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ETH Zurich ETH Zurich Admissions: Requirements, Application Deadlines & Fees

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ETH Zurich Admissions
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There is one main intake at ETH Zurich which is Autumn semester which starts in September. Given below are the ETH Zurich admission deadlines 2026 -

Undergraduate:

  • Application deadline 2027: Dec 1, 2025 to Mar 31, 2026

Postgraduate:

  • Fall 2027: Nov 30, 2026 (Tentative)
ETH Zurich Admissions
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ETH Zurich Admissions 2026

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is Eth Zurich hard to get into?
A: 

Yes, it is highly difficult to be a part of ETH Zurich as its acceptance rate revolves around 19 to 25%. The students need more than just good grades to get in as out of every 100 who apply here, only 19 to 25 are given an offer letter. Given below are the ETH Zurich admission requirements for international students –

·       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

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:   Is ETH Zurich good for Indian students?
A: 

ETH Zurich is a worthy choice for Indian students who want to study in Switzerland. These students like this institution because its world class reputation in STEM fields, really good research opportunities, placement support, a very high post study work visa chances and more. As good as it sounds, the ETH Zurich admissions can be really tough for international students as its acceptance rate is only 19 to 25%.

 

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.

ETH Zurich Admission Dates 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.

It starts on the Nov 1 and ends on Nov 30 for masters. Students who want to apply for the ETH Zurich UG courses should make an application between Dec 2025 and Mar 2026.

Q:   When can I apply for ETH Zurich admissions?
A: 

For the year 2026, international students can apply for ETH Zurich admissions in the application windows for both UG and PG courses. 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.

Look at the admission periods given in the table below –

ETH Zurich Intakes  

Admission Deadline

Undergraduate

Dec 1, 2025, to Mar 31, 2026

Postgraduate 2027

Nov 1, 2026 to Nov 30, 2026

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.

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:   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 MS Admissions 2026

10 courses 18 months - 2 years
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1.6L - 4.8L

iconEligibility Criteria

  • Accepting Exams: IELTS, TOEFL, GRE

How to Get into ETH Zurich?

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Commonly asked questions
On Application Process
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

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)

ETH Zurich Enrollment Statistics

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Commonly asked questions
On 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:   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.

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

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 24,000 students, out of which 42.6% are international students from over 120 nation.

Q:   Which is the better university for MS in Switzerland, Eth Zurich or EPFL (Lausanne)?
A: 

In terms of rankings, both universities are at par. As per world rankings, ETH Zurich and EFPL both achieve excellent rankings. ETH Zurich is ranked #7 in both the QS World University Rankings and the QS WUR Ranking by Subject. The QS WUR Rankings by Subject place EPFL at #10, whereas the overall world rankings place EPFL at #36. Despite this, degrees in computer Science and information technology are highly recognised at both universities.

You need to keep in mind the employment outcomes if you wish to work right after graduating. With regard to job outcomes, ETH Zurich and EPFL have radically different scores. In terms of job outcomes, ETH Zurich receives a moderate score of 79.1 out of 100 whereas EPFL receives a meagre 19.4 out of 100.

Both universities are famous educational institutions that offer top-notch courses in computer Science and information technology. High-quality, affordable degrees from ETH Zurich and EPFL can help you land a job in the future. In rankings, ETH Zurich does perform better in terms of job outcomes and provides a wider selection of master's degrees. However, EPFL provides a wider selection of scholarships that can aid prospective students and develop the upcoming generation of STEM specialists. 

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. 

Documents Necessary 
- transcripts and a bachelor's degree 
- CV with a valid language certificate 

- GRE exam results  
- Additionally, a portfolio, motivation letter, and perhaps a letter of recommendation (LOR) are required for courses connected to design.

English Language Requirements 

The minimum scores required for international students applying for ETH Zurich admission are as follows -

TOEFL iBT - 100

IELTS - 7.0

C1 Advanced - Grade B: 193 minimum score

C2 Advanced  - Grade C - 200 min score 

Potential candidates who wish to apply for a master's programme at ETH Zurich may be required to provide minimum scores in addition to those listed in the preceding table. The choice of course used may have an impact on the scores.  

Additionally, a few courses are taught in German, therefore the language requirements for overseas students would also vary here; in this instance, they might be required to present German language competence scores.

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ETH Zurich

Student Forum

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

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, ETH Zurich have an application fee for international students. International students are required to pay CHF 150 (INR 17,053) per degree programme applied for at ETH Zurich. This application fee is non-refundable, meaning, once the application fee is paid it can not be refunded ever if the stu

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Saakshi Rawat

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

ETH Zurich is one of the top ranked universities in the world. As per Shiksha Popularity Rankings, ETH Zurich ranked at #10 in world and #1 in Switzerland. Top ranking authorities all over the word that are given below rank the university:

Rankings Authorities

Rank

Shiksha Popularity Rankings

#10 in world and #1 in Switzerland

QS Rankings 2026

#7 in “World University Rankings 2026”

U.S. News & World Report 2026

#35 in “Best Global Universities 2026”

Times Higher Education

#11 in “World University Rankings 2026”

M

Manashjyoti Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

ETH Zurich vast alumni network include more than 35,000 members all over the world. ETH Zurich alumni network include innovators, industry leaders, mentors, and more.

K

Kartik Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

For ETH Zurich admissions, Indian students must meet all the admission requirements at the university. Indian students can apply via eApply for both UG and PG program. ETH Zurich application deadline for Indian students is listed below:

Particulars

Deadline

UG

Mar 31, 2026

Early (PG)

Over

N

Nishtha Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

ETH Zurich offers a range of programs at UG and PG levels for its students. ETH Zurich offers MA for the duration of 2 years. The university first year tuition fee for MA programs is around INR 5 L.

V

Vipra Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

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Loveleen Sharma

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Loveleen is a seasoned content writer with 4+ years of experience, currently writing for Shiksha. When he is not writing and helping students, he can be found at the movies, reading fiction, and learning a new language.
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