ETH Zurich- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology: A Quick Guide


Are you interested in pursuing a graduate program at ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology? Here is everything you should know about the institute from its history to the programs offered. So, keep reading!

ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology: At a Glance

Founded in 1854 by the Swiss Federal Government, ETH Zurich was established with a mission to educate scientists and engineers. The full form of ETH Zurich is its German name — Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule, Zürich. However, it is commonly known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in English. The ETH Zurich-Swiss Federal Institute of Technology has two campuses. The main campus is situated in Zurich, Switzerland and was built in 1858. The architect was Gottfried Semper, who was a professor of architecture at the institute during that time. The second campus is situated on the outskirts of Zurich in Hönggerberg. On ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute Of Technology’s 150th anniversary, the Hönggerberg campus took up a project titled “Science City”, intending to transform the campus by making it more sustainable. 

ETH Zurich is globally known for its research in the field of science and technology. The institute is one of the founding members of research organisations such as the IDEA League and the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU). It also happens to be a member of the CESAER network, a non-profit network or association of science and technology universities across Europe. 

ETH Zurich has also ranked 8th according to the QS World University rankings. Additionally, the institute also prides itself on its notable alumni such as Albert Einstein, Alfred Werner, Wolfgang Pauli, and many more. The institute has over 21 Nobel Laureates, 1 Turing award, 2 Field Medals, and 2 Pritzker Prizers. 

This institute is home to over 25,000 students, including international students across 121 countries. Over 40% of the student population are international students. 33% of the student population are females. While the number of students might be high, ETH Zurich is rather difficult to get into with an acceptance rate of only 27%. 

ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology: Courses Offered

ETH Zurich is divided into six departments — Management and Social Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and System-Oriented Natural Sciences. There are around 16 ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology masters programs from all of the departments combined. Let us take a look at a few of them.

Department Courses Offered 
Management and Social SciencesMA in History and Philosophy of Knowledge
MA in Comparative and International Studies
MSc in Science, Technology and Policy
System-Oriented Natural SciencesMSc in Environmental Sciences
MSc in Agricultural Sciences
Architecture and Civil EngineeringMasters in Architecture
Masters in Civil Engineering 
Masters in Environmental Engineering 
Natural Sciences and MathematicsMSc Pharmaceutical Sciences
MSc Chemical and Bioengineering
Engineering SciencesMSc in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

These are a few programs under each department. To be eligible for courses at ETH Zurich, you need to have a valid GRE score and must have taken the English proficiency test such as the IELTS or TOEFL. Additionally, some programs might require you to take the language proficiency test for German as well. Besides these requirements, you will need universally accepted documents such as your Statement of Purpose (SOP), Curriculum Vitae (CV), and Letters of Recommendations (LORs). 

 ETH Zurich- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology: Fee Structure

The ETH Zurich- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology fees for select courses offered are as follows: 

Course Offered Fee Structure in INR 
MA in Comparative and International StudiesINR 1,20,000
MSc in Electrical Engineering and Information TechnologyINR 1,16,000
Masters in Agricultural SciencesINR 1,20,000
MSc in Environmental SciencesINR 1,20,000
MSc Pharmaceutical SciencesINR 56,000

As you can see, pursuing a masters at ETH Zurich is an expensive affair. But, with a good GRE score and academic record, you can be eligible for a scholarship. 
We hope to have provided you with all the basic information you need if you plan on applying to ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. The next step is to begin your application process. So,  get started today! All the very best!


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