Study at ETH Zurich – The Complete International Guide 2026

You stand on the Polyterrasse viewing terrace, dozens of meters above the rooftops of Zurich. To your left, Lake Zurich glistens; to your right – on a clear day – you can see the Alps mountain range with the snow-capped Säntis on the horizon. Behind you is the neoclassical facade of the Hauptgebäude, the university’s Main Building, where Albert Einstein took his physics exams, Wolfgang Pauli formulated the exclusion principle, and Niklaus Wirth designed the Pascal language. This is no mere monument to the past – this is a campus where the future is being built today: from machine learning algorithms to walking robots, from new quantum materials to technologies for removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Welcome to ETH Zurich – the only technical university in continental Europe that consistently ranks in the global top ten.

ETH Zurich – full name Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) – is a paradox that should interest any international student dreaming of top-tier STEM education. On one hand: 22 Nobel laureates, QS ranking #7 worldwide, a reputation on par with MIT and Cambridge. On the other: tuition fees of just 730 CHF per semester – identical for Swiss and international students, with no hidden surcharges, no “international fee.” No other university of comparable prestige offers such a low financial barrier. The catch? Zurich is one of the most expensive cities on the planet, and gaining admission to bachelor’s studies requires passing an entrance exam and – more challenging – surviving the brutal Basisprüfung (first-year examination series) after the first year.

In this guide, I will walk you through the entire process: from admissions and the entrance exam, through language requirements (yes – you’ll need German for bachelor’s), living costs in Zurich, to scholarships and career prospects. I will compare ETH with EPFL Lausanne and TU Munich so you can make an informed decision. If you’re interested in a broader perspective on the Swiss system, start with our guide to studying in Switzerland.

Rankings and Reputation – Why ETH is Exceptional

ETH Zurich is the only university on the European continent that regularly appears in the top 10 global rankings – competing directly with MIT, Stanford, and Cambridge, not with other European technical universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, ETH ranks 7th worldwide, and in QS Engineering & Technology 2025 – 5th place, surpassing both Oxford and Cambridge. The Times Higher Education 2025 ranking places ETH in 11th position, and the Shanghai ARWU 2024 – at 21st. Regardless of the methodology, ETH is always at the forefront.

These dry numbers gain significance when you compare them to the competition on the continent. The next university from continental Europe in the QS ranking is EPFL at position ~36, and TU Munich at ~37. The distance is enormous – ETH does not compete with other European technical universities, but with the best Anglo-Saxon institutions. In specific fields, it looks even more impressive: Computer Science QS #6 (ahead of Cambridge), Physics #9 (ahead of Princeton), Architecture top 5 (alongside MIT and UCL). This is a level that, in Europe outside of Oxbridge, is unattainable.

But rankings are one thing – reputation is another. ETH boasts 22 Nobel laureates, including Albert Einstein (Physics, 1921), Wolfgang Pauli (Physics, 1945), Richard Ernst (Chemistry, 1991), and Kurt Wüthrich (Chemistry, 2002). ETH alumni have defined contemporary architecture (Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron – Tate Modern, Beijing National Stadium; Santiago Calatrava – The Oculus in New York); and Niklaus Wirth created the Pascal language here. This is a university that doesn’t just teach – it shapes the world.

Admissions Step-by-Step – Entrance Exam and Basisprüfung

ETH Zurich has a specific admissions system that fundamentally differs from most European universities. Your high school diploma is recognized, but it’s not enough for direct admission to bachelor’s studies – you must pass an entrance exam. This distinguishes ETH from Dutch, Italian, or German universities, where an international high school diploma is often sufficient. At the master’s level, admissions are simpler and based on documents.

The Reduced Entrance Exam is an easier path, available for candidates with appropriate subjects in their advanced level high school exams. If you took mathematics, physics, and chemistry at an advanced level with results of at least 70–80%, you might only need to take an exam in missing subjects – for example, only biology, if you didn’t have it at an advanced level. The exam takes place in September in Zurich, in written and oral form, in German or English (depending on the subject). This is definitely the preferred path – contact the ETH Admissions Office to confirm which subjects you need to take.

The Comprehensive Entrance Exam is a full entrance exam, covering mathematics (analysis and linear algebra), physics, chemistry, biology, German language, and a second foreign language. The written part takes place in July/August, the oral in September – all in Zurich. The pass rate is about 20–30%, making this exam one of the most difficult entry barriers in Europe. ETH offers an 8-month preparatory course (Vorbereitungskurs) for about 5,500 CHF, held from January to August in Zurich – many candidates consider this year an investment.

There is also a third path: completing the first year at a recognized university (e.g., a technical university in your home country) with good results and applying for a transfer. ETH will then evaluate your transcript and decide individually. This is an option for those who want to “test” engineering studies first before committing to Zurich.

But the real selection filter at ETH is not the entrance exam – it’s the Basisprüfung, a series of exams after the first year of studies. ETH employs a “easier to get in, harder to survive” philosophy: the university admits relatively broadly, and then ruthlessly selects based on academic performance. The Basisprüfung covers all first-year subjects, and 30–50% of students do not pass it the first time – depending on the program. You are allowed one retake (you repeat the entire first year). If you fail a second time – you are expelled from the program and cannot re-enroll in it at ETH. This is a brutally fair system: selection is based on what you have actually learned, not on high school grades.

You can find more about converting international high school diploma results to foreign systems in our detailed guide.

Language Requirements – A Crucial Factor

Here’s a piece of information that many sources overlook or downplay: all bachelor’s programs at ETH Zurich are taught in German. There are no English-language bachelor’s programs – not even for computer science, not even for mathematics. Some lectures in later years may be in English, but exams, exercises, and teaching materials in the first and second year are in German. The required level is C1, confirmed by a Goethe-Zertifikat C1, TestDaF 4–5, or DSH-2 certificate.

For an international student, this means 2–3 years of intensive German language study before starting university – unless you attended a school with advanced German or a German-speaking high school. This is a serious time commitment, but ETH makes no compromises here. If German deters you, consider two alternatives: EPFL Lausanne (bachelor’s in French) or master’s studies at ETH – at this level, most programs are taught in English or are bilingual. The required certificate is TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS Academic 7.0. If you plan this path, prepare thoroughly with prepclass.io, which offers full TOEFL and IELTS practice tests with AI feedback.

It’s also worth knowing that even for English-taught master’s programs, knowledge of German is a huge asset in daily life in Zurich – from finding accommodation to dealing with authorities and working. Zurich, unlike Amsterdam or Copenhagen, is not a city where “everyone speaks English.” You can find more about choosing between TOEFL and IELTS in our comparison of both exams.

Fields of Study – ETH’s Strongest Programs

ETH Zurich offers 23 bachelor’s programs and over 40 master’s programs, focused exclusively on STEM, architecture, and systems sciences. This is not a universal university – there is no law, medicine (though there is Health Sciences & Technology), economics in the traditional sense, or humanities as standalone fields. ETH does one thing – and it does it better than almost anyone in the world.

Computer Science (D-INFK) is the flagship program and the best computer science program in Europe (QS Computer Science 2025: #6 worldwide, ahead of Cambridge). The department educates industry pioneers – graduates go to Google (which has its second-largest R&D office worldwide in Zurich), Apple, Meta, and found their own startups. The bachelor’s program covers algorithms, system programming, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer graphics. At the master’s level, specializations include machine learning, cybersecurity, and computer vision – all in English. If you’re interested in computer science at a level that is unattainable in Europe outside of Imperial College and Cambridge – ETH is your goal.

Physics (D-PHYS) is the department where Einstein, Pauli, Schrödinger, and Debye worked. Today, ETH is a leader in condensed matter physics, quantum optics, and particle physics – the proximity to CERN in Geneva (2.5 hours by train) is an additional advantage utilized by students and doctoral candidates. QS Physics 2025: #9 worldwide. The program is extremely demanding – the Basisprüfung for physics has one of the highest failure rates.

Architecture (D-ARCH) is one of the best architecture programs on the planet (QS Architecture 2025: top 5). Alumni – Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron (Tate Modern, Elbphilharmonie), Santiago Calatrava (The Oculus, Alamillo Bridge), Peter Zumthor (Therme Vals) – have defined contemporary architecture. The program combines design with structural engineering and urban planning in a way that most architecture schools can only emulate.

Mathematics (D-MATH) has educated Fields Medal laureates and is one of the strongest departments in the world. Programs include pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, and actuarial science. For mathematically gifted students – especially those who have won Olympiads – ETH is one of the best options alongside Cambridge and Sorbonne/PSL.

Mechanical Engineering and Robotics (D-MAVT) combines classical engineering with robotics, energy, and autonomous systems. ETH is a European leader in robotics – this is where ANYmal (a quadruped robot for industrial inspection) was created, and the spin-off Wingtra produces drones for terrain mapping. If you are interested in robotics, there is simply no better place in Europe.

Chemistry and Biology (D-CHAB, D-BIOL) – ETH has four Nobel laureates in Chemistry in the 21st century. The proximity to the pharmaceutical industry in Basel (Novartis, Roche – both among the top 10 pharma companies worldwide) means that graduates have direct access to the best employers in the industry. The programs combine fundamental science with biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.

Costs of Study and Living in Zurich

ETH Zurich is a financial paradox: tuition fees are symbolic, but Zurich is one of the most expensive cities on the planet. Understanding this duality is crucial so you can realistically plan your budget – and not be surprised by costs that, from the perspective of many countries, are astronomical.

Tuition fees are 730 CHF per semester (approx. 750 EUR / 800 USD), or 1,460 CHF annually. In addition, there’s a fee for materials (~70 CHF) and the VSETH (ETH Zurich Student Association) contribution (~30 CHF) – totaling about 1,560 CHF per year. This is less than the annual student ID fee at many private universities. Importantly: the rate is identical for Swiss and international students – there is no “international fee,” as in the UK. ETH is a federal university, funded by the Swiss Confederation’s budget (over 1.8 billion CHF annually), so the government treats low tuition fees as a strategic investment, not a cost.

But here’s the other side of the coin: living costs in Zurich. A room in student housing (WOKO, Juwo – student housing cooperatives) costs 600–900 CHF per month – and waiting lists are long, so apply immediately upon acceptance. In the private market, a room in a WG (Wohngemeinschaft – shared apartment) is 700–1,200 CHF. Food – even if you cook at home and shop at discount stores (Aldi, Lidl) – is a minimum of 400–600 CHF. Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland (the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not work) and costs 80–120 CHF for a student tariff. Transport (ZVV card + Halbtax discount) is another 80–120 CHF. Add phone, internet, entertainment – and a realistic monthly budget is 1,300–2,000 CHF.

The total annual cost of studying at ETH is 17,000–25,000 CHF (approx. 17,500–26,000 EUR / 18,500–27,000 USD). This is a lot – but compare it to Imperial College London, where tuition alone is 38,000–45,000 GBP annually, or MIT (60,000 USD). ETH offers comparable quality education for a fraction of the price of Anglo-Saxon universities. Even compared to TU Munich (free tuition, lower living costs in Munich) – if you consider the difference in rankings (#7 vs. #37) and career prospects, ETH is an investment that pays off.

Working During Studies

Students from the EU/EFTA can work in Switzerland up to 15 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays. Hourly wages in Zurich are high – 25–35 CHF for student work – which can cover a significant portion of living costs. A popular option is working as a Hilfsassistent (HiWi) – a research assistant in your department, which combines earning with academic experience. Many ETH students also work in startups (Zurich has a thriving tech ecosystem) or offer tutoring.

Scholarships and Financial Support

Let’s be honest: most ETH students do not receive a scholarship. But for those who meet the criteria, the available programs are generous.

The ETH Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) is the most important scholarship, available for students in master’s programs who are in the top 3% of their cohort during their bachelor’s studies. It covers full tuition plus a living stipend – 12,000 CHF per semester (24,000 CHF annually). Competition is fierce, but if you have outstanding results and strong recommendations, it’s worth trying.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (ESKAS) are Swiss government scholarships for international students. They include a living stipend (1,920 CHF per month), tuition coverage, and health insurance. Applications are submitted through your country’s Ministry of Education/Science or equivalent authority – check deadlines (usually by August of the preceding year).

The ETH Zurich Foundation Scholarships offers several scholarship programs, including the Master Scholarship Programme (up to 12,000 CHF/semester) and the Pioneer Fellowship for graduates founding startups (up to 150,000 CHF). The Canton of Zurich also offers Stipendien (scholarships) for students in financial hardship – from 6,000 to 16,000 CHF annually.

The financial strategy for an international student at ETH is usually a combination of: low tuition fees + HiWi/part-time work (10,000–15,000 CHF/year) + potential scholarship or family support to cover living costs. It’s not cheap, but compared to UCL or Imperial – where tuition alone exceeds the annual living budget in Zurich – ETH still looks like an opportunity.

ETH vs EPFL: Both universities are federally funded and offer similar tuition fees. ETH ranks higher and has a stronger global reputation, but EPFL has simpler bachelor’s admissions (no entrance exam – instead, a probationary year, after which 50–60% of students leave). If you know German – ETH. If you know French – EPFL. At the master’s level, both offer English-taught programs and both are excellent. You can find more in our guide to studying in Switzerland.

ETH vs TU Munich: TUM offers free tuition and lower living costs in Munich, but it is a class below in the rankings (#37 vs. #7). An ETH degree opens doors that are harder to access for TUM graduates – especially in global consulting, finance, and Big Tech. If you can afford the higher living costs in Zurich, ETH is a better investment. If your budget is limited and Germany suits you – TU Munich is an excellent alternative.

Student Life in Zurich

Zurich is a city that changes your quality of life standards – and you’ll never lower them again. It regularly ranks in the top 3 for quality of life worldwide (Mercer, EIU). Tap water is cleaner than bottled water in most countries, trams arrive every 3 minutes, and the crime rate is one of the lowest in Europe. For an international student, the contrast can be striking – but you quickly get used to the good things.

ETH has two campuses. Zentrum – the historic Main Building (Hauptgebäude) on Rämistrasse – stands on a hill above the Old Town, with legendary views from the Polyterrasse. Here you study architecture, mathematics, and humanities, in a building that remembers Einstein. Hönggerberg – a modern campus on a hill on the outskirts of the city – is home to physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and computer science, with futuristic laboratories and green courtyards. A free ETH Link bus connects both campuses in 15 minutes.

VSETH (Verband der Studierenden an der ETH – ETH Zurich Student Association) unites over 100 student organizations. Each department has its Fachverein (departmental student association) – a program-specific organization that arranges meetings, integration events, and academic support. In addition, there are truly impressive project groups: Akademischer Motorsportverein Zürich (they build a Formula Student race car), Swissloop (they develop Hyperloop technology), ETH Rocket Team (they design rockets – literally). Participation in such projects is not just a hobby, but serious CV-boosters and startup incubators.

Sport is an integral part of life in Zurich. ASVZ (Akademischer Sportverein Zürich – Academic Sports Association Zurich) offers dozens of disciplines – from climbing, to sailing on Lake Zurich, to skiing – for a minimal fee. On weekends, ETH students go skiing in Flumserberg (1.5 hours by train), hike the trails in nearby Üetliberg (20 minutes from campus), or swim in the Limmat River – yes, in the middle of the city, in a river as clean as a mountain stream. It is this combination of world-class education with an Alpine lifestyle that makes many ETH alumni say: “Zurich changed my life.”

The international student community in Zurich is small but active. It’s worth joining Facebook groups even before you arrive. Swiss people – like Scandinavians – may seem reserved and closed off at first, but student organizations, Fachvereine, and campus events are the best way to break the ice. Zurich is not a party city like Berlin or Barcelona – it’s a city where people start their week at six in the morning with a run by the lake. If you value quality, order, and nature more than nightlife – you will love every day here.

Career Prospects – Key Facts

An ETH Zurich degree is one of the strongest signals in the European job market. According to QS Graduate Employability Rankings, ETH is in the top 15 worldwide for graduate employability. The average starting salary in Switzerland is 85,000–100,000 CHF annually (gross) – one of the highest starting rates on the continent.

Google Zurich – Google’s second-largest office worldwide after Mountain View – massively hires ETH graduates, especially from computer science and electrical engineering. ABB, Siemens, Roche, Novartis, UBS – these are companies that treat ETH as their talent pool. McKinsey, BCG, and Bain conduct regular recruitment sessions on campus.

ETH’s startup ecosystem is one of the strongest in Europe: over 500 spin-offs, including Climeworks (CO₂ removal technology), GetYourGuide (tourist attraction booking), Scandit (AI barcode scanning), and Sensirion (environmental sensors). ETH offers the Pioneer Fellowship – up to 150,000 CHF for graduates founding a company based on their research work.

As an EU citizen, you have full right to work in Switzerland under the agreement on the free movement of persons. You do not need to apply for additional permits – this is a significant advantage over non-EU graduates who need a 6-month job search permit after graduation.

Conclusion – Who is ETH Zurich For?

ETH Zurich is for students who want the absolute top in STEM – and are willing to pay for it with effort. Not with low tuition fees (because they are symbolic), but with an entrance exam, the Basisprüfung, German at C1 level, and the cost of living in Europe’s most expensive city. This is not a “trial” university – it’s a conscious, demanding decision that requires years of preparation.

But if you fit this profile – if you are outstanding in the sciences, if you have the determination to learn German, if the prospect of the Basisprüfung motivates rather than deters you – ETH Zurich could be the best educational decision of your life. A diploma that opens doors to Google, McKinsey, Novartis, and hundreds of startups; a campus with views of the Alps; a community that has shaped the world from Einstein to Climeworks. All for 730 CHF per semester.

Next Steps

1. Start learning German – if you’re aiming for a bachelor’s, you need C1. Invest in an intensive course (Goethe-Institut, tandem partners) and plan for 2–3 years.
2. Check if you qualify for the Reduced Exam – contact the ETH Admissions Office (admissions@ethz.ch) with a list of your advanced level high school subjects.
3. If you’re aiming for a master’s – take the TOEFL (100) or IELTS (7.0). Prepare with prepclass.io, which offers full practice tests with AI feedback.
4. Submit your online application at myapplication.ethz.ch by November 30 (bachelor’s) or December 15 (master’s).
5. Start looking for accommodation immediately upon acceptance – register with WOKO and Juwo as early as possible.
6. Plan your budget – a minimum of 1,500 CHF per month for living costs, plus any preparatory course fees.

Also check out our other guides: EPFL Lausanne, TU Munich, Imperial College London, studying in Switzerland, and studying in Germany. More about converting international high school diplomas – in our detailed guide. Good luck!