ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate for International Students

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ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) is one of the world’s top-ranked universities, especially renowned for science, engineering, and technology programs. Ranked 7th globally by QS World University Rankings 2025, it attracts thousands of applicants each year from over 120 countries. Given its academic prestige, the ETH Zurich acceptance rate is estimated at around 27%, though it may vary by program and applicant nationality.

For international students, the acceptance rate is often lower due to high competition and strict eligibility criteria. ETH Zurich maintains rigorous admission standards, especially for postgraduate programs, which are highly selective in fields like Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Architecture.

This blog breaks down the actual acceptance rates, eligibility criteria, and tips to improve your chances. If you’re planning to apply to ETH Zurich in 2025, understanding these numbers is essential to setting realistic expectations and preparing a strong application.

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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	Notes
Overall Acceptance Rate	~27%	Average across all programs and applicants
Undergraduate Programs	25–30%	Higher for Swiss/EU students
Master’s Programs	10–20%	Highly competitive, especially in STEM
International Students (All Levels)	15–20%	Additional documentation required
Computer Science Master’s Program	8–15%	Very selective and high in demand
ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate for Indian Students	~10–15%	Based on academic records and program popularity

Please note: ETH Zurich does not provide official acceptance rates. These numbers are generally based on student experiences and estimated data.

Also check out: Getting Admission despite low Eth Zurich Acceptance Rate

ETH Zurich Acceptance Rate: Eligibility Criteria

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.

Check out: MS in Switzerland for Indian Students

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 2025	Known Competitiveness
ETH Zurich	#7	Highly competitive; especially in Computer Science and Engineering
MIT	#1	~6.7% acceptance; extremely selective
Stanford University	#5	~4% acceptance; extremely selective
University of Cambridge	#2	Varies by course (~20–25%)
University of Toronto	#25	More accessible (~40–45%)

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 (2025 Intake)
Bachelor’s	Non-Swiss certificate holders	1 Dec 2024 – 31 Mar 2025
Master’s	International Bachelor’s holders	1 Nov 2024 – 30 Nov 2024
Master’s	Swiss Bachelor’s holders	1 Apr 2025 – 30 Apr 2025
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.
Well-crafted SOP & LORs	Your Statement of Purpose should clearly explain your goals and fit with ETH Zurich. Ask mentors for detailed and personal Letters of Recommendation.
Language Proficiency	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)
ETH-D Scholarship	Master’s Programs	Partial stipend + assistantship + partial tuition waiver
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships	PhD & Postdoc	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.

Also check out: Scholarships in Switzerland – Requirements & Amount

Conclusion

ETH Zurich stands as one of the most prestigious universities globally, known for its rigorous academic standards and competitive admissions. Whether you're exploring the ETH Zurich acceptance rate for international students, undergraduate, applying to the ETH Zurich graduate program, or targeting the highly sought-after ETH Zurich computer science master’s acceptance rate, planning is essential.

From understanding deadlines and eligibility to preparing strong applications and exploring scholarship options, every step counts. With early preparation, a strong academic background, and attention to detail, your chances of admission can significantly improve.