ETH Zurich consistently ranks among the world's top 10 universities for science and technology. For international students, understanding the unique Swiss admission process is essential.
ETH Zurich Overview
Key Statistics
- World ranking: #7 globally (QS 2024)
- Students: ~24,000 (40% international)
- Nobel laureates: 22 affiliated
- Tuition: CHF 730/semester (all students)
- Acceptance rate: ~27% for qualified applicants
Programs Offered
- Bachelor's programs (taught in German)
- Master's programs (many in English)
- Doctoral programs
- Key areas: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Architecture, Mathematics, Computer Science
Admission Pathways
Pathway 1: Direct Admission (Swiss Matura or Equivalent)
Eligible qualifications:
- Swiss Matura
- German Abitur (with specific subject requirements)
- Austrian Matura
- French Baccalauréat (with specific conditions)
- Italian Maturità (with specific conditions)
Process: Apply directly, no entrance exam required
Pathway 2: Reduced Entrance Exam
Eligible qualifications:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) with 38+ points
- A-Levels (with specific subjects)
- Some European national diplomas
Exam covers: Mathematics only (and language for some programs)
Pathway 3: Comprehensive Entrance Exam
For: All other international qualifications
Exam covers: Multiple subjects depending on program
The ETH Entrance Exam
Exam Sessions
- September session: For students starting following autumn
- February session: For students starting same autumn (less time to prepare)
Reduced Exam (IB and A-Level Holders)
Mathematics exam:
- Duration: 3 hours written + oral
- Content: Analysis, Linear Algebra, Probability
- Level: Beyond typical high school curriculum
- Preparation: 3-6 months recommended
Comprehensive Exam
Subjects vary by program, typically:
- Mathematics (all programs)
- Physics (engineering programs)
- Chemistry (relevant programs)
- Biology (relevant programs)
- German language proficiency
Format: Written + oral examinations over several days
Pass Rates
Approximately 40-60% pass rate for well-prepared candidates. The exam is challenging but fair.
Application Timeline
For September 2026 Entry
| February 2025 | Begin preparation, assess eligibility |
| July 2025 | Application portal opens |
| December 15, 2025 | Application deadline |
| February 2026 | Entrance exam (if February session chosen) |
| March 2026 | February exam results |
| July 2026 | Final admission confirmation |
| September 2026 | Semester begins |
Alternative: September Exam Route
| December 2025 | Apply by deadline |
| September 2025 | Take entrance exam |
| October 2025 | Receive results |
| If pass | Conditional admission for September 2026 |
Application Requirements
Documents Required
- Online application form
- Secondary school diploma (certified translation)
- Detailed transcript with grades
- Passport copy
- CV/Resume
- Passport photo
- Application fee: CHF 150
IB-Specific Requirements
- Minimum 38 points total
- Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL (minimum 5)
- One science at HL (minimum 5)
- No bonus points for EE/TOK
- Predicted grades accepted for conditional admission
A-Level Requirements
- 4 A-Level passes required
- Including Mathematics and one science
- Grades typically A*-B expected
- Specific subject combinations for each program
German Language Requirements
Bachelor's Programs
Almost all taught in German. Required level: C1
Accepted certificates:
- Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2
- telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
- TestDaF (minimum 4 in each section)
- DSH-2 or DSH-3
Language Preparation Options
- Intensive German courses before enrollment
- ETH offers preparatory German courses
- Gap year with German immersion
- Swiss boarding school final years provide advantage
Entrance Exam Preparation
Self-Study Resources
- ETH provides past exam papers
- Official syllabus published
- Recommended textbooks listed
- Online preparation courses available
Preparation Courses
- ETH offers prep courses (limited spaces)
- Private preparation schools in Zurich
- Online tutoring options
- Typical preparation: 6-12 months for comprehensive exam
Key Success Factors
- Start early—underestimating difficulty is common mistake
- Master core mathematics concepts deeply
- Practice with past papers under exam conditions
- Don't rely solely on high school knowledge
- Consider gap year if needed for preparation
Living Costs and Financial Planning
Estimated Annual Costs (CHF)
| Tuition | 1,460 |
| Living expenses | 24,000-28,000 |
| Health insurance | 1,200-2,400 |
| Books and materials | 800-1,000 |
| Total | ~30,000/year |
Financial Proof Required
For student visa: Approximately CHF 22,000/year in accessible funds
Scholarships
- Limited scholarships for Bachelor's students
- Excellence Scholarship for Master's students
- Various foundation grants
- Most students require family support
Visa and Residence Permit
Non-EU Students
- Apply for student visa through Swiss embassy
- Required: Admission letter from ETH
- Required: Proof of finances
- Required: Health insurance proof
- Processing: 6-12 weeks
After Arrival
- Register with local authorities within 14 days
- Obtain residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung)
- Open Swiss bank account
- Register for health insurance
How Swiss Boarding School Helps
Students from Swiss boarding schools have significant advantages:
- German language proficiency developed
- Swiss Matura may qualify for direct admission
- IB programs aligned with ETH requirements
- University counselors familiar with Swiss system
- Academic rigor prepares for entrance exams
Our University Admission Support
We guide families through ETH and Swiss university admissions:
- Eligibility assessment
- Application preparation
- Entrance exam guidance
- German language planning
- Boarding school selection with university goals in mind
Contact us for university admission consultation.
