admissions for bachelor’s or master’s programs. All applications must be submitted within the designated period to be considered.
ETH Zurich Application Deadlines (2025 Intake)
Program Level
Applicant Type
Application Period (2026 Intake)
Bachelor’s
Non-Swiss certificate holders
1 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026
Master’s
International Bachelor’s holders
1 Nov 2025 – 30 Nov 2026
Master’s
Swiss Bachelor’s holders
1 Apr 2026 – 30 Apr 2026
PhD
All applicants
Rolling (varies by department)
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into ETH Zurich?
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s top technical universities, and its acceptance rate is highly competitive, especially for international students. Whether you're applying for undergraduate or master’s programs like ETH Zurich MSc in Computer Science, here are key ways to stand out:
Tips to Boost Your Admission Chances
Strategy
Details
Academic Excellence
Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher (or 85 %+). ETH Zurich looks for top academic performers with a strong foundation in STEM.
Strong Subject Background
For programs like Computer Science, make sure you’ve studied math, physics, and programming intensively in your previous education.
Research Experience
Having publications, thesis work, or internship projects in your field adds value, especially for ETH Zurich graduate program applications.
Provide valid proof of language skills: C1 in German (Bachelor) or B2 in English (Master), as per program requirements.
Apply Early & Precisely
International students, especially from India, must follow the November Master’s deadline strictly. Early preparation is key.
Does ETH Zurich Offer Scholarships to International Students?
Yes, ETH Zurich offers multiple scholarship programs for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These scholarships are merit-based and help cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both.
Key Scholarships Offered by ETH Zurich:
Scholarship Name
Eligible Programs
What It Covers
ETH Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
Master’s Programs
Full tuition waiver + living expenses (CHF 12,000/semester)
Monthly stipend, tuition waiver, insurance (offered by the Swiss Govt)
ETH Zurich Bachelor Scholarship
Bachelor’s (rare, mostly for Swiss citizens)
Mainly for domestic applicants; international support is limited
Please note: Scholarships are highly competitive. Strong academic records, research potential, and a compelling Statement of Purpose significantly improve your chances.
ETH Zurich is one of the top universities in the world, and admission is highly competitive. With an overall acceptance rate of around 27 percent, and lower for international students and programs like Computer Science, careful planning and preparation are key. Meeting deadlines and building a strong academic profile can make a big difference.
Every detail counts, from research experience and recommendation letters to language proficiency and a strong statement of purpose. With focus and dedication, you can improve your chances and turn your dream of studying at ETH Zurich into reality.
Can work experience boost my ETH Zurich admission chances?
Yes, relevant work experience in STEM fields or research internships can enhance your application. ETH Zurich values practical exposure alongside academic excellence. Documenting impactful projects, coding, or engineering experience can make your profile stand out even if your acceptance rate statistics seem low.
How important is the SOP for ETH Zurich admission?
A compelling Statement of Purpose is crucial for ETH Zurich. Clearly explain your goals, motivation, and fit with the program. A strong SOP can differentiate your application, especially for applicants facing low acceptance rates, by showcasing personal achievements, research interests, and future aspirations.
Do recommendation letters affect ETH Zurich acceptance?
Yes, recommendation letters are key for ETH Zurich admission. Strong, personalized endorsements from professors or employers highlight your academic skills, research potential, and character. High-quality LORs can offset lower grades or limited prior exposure, boosting chances despite competitive acceptance statistics.
Can ETH Zurich consider self-taught skills for admission?
Yes, the “Future Innovators” track allows applicants with unconventional backgrounds, such as self-taught coding, startups, or independent research, to be considered. Highlighting unique skills and personal projects can improve your odds, even if general acceptance rates for your program are low.
Does early application improve chances at ETH Zurich?
Applying early shows preparedness and ensures full consideration before seats are limited. Meeting deadlines, especially for master’s programs with international applicants, can significantly increase your probability of admission, even in programs with a low acceptance rate.
Are language test scores critical for admission chances?
Yes, meeting language proficiency requirements (TOEFL ≥100, IELTS ≥7 for English; TestDaF/DSH for German) is mandatory. Strong language scores demonstrate readiness for ETH Zurich’s rigorous curriculum and can strengthen your application in competitive programs with low acceptance percentages.
Can research publications impact admission success?
Yes, research publications, thesis work, or conference presentations can significantly enhance your profile. ETH Zurich highly values demonstrated research potential, which can compensate for other areas and improve your chances despite the university’s overall low acceptance rates.
How do scholarships affect ETH Zurich admission?
While scholarships primarily provide financial support, they also reflect merit and academic potential. Applying for competitive scholarships like ESOP or ETH-D demonstrates excellence and can indirectly strengthen your admission profile, increasing odds in programs with limited acceptance.
Are non-academic achievements considered for admission?
Yes, ETH Zurich’s admissions, especially under “Future Innovators,” appreciate extraordinary non-academic achievements such as entrepreneurship, innovation, or volunteer projects. Highlighting these can enhance your candidacy even if the acceptance rate is generally low for your program.
Does attending ETH Zurich webinars help admission chances?
Participating in ETH Zurich info sessions or webinars helps understand requirements and shows genuine interest. Engaging with admissions officers, asking informed questions, and showcasing this knowledge in your application can improve chances despite low program acceptance rates.
Can prior coursework deficiencies be offset in admission?
Yes, demonstrating competence through additional courses, certifications, or MOOCs can help offset gaps in prerequisite knowledge. ETH Zurich evaluates applicants holistically, so relevant preparation can strengthen your profile in competitive programs with low acceptance rates.
Is networking with ETH alumni beneficial for admission?
Connecting with ETH Zurich alumni can provide insights into expectations, selection criteria, and program specifics. Their guidance can help refine your application, improve your SOP, and highlight strategies to increase admission chances despite the university’s competitive acceptance rate.
