ETH Zurich ✓
Zurich, Switzerland
Welcome to ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is a powerhouse for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- The First-Year Filter (Basisprüfung): This is a defining feature of ETH's culture. The university admits many students initially but requires them to pass a notoriously brutal first-year exam called the Basisprüfung to continue their studies. The fail/dropout rate in this first year is typically between 40% and 50%.
- Highly Theoretical & Independent: The workload is immense, and the teaching style is very traditional and theoretical. Students must be highly disciplined, proactive, and exceptionally gifted in mathematics to survive the rigorous curriculum.
- Urban Integration: Located in Zurich, Switzerland, it doesn't have a closed-off campus. Instead, it is an urban university seamlessly integrated into one of the most high-tech and expensive cities in the world.
📜 Entry Qualification
- A-Level
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
📅 Registration Info
Applying to ETH Zurich is done entirely through their own dedicated online portal.
- The Portal: All applications are submitted through the eApply online platform on the official ETH Zurich website.
- The Deadlines: For international students (who require a visa to study in Switzerland), the application window typically opens on November 1st and closes firmly on March 31st for the intake starting in September.
- Application Fee: There is a non-refundable application fee of CHF 150 to process international documents.
- Document Submission: After applying online, students must print the application form, sign it, and physically mail it along with certified hard copies of their transcripts to the admissions office in Switzerland.
- Admissions Outcome: Since there are generally no interviews for undergraduate degrees, decisions are usually sent out based purely on whether the applicant's submitted grades and German language certificates meet the exact criteria.
💡 Test
- Path A: No Entrance Exam. If your A-Levels or IB grades perfectly match their strict subject list, you do not need to take any academic admission test.
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Path B: The ETH Entrance Exam (Aufnahmeprüfung). If your qualifications (like STPM) or your A-Level subjects do not perfectly match their rules, you must travel to Switzerland to sit for their entrance exam.
- Reduced Exam: Tests you on 4 subjects (Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
- Comprehensive Exam: Tests you on 8 subjects (including History, Geography, and Literature).
- (Warning: These exams are notoriously difficult and are conducted entirely in German).
🗣️ Language
- German
More About ETH Zurich
Quick Facts
- This institution is a global leader in science and technology, frequently cited as the top university in continental Europe.
- The university operates across two main locations: a historic central campus in the heart of the city and a modern research hub on the outskirts.
Postgraduate Study
Graduate students can choose from a wide range of Master's and doctoral programs that emphasize independent research and technical mastery in STEM fields.
Key Industry
The university acts as a primary engine for the Swiss economy through deep collaborations with industry giants in robotics, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable energy.
Post-study Work Opportunity
Non-EU graduates are eligible to apply for a six-month residence permit extension to find a job in Switzerland, with the potential to secure a long-term work permit upon gaining employment.
Accommodation
The university assists students through a dedicated housing office that manages a limited number of rooms and provides a platform for finding private shared apartments across the city.
Lifestyle
Students engage in a rigorous academic culture balanced by extensive sports programs and outdoor recreation, taking full advantage of the nearby Swiss Alps and Lake Zurich.
🎯 Program / Courses
Economy, Business & Management ▶
- International Business
- Economics
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Marketing Communications
- Law
- Business Analytics
- Information Management
- Public Relations
Engineering ▶
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Robotics & Automation
- Telecommunications
- Mechatronics
- Nanotechnology
- Petroleum Engineering
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
- Environmental Engineering
Natural Sciences ▶
- Sports Medicine
- Genetic Engineering
- Medical Laboratory
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Pharmacy
IT & Computing ▶
- Bioinformatics
- Cyber Security
- Business Intelligence
- Cloud Computing
- Computer Networking
- Data Analytics
- Internet Of Things
Accounting & Finance ▶
- Banking & Finance
- Financial Economics
- Financial Technology
- Islamic Banking
- Risk Management
- Professional Accounting
Creative Design ▶
- Game Design
- Animation
- Apps Design
- Web Design
- Graphic Design
- Multimedia
- Virtual Reality
- Advertising
- Broadcasting
Food Security ▶
- Agriculture
- Aquatic Management
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
- Seed Technology
- Herbal Technology
💵 Cost Details
Average Tuition Fee / Year
Living Costs / Monthly
📍 Location & Contact
⭐ Student Reviews
"An amazing university with rich history and excellent facilities for education majors. The lecturers are very supportive, and the campus environment in Tanjong Malim is extremely peaceful and conducive for studying."
"Great place to study. The residential colleges are comfortable and the new campus has great modern tech. The only downside is that the town is quite small, so entertainment options are a bit limited, but it forces you to focus!"
