Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland • Founded 1855 • World Rank #57
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1855, the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Zürich (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Zurich.
This institution also has a branch campus in Basel and Singapore. Officially recognized by the Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation, Schweiz (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation of Switzerland), Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETH Zürich) is a large-sized coeducational Swiss higher education institution.
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETH Zürich) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 169-year-old Swiss higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
ETH Zürich also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Below are Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich's address, location data, and primary contact channels. These are the basics you'll want before scheduling a campus visit or sending a formal admissions enquiry.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Academic Structures
The internal academic structure of Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich — by faculty, school, and unit. Research-only units exist alongside teaching units; their function and student involvement differ.
Unit 16 items
- Department of Architecture
- Department of Biology
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of Earth Sciences
- Department of Environmental Systems Science
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology
- Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering
- Department of Management, Technology and Economics
- Department of Materials Science
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering
- Department of Physics
Programs Offered
Search the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich programme catalogue or scan it by degree level. The catalogue updates periodically; recently added programmes may not yet appear in some search-engine results.
87 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Switzerland
Bachelor's Degree 23 programmes
Showing 10 of 23.
Master's Degree 48 programmes
Showing 10 of 48.
Doctorate 16 programmes
Showing 10 of 16.
How to apply to Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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Research programmes at Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich runs 87 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Switzerland.
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Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (ethz.ch). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +41 (44) 632 1111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
A short Q&A covering Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
How old is Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich?
The institution opened in 1855 (approximately 171 years ago).
What city is Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich in?
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich operates from Zürich, Switzerland.
Is Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich's student body?
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich serves approximately 25,000-29,999 students.
How is Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich ranked?
It ranks #57 globally and #1 in Switzerland.
How many faculties does Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich have?
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich is organised into 16 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich officially recognised?
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich is accredited by Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation, Schweiz.
Where can I learn more about Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich?
Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich's official website is ethz.ch.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Cross-credit recognition between European University Association (EUA) members reduces friction for students moving between universities. Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich's membership often eases credit transfer to the institutions below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Cross-border or within-state choices: the universities near Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich may fall under different governance, fee structures, or visa rules. Confirm the regulatory context for each option separately.
Where Else to Study Civil Engineering & Construction
Supervision quality at the Civil Engineering & Construction programme level is hard to assess externally but affects research output and graduate-school placement. Talk to current students or alumni where possible.
Universities Compared with Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich
International branch campuses are common among universities at Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.
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