Continental Europe's premier science and technology university, ETH Zurich counts Einstein among its alumni. World-class research meets famously low tuition for all students.
ETH Zurich admits approximately 27% of applicants, making it "Selective" in our directory.
How much does ETH Zurich cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 1,500 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does ETH Zurich offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — ETH Zurich offers ESOP Scholarship, Excellence Scholarship, and about 25% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for ETH Zurich?
The application deadline is Dec 15. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at ETH Zurich?
ETH Zurich offers 4 broad fields of study: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Business.
How big are classes at ETH Zurich?
The average class size is 20 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, across a large campus of about 24,500 students.
ETH Zurich
🇨🇭 Zurich, Switzerland · Europe
#7
Global Ranking
Detailed admissions profile compiled by UniPath on June 25, 2026. Figures are directory estimates intended for planning purposes — always confirm exact requirements and costs with the official admissions office at https://ethz.ch.
At a Glance
Established
1855
Student Population
24,500
Faculty Ratio
13:1
Average Class Size
20
Acceptance Rate
27%
Annual Tuition
$1,500
Financial Aid Recipients
25%
Application Deadline
Dec 15
Website
https://ethz.ch
About ETH Zurich
Continental Europe's premier science and technology university, ETH Zurich counts Einstein among its alumni. World-class research meets famously low tuition for all students.
Solid aid coverage, with 25% of the student body receiving support.
Small average class size (20 students) for close faculty access.
A large campus with broad program variety and a vibrant student scene.
A strong STEM focus across its core programs.
An active, well-funded research culture.
Admissions — Selective
At a 27% acceptance rate, a solid, well-rounded application has a realistic shot here.
This school is more selective than approximately 54% of schools in our directory, ranks better than 97% of them, and is more affordable than 94% (out of 237 schools compared).
Typical requirements:
Completed online application
Official academic transcripts
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers
2 letters of recommendation
Personal statement plus 1 supplemental essay
Standardized test scores (recommended where accepted)
Submitting scores in or above the published middle-50% range will strengthen most applications.
Cost of Attendance (Estimated, per year)
Tuition
$1,500
Housing & Living
$525
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Personal Expenses
$2,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$5,525
Est. Average Grant / Aid
- $225
Est. Net Price
$1,275
4-Year Total (before aid)
$22,100
Estimates for international students; actual aid varies by applicant profile.
Scholarships
ESOP Scholarship
Excellence Scholarship
Majors & Career Outcomes
Engineering — $72,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Design Engineer, Project Manager, R&D Specialist, Systems Engineer
Natural Sciences — $58,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Research Scientist, Lab Manager, Biotech Specialist, Environmental Consultant
Computer Science — $95,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Software Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Security Analyst, Data Scientist
Business — $65,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Management Consultant, Entrepreneur
Campus Life
A high-caliber, international STEM community in one of the world's most livable cities.
Suggested Application Timeline
12+ weeks before: Request transcripts and letters of recommendation; start drafting your personal statement.
8 weeks before: Finalize essays, gather standardized test scores, and complete the online application form.
4 weeks before: Submit early — leave buffer time for technical issues or late-arriving documents.
Dec 15 — deadline: Hard deadline. All materials must be received by the admissions office.
After submitting: Track your applicant portal and respond promptly to any requests for more information.
Similar Universities to Consider
School
Rank
Tuition
Acceptance
Imperial College London
#6
$38,000
14%
University College London
#9
$35,000
30%
University of Oxford
#4
$41,000
17%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at ETH Zurich?
ETH Zurich admits approximately 27% of applicants, making it "Selective" in our directory.
How much does ETH Zurich cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 1,500 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does ETH Zurich offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — ETH Zurich offers ESOP Scholarship, Excellence Scholarship, and about 25% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for ETH Zurich?
The application deadline is Dec 15. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at ETH Zurich?
ETH Zurich offers 4 broad fields of study: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Business.
How big are classes at ETH Zurich?
The average class size is 20 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, across a large campus of about 24,500 students.