Universities > ETH Zurich vs. University of Cambridge
Selecting the right university is a pivotal decision, influenced by factors such as academic reputation, cost, and learning environment. ETH Zurich and the University of Cambridge, both globally renowned institutions, present distinct advantages and disadvantages for prospective students.
This comparison analyzes real-world performance, user feedback, and key differentiators to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
Choosing between ETH Zurich and the University of Cambridge involves weighing prestige and personalized learning against cost. Cambridge offers a more intimate learning environment but at a significantly higher price point. ETH Zurich provides a more affordable option with a strong global ranking.
- Cambridge boasts a significantly lower faculty-to-student ratio, potentially leading to more personalized attention.
- ETH Zurich offers substantially lower tuition fees for international students.
- Cambridge has a lower acceptance rate, suggesting a more competitive admissions process.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose ETH Zurich if:
Students seeking a world-class education at a significantly lower cost, particularly those comfortable with German language proficiency for Bachelor's programs and interested in STEM fields.
Choose University of Cambridge if:
Students prioritizing a highly personalized learning experience with a low faculty-to-student ratio and access to extensive resources, willing to invest significantly more in tuition and living expenses.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | ETH Zurich | University of Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Global Ranking (Best Rank) | #7 (QS 2026) | #5 (THE 2025) |
| Faculty-Student Ratio | Approximately 34:1 | Approximately 10:1 (undergraduates) |
| International Student Percentage | 35-40% | Approximately 38% |
| Tuition Fees (International Students, per year) | Approximately EUR 1,460 | GBP 24,789 - GBP 69,000 |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 27% | Around 16% |
Overall Comparison
Pros and Cons
ETH Zurich
- Cutting-edge research and innovation
- Career Center offers career coaching, CV checks, and a job platform
- Offers various research programs, including the Student Summer Research Fellowship
- Committed to ensuring equal opportunities and creating a culture of inclusion and belonging
- Provides information on entry requirements, residence permits, insurance, and employment for international students
- Offers programs such as the ETH Pioneer Fellowships to promote the development of innovative products and services
- Reputation in the fields of chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computer science
- Bachelor's degree courses are offered in the German language
- Provides a limited number of furnished single rooms for international Master's and exchange students
University of Cambridge
- Low student-to-faculty ratio allows for more personalized attention
- Greater opportunity for students to engage with their professors
- Diverse international community with students from over 140 countries
- Offers on-campus housing facilities
- Supports international students with visa processes and cultural adjustment
- Fosters innovation and entrepreneurship among students
- Careers Service offers careers information, events, and resources
- Provides support for students, researchers, employers, and alumni
- Hosts over 10,000 vacancies annually on their careers platform, Handshake
- No major disadvantages reported.
User Experiences and Feedback
ETH Zurich
- No highlights reported.
- No major complaints reported.
- No value feedback reported.
University of Cambridge
- Cambridge consistently challenges limits, promoting analytical reasoning and inquisitiveness.
- No major complaints reported.
- No value feedback reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which university is more affordable for international students?
ETH Zurich has significantly lower tuition fees compared to the University of Cambridge.
Which university has a better faculty-to-student ratio?
The University of Cambridge has a much lower faculty-to-student ratio, indicating more personalized attention.
Sources & Citations
- Official product specifications
- Expert reviews from tech publications
- User feedback from online forums
Information gathered through AI-assisted web search and analysis. Last updated: September 2025
Methodology & Transparency
Our comparison methodology combines multiple data sources to provide comprehensive, unbiased analysis:
- Data Collection: We gather information from official specifications, user reviews, and independent testing
- AI-Assisted Analysis: Advanced AI helps process large amounts of data while maintaining accuracy
- Human Oversight: All comparisons are reviewed for accuracy and relevance
- Regular Updates: Content is refreshed to reflect new information and user feedback
- Bias Mitigation: We strive for objectivity by considering multiple perspectives and sources
Versusly.ai uses AI-assisted content generation combined with human oversight to deliver comprehensive comparisons. We are transparent about our process and continuously work to improve accuracy and usefulness.