ETH Zurich

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Excellence Since 1855

#7 World EngineeringFounded 1855Zurich, Switzerland16 Departments

Matura Grade

5.5-6.0

Program dependent

International GPA

3.7-4.0/4.0

Country specific

World Ranking

#7

QS Engineering & Technology

Total Students

22,200+

Including 9,500+ international

About ETH Zurich

Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETH Zurich) stands as one of the world's most prestigious and internationally recognized technical universities, established in 1855 with over 169 years of continuous engineering excellence, scientific innovation, and technological leadership that has fundamentally shaped modern engineering, computer science, and natural sciences throughout Switzerland, Europe, and the global community while maintaining its position as one of the world's top-ranked technical universities consistently ranking among the top 10 institutions globally for engineering and technology. Located in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and one of the world's most important financial and technological centers known for its innovation ecosystem, exceptional quality of life, Alpine beauty, international business environment, and vibrant academic atmosphere, ETH Zurich has evolved into one of Europe's most influential technical institutions, serving 22,200+ students from over 120 countries who benefit from exceptional academic programs, world-class research opportunities, distinguished faculty including Nobel Prize winners, and the extraordinary advantages of studying in one of the world's most innovative, economically dynamic, and culturally sophisticated cities that offers unparalleled opportunities for academic growth, technological innovation, research collaboration, and personal development while experiencing the perfect blend of Swiss precision, Alpine beauty, and international connectivity that creates an ideal environment for higher education and technological advancement.

Distinguished for its world-renowned engineering and computer science programs that have produced numerous Nobel Prize winners, Fields Medal recipients, and industry pioneers who revolutionized technology throughout the scientific and business communities, exceptional research institutes and innovation centers that drive technological advancement across multiple disciplines from robotics to artificial intelligence, comprehensive academic offerings spanning 16 departments with deep roots in Swiss engineering tradition and strong connections to international technology networks, and strategic partnerships with leading universities, research institutions, and technology companies worldwide, ETH Zurich maintains its position as a premier center for technical education and interdisciplinary research while serving as a vital hub for engineering excellence, technological innovation, and scientific discovery throughout Europe and beyond. The university's unique location in Zurich provides students with exceptional access to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology startups while its centuries-old academic traditions ensure that students receive comprehensive education grounded in rigorous engineering principles, analytical thinking, and innovative problem-solving. ETH's holistic approach emphasizes excellence in both theoretical knowledge and practical application, international collaboration, and entrepreneurial mindset, creating graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared for leadership roles in technology, research, engineering, and innovation while contributing meaningfully to scientific advancement, technological discovery, and economic development through innovative research, rigorous analysis, and commitment to advancing human progress in the tradition of Swiss engineering excellence, European academic cooperation, and global technological leadership that has made ETH Zurich a cornerstone of modern technical university education and engineering research.

ETH Zurich Excellence Indicators

#7
QS Engineering & Technology
#11
QS World University Rankings
32
Nobel Prize Laureates
169
Years of Excellence
€2.2B
Annual Budget

Academic & Research Excellence

  • Engineering Sciences: World-leading mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering
  • Computer Science: Pioneering AI, robotics, and cybersecurity research
  • Natural Sciences: Outstanding physics, chemistry, and materials science
  • Mathematics: Exceptional pure and applied mathematics programs
  • Architecture: Renowned for innovative design and sustainable building
  • Management: Technology-focused business and entrepreneurship programs

Zurich & Swiss Advantages

  • Innovation Hub: Heart of European technology and finance
  • Quality of Life: Consistently ranked world's most liveable city
  • Multinational Access: Major corporations and research centers
  • Alpine Setting: Stunning mountain and lake scenery
  • Swiss Precision: World-class infrastructure and efficiency
  • Global Connectivity: Strategic location in central Europe

ETH Zurich's Nobel Prize & Innovation Legacy

ETH's illustrious research heritage includes 32 Nobel Prize laureates across physics, chemistry, and medicine, representing one of the world's most accomplished academic communities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The university's alumni and research network includes Albert Einstein, pioneering computer scientists, leading engineers, technology entrepreneurs, and academic pioneers who continue to shape global understanding, technological advancement, and scientific discovery through their groundbreaking research, innovative solutions, and commitment to advancing human knowledge through excellence, innovation, and rigorous scholarship in the tradition of Swiss engineering precision and European academic excellence.

Technology & Engineering Leaders

  • Nobel Prize winners in physics and chemistry
  • Pioneering computer science researchers
  • Leading robotics and AI innovators
  • Advanced materials science experts

Business & Innovation Leaders

  • Technology startup founders and CEOs
  • Multinational corporation executives
  • Venture capital and investment leaders
  • Innovation and R&D directors

Research & Academic Leaders

  • University rectors and research institute directors
  • Leading scientists and engineering professors
  • International research collaboration leaders
  • Technology transfer and commercialization experts

Historical Pioneers

  • Albert Einstein (Theory of Relativity)
  • Wilhelm Röntgen (X-ray discovery)
  • Richard Ernst (NMR spectroscopy)
  • Kurt Wüthrich (protein structure)

Matura & Swiss Requirements 2025

Detailed Matura Requirements by Department

Study ProgramMatura GradeMathematics RequirementAdditional Requirements
Computer Science5.5-6.0Mathematics + Physics requiredProgramming portfolio recommended
Mechanical Engineering5.5-6.0Mathematics + Physics requiredTechnical drawing skills
Electrical Engineering5.5-6.0Mathematics + Physics requiredElectronics knowledge
Architecture5.0-5.5Mathematics recommendedPortfolio + spatial ability test
Mathematics5.5-6.0Advanced Mathematics requiredMathematical reasoning test
Physics5.5-6.0Mathematics + Physics requiredLaboratory experience
Chemistry5.0-5.5Mathematics + Chemistry requiredChemistry laboratory skills
Materials Science5.0-5.5Mathematics + Sciences requiredInterdisciplinary aptitude
Management, Technology, Economics4.5-5.0Mathematics recommendedEconomics + Business aptitude
Environmental Engineering5.0-5.5Mathematics + Sciences requiredEnvironmental awareness

ETH Excellence Standard: ETH Zurich maintains exceptionally high admission standards reflecting its 169-year tradition of engineering excellence and research leadership. Swiss Matura grades from 6.0 (excellent) to 1.0 (insufficient). Computer science, engineering, and mathematics programs are particularly competitive due to global recognition and Nobel Prize heritage. International students must demonstrate equivalent academic preparation. Always verify current requirements on ETH's official website.

ETH Engineering Excellence & Swiss Precision

Academic & Research Excellence

  • Engineering Leadership: Top 7 globally in engineering and technology
  • Research Excellence: €2.2B budget with world-class facilities
  • Nobel Heritage: 32 Nobel Prize winners including Albert Einstein
  • Innovation Focus: Leading technology transfer and startups
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Strong connections across departments
  • Industry Partnerships: Close ties with multinational corporations

Zurich & Swiss Advantages

  • Innovation Hub: Heart of European technology ecosystem
  • Financial Center: Major banks and investment firms
  • Quality of Life: World's most liveable city ranking
  • Multilingual Environment: German, English, and international diversity
  • Alpine Beauty: Mountains and lakes for recreation
  • Central Location: Gateway to European markets and research

Your Gateway to Engineering Excellence

ETH Zurich represents the perfect combination of engineering excellence, research innovation, and Swiss precision that defines one of the world's most prestigious and internationally acclaimed technical universities, where students gain access to unparalleled educational opportunities, world-class engineering programs, distinguished research facilities, and over 169 years of continuous excellence while experiencing the extraordinary advantages of studying in Zurich, one of the world's most innovative and liveable cities known for its technology ecosystem, financial significance, Alpine beauty, and vibrant international community. With exceptional programs across 16 departments including computer science, engineering, natural sciences, and mathematics, ETH Zurich empowers students from around the world to pursue their academic passions while contributing meaningfully to technological advancement, scientific discovery, and engineering innovation through rigorous education, cutting-edge research, and commitment to excellence in the tradition of Swiss precision and European academic leadership.

Ready to Join Switzerland's Engineering Elite?

Take the first step toward an extraordinary academic journey at one of the world's most innovative technical universities, where 169 years of excellence meets cutting-edge technology in the heart of Europe.

Engineering Leadership
Top 7 globally in engineering & technology
Nobel Legacy
32 Nobel Prize winners including Einstein
Innovation Hub
Zurich technology and finance center

ETH Success Formula: The university seeks students who combine exceptional academic achievement in mathematics and sciences with engineering curiosity, innovative thinking, and commitment to technological excellence. Your journey to ETH begins with outstanding academic performance, strong foundation in STEM subjects, demonstrated problem-solving abilities, and clear understanding of how ETH Zurich's unique combination of engineering excellence, research innovation, Nobel Prize heritage, and Swiss precision will enhance your education and prepare you for significant contributions to technological advancement through rigorous scholarship, innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lifelong commitment to advancing engineering knowledge in the tradition of Swiss precision, European academic excellence, and global technological leadership that has made ETH Zurich a cornerstone of modern engineering education and scientific research.