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ETH Zurich Admissions 2026: Requirements, Application Deadlines & Fees

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ETH Zurich Admissions
Table of contents
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ETH Zurich Application Deadlines 2026

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many intakes are there at ETH Zurich for admissions?
A: 

The students have the options to apply in two intakes which are Autumn and Spring however the Autumn one is the main one.

International students who have a non-Swiss UG degree with them should generally apply in the month of November.

 

Q:   Are ETH Zurich deadlines strict, or is there any flexibility for late applications?
A: 

ETH Zurich has strict admission deadlines and no flexibility or provision for late applications. 

All the required admission materials are required to be submitted via the official portal of ETH Zurich. There are no exceptions and late or incomplete applications are not processed at this institution.

Q:   Does ETH Zurich allow deferral of admission to the next academic year?
A: 

No, deferrals are not allowed at ETH Zurich to the next intake. If you are given an offer of admission, it is only valid for the specific semester for which the application is submitted. Look at the pointer given below -

  • The applicants (if they missed the current intake) would be required to submit a new application in the next intake of ETH Zurich.

How to get into ETH Zurich from India?

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Where can I apply for ETH Zurich admissions?
A: 

For both UG and PG courses, international students need to apply via the official portal of the university which is 'eApply' by ETH Zurich. The application window for Autumn intake UG courses opens in the month of December and goes on till March next year. It means applicants can apply right now to this institution.

Q:   Is there any entrance exam for ETH Zurich?
A: 

Indian students need to sit for an entrance exam by ETH Zurich for Bachelor courses only. So, if you are high school Diploma holder and applying for the UG programs offered at this institution, you will be required to take the ETH entrance exam. This is an important step and it cannot be skipped. Given below are the two kinds of exams with curriculum –

·       Reduced exam: It covers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Math

·       Comprehensive exam: On top of reduced exam subjects, there are German, History and Geography included in the exam.

Q:   Are Indian students eligible for admissions at ETH Zurich?
A: 

Yes, Indian students are eligible for admission to ETH Zurich at UG and PG levels.  

The admission requirements for Indian students at ETH include being academically inclined and meeting the English language requirements (IELTS with 7.0+ and TOEFL with 100+)

For the PG programs at this institution, one must have a bachelor's degree with a good GPA and for PG, Indian students who have completed 12th from CBSE or recognised state boards

Q:   Can an Indian student apply for ETH Zurich courses?
A: 

Yes, but it can be quite tough for Indian students to be a part of ETH Zurich admissions. This is because the admission process in really tough with only about 19 to 25% acceptance rate. These students need their application to be perfect. Given below are the ETH admission requirements

·       A GPA of 8.8 on a 10.0 scale

·       English and German language proficiency

·       A strong letter of motivation (LOM)

·       GRE score for some programs

·       Good letters of recommendation

ETH Zurich Admission Requirements 2026

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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   Is GRE compulsory for ETH Zurich?
A: 

If an international student is applying for ETH Zurich courses at master’s level then yes they need to submit a GRE score to pursue studies at this institution. Also, they should perform really well in this because of the high competition. Look at the scores required in each part of GRE for ETH:

·       Quantitative: 165+

·       Verbal: 155+  

·       Analytical: 3.5+ 

Q:   What GPA is required for ETH Zurich as an Indian student?
A: 

ETH Zurich is known to be a very selective university which follows a really tough admission process. So to get in, Indian students need to meet all the admission requirements and have an excellent academic background. For PG courses, international students should aim to get at least a GPA of 8.8 on a 10.0 scale. It is more than 90% in all the important subjects.

Q:   What are the ETH Zurich requirements for Indian students?
A: 

Check below the ETH Zurich requirements for international students -

  • Higher secondary certificate for a bachelor's degree
  • Bachelor's degree for graduate admission
  • GPA (no minimum requirements)
  • English language proficiency scores
  • Additional test score of any GMAT/GRE (if required)
  • Letters of reference
  • Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
  • Resume or CV
Q:   What are the requirements for studying M.Arch at Eth Zurich?
A: 

International students must have finished a bachelor's degree that was at least three years long to be eligible to apply for a master's programme at ETH Zurich. A Swiss University of Applied Sciences or 180 ECTS credits, equal to ETH Zurich, must be earned for the bachelor's degree. 

  • Transcripts 
  • UG degree 
  • CV with a valid language certificate
  • GRE exam results  
  • A portfolio
  • Motivation letter
  • LOR
  • TOEFL iBT - 100
  • IELTS - 7.0
  • C1 Advanced - Grade B: 193 minimum score
  • C2 Advanced  - Grade C - 200 min score 

 

 

ETH Zurich MS Admissions 2026

10 courses 18 months - 2 years
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1.7L - 5.2L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE
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Commonly asked questions
On MS Admissions
Q:   Does ETH Zurich require GRE scores for MS admissions in Engineering, Computer Science, or Data Science?
A: 

In general, yes ETH Zurich requires Indian students to have a GRE General Test for all the programs including Engineering, Computer Science and Data Science.

The programs mentioned before are considered quite competitive and a strong GRE score can help students to get in without much hassle.  

In GRE Quant section, a score above 165 is recommended highly.

Q:   Does ETH Zurich require a technical or engineering background for its M.S. programs?
A: 

Yes, for most of the MS programs at ETH Zurich, Indian students would be required to have a UG degree in a Technical, Scientific or Engineering field. And, the students are required to meet the given admission requirements –

·       A strong academic background with a GPA of 8.8 on 10 scale

·       An APS certificate

·       A CV

·       English or German proficiency test

·       A letter of motivation

Q:   What are the top 3 MS specialisation that are rated highly for Indian students at ETH Zurich?
A: 

A ETH Zurich offers the Indian students 10 MS courses for a duration of 18 months to 1 year, all in different interesting fields. ETH Zurich has been ranked #1 for its MS Courses as per Shiksha's Popularity Ranking. The tuition fee of MS Courses lies between INR 2L-5L. The top 3 highly rated MS Courses for Indian students are-

·       Master in Computer Science

·       Master in Robotics, Systems and Control

·       Master in Science, Technology and Policy







ETH Zurich
Application process

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process
Q:   What role does academic background matching play in ETH Zurich master’s application process?
A: 

Having a relevant PG degree is really important for the ETH Zurich PG application process.

One of the most important requirements includes a UG degree which closely aligns with the target programme and the required subjects.

Indian applicants are expected to have a high GPA of 8.8 on a 10.0 scale to have a competitive edge.

The degree of the applicant should have a min of 180 ECTS credits to be eligible for application.

Q:   Is there a visa requirement for international students at ETH Zurich?
A: 

Yes, to study at ETH Zurich, Indian students need a Type D long stay visa. Students need to apply via the Swiss embassy or VFS global with all the documents and the proof of funds (around CHF 21,000 a year) required. The visa processing takes 8 to 12 weeks.

Given below are the required documents to apply for a Type D long stay visa –

·       A valid passport

·       Valid health insurance

·       Academic documents

·       Motivation letter

·       Proof of funds (INR 23.5 L a year)

·       ETH Zurich admission letter

·       Photos

(CHF 1 = INR 112.27)

Q:   Do I need to submit IELTS scores at ETH Zurich for admissions?
A: 

For English-taught programs at ETH Zurich, international students would need to submit their English test scores. IELTS can be taken and other than this exam, TOEFL scores can also be submitted. Given below are the minimum scores you would need for the same -

  • IELTS: 7 and above 
  • TOEFL: 100 and above

Along with an English test score, international students would also require an Entrance test like the GRE with a good score.  

Q:   How to get admission in ETH Zurich from India?
A: 

International students need to follow the ETH Zurich admission process to apply. With all the required admission documents like academic transcripts, English or German language proficiency. Look at the whole process given below –

·       Register on eApply

·       Submit all the documents

·       Pay application fee

·       Apply for ETH entrance test if UG student

·       Wait for them to revert

·       Apply for long stay D type visa

ETH Zurich Enrollment Statistics

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Commonly asked questions
On Admission
Q:   How many students attend ETH Zurich?
A: 

As per the ETH Zurich stats on the official site, in total there are 29,198 students attending this institution currently.

They come from around 120 countries. This can be considered a really good number as the Indian students get the global exposure as well as the support of a large international community. 

Indian students generally choose to go for courses in STEM at ETH Zurich. 

Q:   What is the acceptance rate at ETH Zurich?
A: 

The ETH Zurich acceptance rate is 19% and it stays around 20% to 25% for most years generally. This can be considered a really low acceptance and suggests that of every 100 applicants, only 19 to 20 got an offer letter. It is very hard to get admission to ETH Zurich as an Indian student. 

This institution is constantly getting more and more students applying here for admission.

Q:   Can I easily get into ETH Zurich?
A: 

No, it is really difficult to get into ETH Zurich as an international student. The acceptance rate stays around 19% to 25% mostly. The students are be very good and they should also meet the ETH admission requirements. This is a relies that this institution is quite welcoming for international students as 26,198 students from 120 countries are currently studying at ETH Zurich.

Q:   How many international students are studying in Eth Zurich?
A: 

ETH Zurich is known for producing students that are exceptionally talented and driven. Swiss Accreditation Council accredits ETH Zurich. The university is home to over 26,000 students from 130+ countries. In the Autumn semester last year, 20% of all UG students were international.

ETH Zurich
Students Ratings & Reviews

4/5
Verified Icon6 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 50% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Academically oriented
Stressful
Multi-dimensional
Friendly
Internships3.3
Part time work4.2
Post study jobs3.3
Quality of faculty5
Student Life3.8
Value for money4.7
Public transportation5
Safety5
Indian Food3
Permanent Immigration2.7
D
Dev Shree Saini Verified Icon
Master in Science, Technology and Policy (MSc ETH STP) - Batch of 2027
4.5
Good facilities and value for money.
Tips: There will be a huge cultural shift compared to India in terms of lifestyle, food, community, etc., but it is adaptable. The university is one of the best in the world, with great infrastructure and facilities, but with that, you have to be prepared for the workload you will get.
Likes (Value for money): Tuition fees are significantly lower compared to other universities worldwide. The tuition fees are less than even a few indian private universities, and the facilities you get from those fees are really worth the money. The fees include access to all sports facilities, where you can participate in 100+ sports activities for free.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Indian food is costly. I prefer to cook by myself most of the time. There are a lot of Indian restaurants, but you won't get authentic food there; everything is adapted to European style. However, there are a few restaurants that serve good, authentic food, but they are really expensive, and as a student, eating outside regularly is not very feasible.
Total Monthly ExpenseCHF 1400
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryCHF 80200
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master in Robotics, Systems and Control - Batch of 2024
4.3
ETH is an excellent university
Tips: This university is quite academically rigorous, and one should not join if they are only interested in application and not much in theory. Studying here, I have developed my theoretical as well as practical skills quite a lot. The courses are quite up-to-date and not easy. Overall the quality of education is very high.
Likes (Safety): There is no concern of safety in the city at any time/place. One can go and travel anywhere anytime without worrying. Public transport works quite well which adds to the sense of security. I would travel at midnight with integrity without any concern for safety.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Limited visas and preference of EU/EFTA nationals over non-EU. Jobs are available but they need to show that it's not easy to find a suitable person so that they can justify hiring a non-EU person. Other than that, it's also less friendly to English-speaking people but you can learn the language over time, it's not urgent.
Total Monthly ExpenseCHF 1000
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryCHF
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Master in Computer Science - Batch of 2023
4.1
ETH Zurich: The best university in continental Europe
Tips: Academically demanding. And stringent grading. Scholarship opportunities like ESOP/ETHD exist. Great public transportation in Zurich. TA-ship available as well. Great weather. Hiking spots are available in the city. Amazing options at ASVZ for exercising, yoga, etc.. Expensive city.
Likes (Value for money): The tuition fee is justified. The education provided is rigorous, with an exceptional faculty renowned for their expertise. The quality of teaching is generally good. The university ranks among the top 10 universities worldwide, attracting exceptional students as well.
Dislikes (Student Life): Student life here is mostly studying. Can be quite hectic. All holidays throughout the year are spent preparing for exams. Student club information is given once reached; most are handled by bachelors students, but master's students are also welcome. Not very aware of the events although I know ETH does organize them.
Total Monthly ExpenseCHF 1500
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryCHF
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2024Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Msc in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology - Batch of 2021
3.8
Best University in subcontinental Europe
Tips: I think job opportunities are an important factor students should keep in mind. Switzerland is a nice place to study, especially if you like hiking. There are a bunch of scholarships but they are hard to obtain. You do get plenty of research or teaching assistant roles and they can easily find your studies. The courses are tough but they are also one of the best.
Likes (Public transportation): The campus is scattered but the public transport is punctual and one of the best in the world. There are trams, buses and trains which connect most of the city and thus the door to door time does not exceed 50 minds. Additionally, the transports are quite regular. The transport is quite affordable compared to the rest of the country. Additional discounts are provided to people under 25 years old.
Dislikes (Post study jobs): It is difficult for non-EU students since the rules regulate that jobs be given to Swiss citizens, then EU citizens. Thereby it is generally hard for employers to get you employed even if they want. Having an ETH degree makes the process a bit easier and obviously, it depends on the job market situation.
Total Monthly ExpenseCHF 1200
Prepping time for classes41 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryCHF 60000
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2024Read more
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P
Prasanth Bendalam Verified Icon
Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences - Batch of 2027
3.9
ETH is the 7th best university in the world according to QS rankings.
Tips: I studied in Germany before. So the transition was not challenging for me. Of course, there is a cultural shift if you are coming from India. But one will get used to it after a few weeks. As ETH is a friendly campus, adapting to the surroundings is not so difficult, especially if you make some good friends. Every PhD student receives a salary from their institute of approximately 4700 CHF/month. I am very satisfied with the university, course and country.
Likes (Safety): In general, Switzerland is a very safe country for anyone to live. As ETH promotes inclusivity, diversity, and gender equality, safety is a common/regular thing on the campus. Zurich is also a very international city with a lot of activities going on throughout the year. So you will definitely enjoy it.
Dislikes (Internships): As ETH is a university, it doesn't really offer a lot of internships. Instead, ETH students are encouraged to apply for internships across different academic and research institutes. The available internships are relevant to the field of study.
Total Monthly ExpenseCHF 1475
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryCHF 51650
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025Read more
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P
PARTHA SARATHI PURKAYASTHA Verified Icon
Master in Computer Science - Batch of 2027
3.4
Demanding but highly rewarding.
Tips: Be prepared for a very demanding academic environment that requires a very high degree of discipline and independent work, something I learnt the hard way. But nothing to worry about as you soon get used to it. I experienced a huge cultural shift in terms of punctuality, privacy and strict adherence to rules. Also the idea of a trust based society was definitely new to me. Although there are scholarship programmes like ESOP, they are highly competitive and merit based, so I wasn't able to secure any.
Likes (Quality of faculty): All the members of the faculty are very helpful and reachable using email. Moreover, the Teaching Assistants (TAs) for each course are quite amazing, who make sure your queries reach the Professor and are addressed according. The University strongly tries to industry means what they teach is very relevant to real-world applications and real time developments are often discussed in the class. The faculty is internationally diverse, bringing a global perspective to each class as well.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The C permit for permanent residence has a lot of requirements including 10 years of continuous legal residence in Switzerland. Students need a work permit after graduation to stay and that is quite competitive, depending on securing a long term position with an employer willing to navigate the complex work permit process as well. I have always wanted to come back home and apply whatever I have learnt here to help overall betterment, so I would not want to permanently immigrate here.
Total Monthly ExpenseCHF 2025
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryCHF 80725
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025Read more
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ETH Zurich Admission FAQs 2026

Q:   How much does it cost to live on Eth Zurich?
A: 

Study and Living Costs for international students (in CHF/semester)

Tuition fee – 730

Other compulsory semester fees

academic sports association - 35

students association – 32

Total – 804

Individual living cost (per year in CHF) are as follows –

Rent – 10,200

Meals – 6720

Public transport – 570

Health insurance – 1320

Other activities – 1920

Total – 20,730

Q:   Do I need to speak German to go to Eth Zurich?
A: 

Yes, international students who are going for the UG courses are required to speak and understand German language as the main teaching is done in this. The students can't even apply before they submit the proof of German language proficiency which needs to be done by taking tests like TestDaF with a minimum score of 4 in all four sections or Goethe-Zertifikat C1 with at least 80 points.

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ETH Zurich

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

There are 16 disciplines in which ETH Zurich ranks among the best 10 in the world. The Earth & Marine Science program, Geology and Geophysics courses rank the best in the whole world.  

Given below is the overview of ETH top 10 rankings, take a look - 

  • Earth & Marine Sciences (#1)
  • Geology (#1)
  • Architect

...Read more

P

Pallavi Garg

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

ETH Zurich is ranked by some of the top ranking bodies of the world like the QS. Times Higher Education and Shanghai Rankings. 

Under ARWU, ETH Zurich is ranked at #22 which has improved from what it was in the last year. 

 

K

Kanika Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

ETH Zurich ranks among the top 10 universities in Europe globally in QS Rankings 2026. The university ranks #2 in Europe and #7 in the world. The table below shows how the ETH Zurich ranking has changed in recent years:

Ranking202620252024
QS World Rank#7#7#7
QS Europe Rank#2#1#2

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, apart from tuition costs, Indian students also need to pay an additional compulsory semester fees worth CHF 74 (INR 9 K). The fee is charged every semester and goes directly to fund additional campus services and student life organizations.

Check the table below for a breakdown of the fee:

Fee TypeCost in CHFCost in INR
Academic Sports Association (ASVZ)CHF 35INR 4.25 K
Student UnionCHF 32INR 3.9 K
Scholarship FundCHF 7INR 850

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Indian students need to pay their ETH Zurich semester fees within 30 days of receiving the semester invoice. Invoices are generally issued from the 5th week of the semester onwards. These are sent digitally to the student's personal ETH email.

Students can pay their fees either via the E-banking or E

...Read more

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

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Khushi Arora

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Khushi Arora is an education writer with an experience of over 3 years. She helps students from India to choose between different courses that align with their interests in the favourable Universities abroad. She leads content for Un... Read Full Bio

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ETH Zurich
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