ETH Zurich Admissions Guide 2026–27

Which Program Level Fits You?

ETH Zurich offers programmes across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Availability varies by school and faculty.

Program Level	Overview
Bachelor's (Undergraduate)	Undergraduate degrees across disciplines aligned with ETH Zurich's academic strengths, including pathways related to Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and architecture.
Master's (Postgraduate Taught)	Taught master's programmes for students seeking specialised academic or professional advancement.
MBA / Professional Master's	Selected professional programmes (where offered) for career switchers and experienced applicants.
PhD (Research)	Research degrees supervised by faculty in active research groups, centres, and labs.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by programme and level of study. Applicants typically need strong academics, proof of language proficiency, and programme-specific documents.

Requirement	Typical Requirement
Academic Qualifications	Competitive academic record for the target programme level
Standardised Tests	SAT/ACT, GRE/GMAT, or local entrance exams where required by programme
English / Language Proficiency	IELTS, TOEFL, or programme-language requirements (English/German/French) as applicable
Supporting Documents	Transcripts, statement of purpose / essays, recommendations, CV, and portfolio where applicable
Deadlines	Intake deadlines vary by programme - confirm the 2026–27 cycle on the official ETH Zurich admissions pages

Cost of Attendance

Tuition fees at ETH Zurich vary by programme, level, and student fee status. Budget also for housing, food, health insurance, books, transport, and personal expenses in Zurich. Always verify the latest fee schedule for 2026–27 on the official university website.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

ETH Zurich and external funders may offer scholarships, fellowships, or need-based aid for eligible international students. Popular categories include:

University merit scholarships and faculty awards
Need-based financial aid (where available to international students)
Research / teaching assistantships for eligible graduate students
Government and external scholarships for study abroad
Programme-specific fellowships and diversity awards

Scholarship competitiveness and eligibility vary by nationality, programme, and academic profile. Confirm deadlines early in the application cycle.

Campus Life & Student Experience

Students at ETH Zurich typically benefit from academic societies, career services, and an international peer community in Zurich. Highlights often include:

Student clubs, societies, and cultural associations
Libraries, labs, and learning spaces
Career services, internships, and employer events
International student support and orientation
Sports, wellness, and recreation facilities

Campus culture and housing options vary by school and neighbourhood within Zurich, Switzerland.

Research & Global Reputation

ETH Zurich is recognised internationally for academic quality and research. Areas of note include:

Strong academic reputation in Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and architecture
Research centres, labs, and faculty-led projects
International collaborations and exchange opportunities
Alumni networks across industry, academia, and public service
Career outcomes supported by university employability services

Rankings and reputation indicators change yearly - use them as one input alongside fit, cost, and outcomes.

Visa & Post-Study Work

International students admitted to ETH Zurich generally require a Swiss student visa and/or cantonal residence permit. Post-study work options vary by nationality and canton; many non-EU/EFTA graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit to seek employment, subject to current Swiss immigration rules.

Category	Information
Student Visa	International students generally require a Swiss student visa / residence permit to study at ETH Zurich.
Post-Study Work	Eligible non-EU/EFTA graduates may apply for a temporary residence permit to seek work after graduation, subject to cantonal and federal immigration rules.

How to Apply

Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary by programme.

Undergraduate - choose your programme — Shortlist programmes at ETH Zurich that match your academic background and career goals.
Undergraduate - submit your application — Apply through the university's undergraduate admissions portal.
Undergraduate - upload documents — Submit transcripts, language scores, essays, and any programme-specific materials before the deadline.
Postgraduate - apply online — Apply through the university's postgraduate application portal.
Postgraduate - meet requirements and accept — Complete interviews or additional assessments if required, then accept your offer.
Start your visa process — Begin your Swiss student visa / residence permit process.

FAQs About Studying Here

Is ETH Zurich good for international students?

Yes. ETH Zurich attracts students from many countries and offers internationally recognised degrees, with particular academic strength in Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and architecture.

Does ETH Zurich offer scholarships for international students?

Many programmes offer scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships for eligible international students. Availability and competitiveness vary - check the official ETH Zurich funding pages for the 2026–27 cycle.

What English language tests does ETH Zurich accept?

ETH Zurich commonly considers IELTS, TOEFL, or programme-language requirements (English/German/French) as applicable. Exact minimum scores are programme-specific.

How do I apply to ETH Zurich?

Undergraduate applicants typically apply through the university's undergraduate admissions portal. Postgraduate applicants typically apply through the university's postgraduate application portal.

Can international students work after graduating from ETH Zurich?

Eligible non-EU/EFTA graduates may apply for a temporary residence permit to seek work after graduation, subject to cantonal and federal immigration rules.