QS World Ranking
#7
Acceptance Rate
27%
Annual Tuition (USD)
$1,500
On-Campus Housing
Available
QS Best Student City
#6
Zurich
Application Deadline
December 15
via Direct
Student Body
Total Enrollment
22,000
students
International Students
40%
US % data not publicly reported
Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.
Why This School
Europe's leading technical university, home to 21 Nobel laureates including Albert Einstein.
QS Subject Rankings 2025
Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject
Notes for US Students
Extremely competitive. Master's programs mostly in English (~€730/semester). Europe's MIT.
Admission Criteria
Key requirements for US students applying to ETH Zurich
Acceptance Rate
27%
Selective
Application System
Direct
Deadline
December 15
Instruction Language
English/German
School Type
Public
Annual Tuition
$1,500
Requirements Checklist for US Applicants
- Apply directly via ETH Zurich portal by December 15
- Bachelor's programs taught in German — C1 German required
- Admission via cantonal Matura equivalent or complementary examination
- US high school diploma may require passing an ETH complementary exam
- Master's programs are fully in English — no German needed at master's level
- No SAT/ACT required
Class Size
Academic Calendar
Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.
Admission Details
- Language of Instruction
- English/German
- Estimated Annual Tuition
- ~$1,500 / year
- Application Deadline
- December 15
- Application System
- Direct
- School Type
- Public
- Acceptance Rate
- 27%
- QS Best Student City (Zurich)
- #6 globally
Programs Offered
Scholarships to Explore
- ✓ETH Excellence Scholarship
- ✓Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
Cost of Living — Zurich, Switzerland
Very High CostEstimated monthly total
$2,670
vs. avg US college student
41% more expensive
US avg ~$1,900/mo
Zurich is one of the world's most expensive cities. However, ETH tuition is nearly free (~$1,500/yr), which offsets living costs vs. US private universities.
Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
About Studying at ETH Zurich as a US Student
ETH Zurich is located in Zurich, Switzerland and is ranked #7in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Engineering, Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, Architecture. Instruction is offered in English/German. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$1,500 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 27%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of December 15. Scholarships available include the ETH Excellence Scholarship.