SWITZERLAND · ZURICH
ETH Zurich
public · Founded 1855 · Languages: en, de, fr, it
In short
ETH Zurich, a top-ranked global university in Switzerland, offers STEM and humanities programs with remarkably low tuition fees for all students. Located in the highly liveable city of Zurich, it provides a vibrant academic and cultural experience.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1855
- Students
- 19,233
- International students
- 9,500
- Acceptance rate
- 27%
- Tuition (intl)
- €24–24k/yr
- Languages
- EN, DE, FR, IT
- Location
- Zurich, Switzerland
ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, was founded in 1855 and is one of the world's top universities, ranked 7th globally by QS. Home to 22 Nobel Prize laureates and covering 16 disciplines across STEM and the humanities, ETH attracts outstanding students and researchers from more than 120 countries. Its two Zurich campuses are embedded in one of Europe's most innovative ecosystems, with deep ties to industry and a thriving start-up culture. Tuition fees are remarkably low — just CHF 730 per semester — making it exceptional value despite Zurich's high living costs.
Why study here
- Ranked 7th in the world (QS 2024) and Europe's premier STEM university — home to 22 Nobel laureates.
- Remarkably low tuition: CHF 730 per semester for all students, regardless of nationality.
- Nearly half of all students are international, creating a truly global academic community.
- 16 departments spanning engineering, natural sciences, architecture, social sciences, and management.
- Located in Zurich — one of the world's most liveable cities and a European innovation and start-up hub.
Student life
ETH Zurich offers a rich and active student life. The Student Project House provides labs and workshops for self-directed innovation. Over 100 student associations cover sports, culture, politics, and professional interests. Zurich itself offers exceptional outdoor recreation (Alps, Lake Zurich), world-class cultural institutions, and a vibrant food and nightlife scene. The ASVZ sports association gives ETH students access to an extraordinary range of activities across the city at low cost.
Fees
InternationalETH Zurich charges the same tuition for domestic and international students. Semester fees are CHF 730 per semester (approx. EUR 760), totalling approximately CHF 1,460 per year (EUR 1,520). There is no differential international fee.
HomeDomestic Swiss/EU students pay the same fee: CHF 730 per semester.
LivingZurich has a high cost of living. Students should budget approximately CHF 22,000–26,000 per year (EUR 23,000–27,000) for accommodation, food, health insurance, transport, and personal expenses.
ETH's tuition is extremely low by international standards. However, Zurich's high living costs mean total expenditure is significant. ETH Excellence Scholarships and various external Swiss funding sources can provide financial support.
Admissions
Bachelor's AdmissionSwiss Federal Matura, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent school-leaving qualification. Non-Swiss applicants may face additional entrance examinations.
Master's AdmissionA recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant field with excellent academic results. Specific prerequisites vary by programme.
TOEFL95 iBT (recommended for most English-taught programmes)
IELTS7.0
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 20247
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 202411
ARWU (Shanghai) 202320
University scholarships
ETH Zurich Excellence ScholarshipCHF 12,000/year + tuition waiver for Master's
Swiss Government Excellence ScholarshipsCHF 22,000–26,000/year stipend for postdoctoral researchers
SNSF Doc.CH Doctoral ProgrammeFull doctoral funding (up to 4 years)
Accreditation
Federal charter institution of the Swiss Confederation; accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Council. Member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).
Programs
a selectionETH Zurich · Switzerland
Architecture MSc
The Master of Science (MSc) in Architecture at ETH Zurich offers a comprehensive education for students seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in the field of architecture. This program focuses on developing a critical understanding of architectural theories, historical contexts, and contemporary challenges, equipping students with the tools to design innovative and sustainable built environments. The curriculum encourages interdisciplinary thinking and research, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in architecture and related fields.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
ETH Zurich · Switzerland
Bachelor Computational Science and Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) is an interdisciplinary program that combines mathematics, computer science, and applications from natural and engineering sciences. It equips students with the skills to understand complex scientific and technological problems, perform computer-based analyses, and develop innovative solutions. Graduates are prepared for roles in research and development across various industries and academic institutions.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
ETH Zurich · Switzerland
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Computer Science is fundamental to the modern world, underpinning technologies that shape our lives and work. This program focuses on the scientific and technical principles behind processing, storing, and transmitting information. You will gain essential technical knowledge, complemented by the development of creativity and social skills crucial for collaboration in a global context. Computer scientists play vital roles across diverse sectors including science, administration, medicine, finance, and environmental technology.
Bachelor's
Level
Free
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
ETH Zurich · Switzerland
Energy Science and Technology MSc
The Master of Science in Energy Science and Technology (MSc EST) is an interdisciplinary program offered at ETH Zurich. It aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the scientific and technological challenges and opportunities in the field of energy. The program integrates knowledge from various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, engineering, and environmental science, to address complex energy issues such as renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, energy storage, and sustainable energy systems. Graduates will be equipped to contribute to the development and implementation of innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
ETH Zurich · Switzerland
Master Geomatics
The Master's programme in Geomatics at ETH Zurich focuses on the interdisciplinary field of geospatial information science and technology. It covers areas such as geodesy, navigation, surveying, remote sensing, and photogrammetry, preparing students to address societal needs for experts in these domains. The program is project-based and designed for full-time study, offering extensive opportunities for hands-on experience and individual specialization. Students engage in research-oriented work through projects, seminars, and a Master's thesis, collaborating with experienced researchers. The curriculum builds upon a Bachelor's degree in a related field, allowing students to deepen their expertise in geospatial data acquisition, analysis, and visualization. Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes the development of vital transferable skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and scientific working methods. This approach, combined with real-world case studies and cutting-edge research, prepares graduates for collaborative roles in the global geospatial industry.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
ETH Zurich · Switzerland
Master of Science ETH in Health Sciences and Technology
The Master of Science ETH in Health Sciences and Technology is designed to train specialists who leverage science and technology to advance human health. This program aims to create new opportunities in the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of diseases. Graduates will be well-equipped for the workforce or to pursue academic research, including doctoral studies, both in Switzerland and internationally. The program offers six distinct majors, allowing students to specialize in areas such as Medical Technology, Human Health, Nutrition and Environment, Human Movement Science and Sport, Molecular Health Sciences, Neurosciences, and Rehabilitation and Inclusion. A strong foundation in Health Sciences and Technology or a comparable background is required for admission.
Master's
Level
Free
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Switzerland
full fundingCYD Campus, EPFL and armasuisse Science and Technology
Cybersecurity and Cyber-Defence (CYD) Fellowships
Open to Master's, PhD, and Postdoctoral candidates of all nationalities pursuing or planning to pursue research in cyber-defence in Switzerland. Master Thesis Fellowship applicants must be enrolled Master's students at a Swiss institution; Doctoral Fellowship applicants need a Master's degree and admission to a Swiss PhD programme; Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship applicants must hold a completed PhD with a strong publication record. All candidates need strong academic performance and a research proposal aligned with cyber-defence goals.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
17d left
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Basel – eikones Center for the Theory and History of the Image
University of Basel NOMIS Fellowships
Open to junior and senior scholars of any nationality who hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, have published either one scholarly monograph or three peer-reviewed articles or book chapters, can propose a research project on the theme 'Images as Models', and are fluent in German or English.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
29d left
Deadline
full fundingCyber-Defence Campus (armasuisse Science and Technology)
CYD Doctoral Fellowships
Open to applicants of all nationalities who are enrolled, or plan to enrol, in a PhD programme at a Swiss university and have a confirmed endorsement from a Swiss professor who will supervise the doctorate. All PhD stages are eligible, though early-stage applicants are preferred, and there is no age restriction. Research must fall within cyber defence, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, cryptography, computational and data science and engineering, systems security, or security technologies.
full
Funding
€85k
Max
17d left
Deadline
full fundingCERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research)
CERN Research Fellowship in Theoretical Physics
Researchers who hold (or are about to defend) a PhD in theoretical physics with no more than six years of research experience after the PhD. Open to nationals of CERN Member and Associate Member States, with a limited number of places under the Non-Member State Postdoc Fellowship Programme. Current CERN staff members are not eligible.
full
Funding
€78k
Max
Nov 3, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Basel
University of Basel PhD Positions in Advanced Data Management
Open to candidates worldwide who hold an MSc in Computer Science or a related field with software-development experience, show a clear interest in research toward a PhD in advanced data management, have practical or theoretical expertise in databases, multimedia data management or information retrieval, are proficient in English, and can work effectively in a team.
full
Funding
€49k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingETH Zurich
Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP)
For students with an excellent academic record applying for a master's programme at ETH Zurich, of any nationality. The scholarship is merit-based; you apply for it as part of your ETH master's admission application, by the December deadline, and selection is by ETH.
full
Funding
€35k
Max
Dec 15, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at ETH Zurich?
+
ETH Zurich charges the same tuition for all students, regardless of nationality. Semester fees are CHF 730 per semester, totalling approximately CHF 1,460 per year.
What is the estimated cost of living for students in Zurich?
+
Students should budget approximately CHF 22,000–26,000 per year for accommodation, food, health insurance, transport, and personal expenses, as Zurich has a high cost of living.
What academic programs are offered at ETH Zurich?
+
ETH Zurich offers 16 departments covering engineering, natural sciences, architecture, social sciences, and management. Bachelor's programs are mainly in German, while most Master's programs are taught in English.
How is ETH Zurich ranked globally?
+
ETH Zurich is highly ranked, including 7th globally by QS World University Rankings 2024 and 11th by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
+
Yes, ETH Zurich offers the ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship for Master's students, providing CHF 12,000 per year and a tuition waiver.
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