What is The ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate for International Students in 2025?

ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) is one of the world’s most prestigious universities, renowned for its advanced research, innovative teaching and global academic excellence. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities worldwide, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates including Albert Einstein. Its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and technology makes ETH Zurich a dream destination for ambitious students worldwide.

However, this prestige also comes with fierce competition. The ETH Zurich acceptance rate remains one of the most selective in Europe, reflecting the university’s commitment to academic excellence. This article explores everything you need to know about the acceptance rate at ETH Zurich, especially focusing on international and Indian students along with practical strategies to strengthen your profile and improve your admission chances to Study in Switzerland.

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What is the ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate?

ETH Zurich’s admissions process is highly competitive, with limited seats available for a large pool of talented global applicants. While the university does not release official acceptance figures, recent estimates from reliable educational sources suggest that the ETH Zurich acceptance rate hovers between 25% and 27% overall, depending on the program and applicant category.

This selectivity places ETH Zurich on par with other elite global universities like the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and Technical University of Munich. Its reputation for rigorous academics and high research output attracts top-tier students from every corner of the world.

ETH Zurich Overall Acceptance Rate (2025)

For 2025 admissions, the ETH Zurich overall acceptance rate is estimated at approximately 25–27%, making it one of the most competitive universities in Europe. This figure reflects both undergraduate and postgraduate programs combined.

Below is the table giving a breakdown of acceptance rate according to programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD).

Category	Estimated Acceptance Rate (2025)	Remarks
Overall (All Programs)	25% – 27%	Highly selective with limited seats
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)	25% – 30%	Relatively moderate. A strong foundation needed.
Master’s Programs	10% – 20%	More competitive and rigorous screening
Doctoral (PhD)	~15%	Based on supervisor availability and research proposal

Please note that the university does not release these numbers officially. They are based on previous data and student experiences. Also they vary yearly depending on the number of applicants and program demand.

Acceptance Rate by Program Level

ETH Zurich’s selectivity differs across academic levels. Bachelor’s programs generally have a slightly higher acceptance rate since most applicants come from Swiss or EU countries with equivalent educational systems.

• Bachelor’s Degree: 25–30% acceptance rate, primarily for students who meet strict Swiss matriculation standards.
• Master’s Degree: 10–20% acceptance rate, as applicants are evaluated on GPA, academic background, and research potential.
• PhD Programs: Around 15%, depending on supervisor capacity and research alignment.

In short, while ETH Zurich welcomes global talent, entry is reserved for students with exceptional academic preparation and a clear research focus.

Also check out: Scholarships in Switzerland – Requirements & Amount

 

ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate for International Students

The ETH Zurich acceptance rate for international students is between 15-20% (lower than the general rate), mainly due to the high volume of applications from around the world. Indian and non-EU applicants face additional competition since admissions committees evaluate not only academic credentials but also the equivalence of foreign degrees to Swiss standards.

ETH Zurich seeks candidates who demonstrate strong analytical abilities, relevant academic backgrounds, and language proficiency (English or German). International students are also expected to showcase their motivation for research and innovation, aligning closely with ETH’s academic ethos.

International vs Domestic Admission Statistics

While domestic Swiss and EU students enjoy slightly higher acceptance rates, international applicants often face tighter competition.

Applicant Type	Estimated Acceptance Rate (2025)	Remarks
Swiss/EU Students	25% – 30%	Easier credential recognition
International Students (Non-EU)	10% – 20%	More competitive; strict evaluation
Indian Students	10% – 15%	Strong competition; emphasis on academics and research

These figures highlight the importance of an outstanding academic and research profile when applying from outside Europe.

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Academic and Language Requirements for International Applicants

To qualify for admission, international applicants must meet ETH Zurich’s high academic and linguistic standards:

• Academic excellence: A strong GPA (usually above 8.0/10 or equivalent) in relevant fields.
• Language proficiency: IELTS (minimum 7.0) or TOEFL (minimum 100) for English-taught programs; German proficiency (CEFR B2/C1) for programs taught in German.
• Degree equivalence: The applicant’s previous degree must be recognized as equivalent to a Swiss qualification.
• Research alignment: For Master’s or PhD programs, the proposed research should match the department’s focus areas.

Tips to Improve Your Chances as an International Student

Here are actionable steps to enhance your chances of admission to ETH Zurich:

• Focus on research exposure: Participate in projects, publish papers, or assist professors in relevant research.
• Submit early: ETH Zurich values well-prepared applications submitted before the priority deadlines.
• Prepare a compelling SOP: Clearly articulate your academic goals, motivation, and alignment with ETH’s strengths in SOP.
• Strong recommendation letters: Choose referees who can attest to your research potential and academic rigor.
• Meet language requirements early: Taking your English or German test well before deadlines ensures smooth processing.

By combining strong academics, research achievements and clear documentation, international students, including those from India can improve their chances despite the competitive ETH Zurich acceptance rate for international students.

 

ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate Vs Other University Acceptance Rate

ETH Zurich is among the top universities in the world having one of the most competitive admissions and low acceptance rate, particularly due to 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	Acceptance Rate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	#1	4.6% (Official) – Very Selective
California University of Technology (Caltech)	#10	3% - Very Selective
University of Cambridge	#6	~20-25% (Varies by Course)
ETH Zurich	#7	~8-10% for CS Master’s and 27% Overall
University of Toronto	#29	(~40–45%) More accessible
University of Zurich	#100	~20-25% Moderately difficult

Choosing Between ETH Zurich and University of Zurich

If you are a student aiming for technical or research-driven fields, ETH Zurich is undoubtedly the right choice due to its strong global recognition, world-class laboratories, and industry connections.

However, if your interests lean toward law, social science, economics or medicine, the University of Zurich provides a more flexible academic environment with a slightly higher acceptance rate and broader course options.

In essence, the decision depends on your area of study, preferred teaching style, and readiness to handle the rigorous academic standards of ETH Zurich.

 

When are ETH Zurich’s application deadlines?

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)

 

Factors Affecting ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate

The ETH Zurich acceptance rate remains low primarily because of the university’s elite status, global demand, and limited program capacity. Every year, thousands of brilliant minds compete for a few coveted seats, especially in engineering, computer science, and architecture.

Let’s look at the major factors that influence ETH Zurich’s competitiveness:

1. Academic and Research Excellence

ETH Zurich seeks students with a proven record of academic distinction and a genuine interest in research.

• A strong GPA (usually above 8.0/10 or 3.7/4.0) is crucial.
• Prior exposure to research, internships, or published work strengthens an applicant’s profile.
• Courses aligned with the intended program (for example, advanced calculus or programming for engineering aspirants) are heavily weighted.

2. Program Popularity and Limited Seats

Some programs at ETH Zurich receive thousands of applications each year. Highly demanded fields such as Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture and Data Science have notably lower acceptance rates, sometimes below 10%. The university limits intake to maintain small class sizes and ensure academic quality.

3. Language Proficiency and Documentation

ETH Zurich’s programs require excellent English or German proficiency. Incomplete or poorly translated documents are a common reason for rejection. Applicants must:

• Submit certified transcripts and degree certificates.
• Provide valid language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or German certificates).
• Ensure that research statements and SOPs are precise, well-structured, and relevant to ETH’s program focus.

 

How to Get Admission Despite a Low ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate

Even though the ETH Zurich acceptance rate is highly competitive, securing admission is absolutely possible with a strategic and well-prepared approach. The key lies in academic consistency, strong documentation, and showcasing your motivation for research and innovation.

1. Maintain a consistently high GPA (preferably above 8.0/10 or 3.7/4.0) throughout your academic record.
2. Engage in meaningful research projects, internships, or technical collaborations that reflect your interest in your chosen field.
3. Write a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) that clearly conveys your goals, achievements, and alignment with ETH Zurich’s academic strengths.
4. Obtain strong recommendation letters from professors or mentors who can vouch for your analytical skills and research aptitude.
5. Meet all language requirements early. Aim for IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+ for English-taught programs, or B2/C1 CEFR level for German-taught ones.
6. Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues and show preparedness.
7. Ensure every document (transcripts, certificates, test scores) is verified, translated, and formatted as per ETH guidelines.
8. Explore multiple programs at ETH Zurich that align with your academic background to increase your chances of selection.
9. Stay updated with current research at ETH Zurich departments and mention relevant faculty or projects in your application.

With thorough preparation, clear documentation, and a focused academic narrative, even international applicants can stand out and secure admission despite the low ETH Zurich acceptance rate.

 

ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate Trends Over the Years

Over the past decade, the ETH Zurich acceptance rate has gradually decreased, reflecting the university’s growing global reputation and the surge in international applications, especially from Asia and India. With ETH Zurich consistently ranking among the top 10 universities worldwide, more students are competing for limited seats across programs like Engineering, Computer Science, and Architecture.

While official numbers aren’t publicly disclosed, data estimates and trends from educational reports show that acceptance rates have tightened by around 5–7% over the last few years. Here’s an approximate trend based on available insights:

Year	Estimated ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate	Key Insight
2018	~30%	Moderate competition; fewer global applicants
2020	~28%	Increased international interest post global rankings boost
2022	~26%	Strong rise in Master’s and PhD applications
2024	~25%	Higher academic bar and stricter evaluation
2025 (Projected)	24–25%	Intense competition; growth in Indian and Asian applicants

The declining acceptance trend clearly mirrors ETH Zurich’s growing international appeal. As global rankings and research visibility continue to rise, prospective students should prepare for even more selective admission rounds in the coming years.

 

Conclusion

ETH Zurich stands as a symbol of excellence in science, engineering and research - a university where innovation meets tradition. With a low ETH Zurich acceptance rate, especially for international and Indian students, admission is undeniably challenging. Yet, with a strong academic record, well-crafted application and thorough preparation students can obtain the admission.

While other European institutions like the University of Zurich offer more accessible entry routes, ETH Zurich remains a top-tier choice for those aiming for world-class education and global career prospects. Ultimately, the ETH Zurich acceptance rate is not a deterrent but a benchmark, which is a sign that only the most dedicated and passionate learners join its ranks, ready to contribute to the world’s next big innovations.

Feeling overwhelmed? upGrad can guide you through eligibility, applications, and scholarships. Book a 1:1 free counselling session with upGrad experts today to get personalized support and boost your admission chances.