FAQ

I want to study computer science, what are the requirements?

• Application with Swiss matriculation certificates
• Application with non-Swiss matriculation certificates

Is programming knowledge a prerequisite for studying at ETH Zurich?

No, prospective students do not need to be able to program. Programming skills are taught in the first year and exercises are also offered.  

Bachelor's programme language requirements

The main teaching language during Bachelor’s degree studies is German. The German language requirements must be fulfilled before the start of the study programme, otherwise the study programme cannot be started. Informationen on language requirements can be found here.

I obtained a Swiss matriculation certificate with a different focus than natural sciences/maths. Am I still sufficiently prepared for the course?

A science focus during high school is not a requirement, even though it provides good preparation for studying computer science. For high school graduates focusing on maths/physics, certain subject content in the first year is a repetition of the already known material, making it easier to get started. However, numerous students at the Department of Computer Science took other profiles for their “Matura”, such as languages, art and music.

Can I choose a minor?

It is not possible to take a minor subject while studying computer science at ETH Zurich.

I need more information on the Bachelor's thesis.

There is an annual event in autumn at which details on the Bachelor's thesis are provided. Please find here the presentation (in German).

I failed the first year examinations (BP) twice, what options do I have now?

Students who have been excluded from further studies can enrol for another semester, the so-called orientation semester. This is intended to allow students to reorient themselves without losing their student status. The details of the orientation semester can be found in the corresponding directive (German only). Changing to a different degree programme is only possible in the fall semester. Please send an e-mail to the Registrar's Office.

I handed in my Bachelor's thesis shortly before the start of the semester. Can I enrol early in a consecutive Master's Programme and take interfocus courses?

No, the Bachelor's thesis grade must have been issued for enrollment in the Master's Programme to be possible. Interfocus courses are only open to Master's students who are definitely enrolled.

Can I pre-take Master's courses during my Bachelor's degree?

Yes, but the maximum number of credits is limited to 20. Certain Master's courses, such as the interfocus courses, are blocked for Bachelor's students.

When can I enrol in the Master's Programme?

If the minimum number of 152 credits (KP) has been achieved in the following categories: first-year examinations 56 KP, basic and core courses 84 KP, seminar 2 KP and Bachelor's thesis 10 KP. The grades in these subjects must have been issued for enrolment in the Master's Programme to be possible.

I am writing my Master’s thesis, do I have to re-enroll?

Students need to remain enrolled up until the submission of the degree request. Register for Master’s theses in the (regular) semester when most of the associated work will be conducted. If you began the Master’s thesis in the previous semester and registered for it in myStudies, but will complete it the following semester, you may enrol for a semester's leave of absence.

I want to do an internship during my Master’s studies. What do I need to know?

Our Master’s programme in computer science does not include a mandatory internship. Students may conduct an internship but must organise it themselves. Doing an internship may be a great opportunity, but it is not a part of your curriculum and therefore, we cannot supply a letter stating this (sometimes employers ask for such a letter to get the necessary work permit). Further information regarding internships, rules and regulations can be found here.

I will soon graduate and would like to look for a job in Switzerland afterwards. What do I need to consider regarding my residence permit?

Further information on the residence permit for job seekers can be found here.

Which courses count towards the Free Electives category?

All Master’s level courses in the area of computer science, or a closely related field, offered by ETH Zurich, EPFL and the University of Zurich may be chosen as Free Elective Courses. If you are unsure, please contact the Studies Administration Office D-INFK.

FAQs on exchange programmes can be found here.

How do you find a room or an apartment?

There is an ETH room and apartment agency and a list of addresses for those looking for an apartment. You can also rent a room in a student residence hall if you want. More information can be found here.

Military Service and Studying

Information on the Swiss Military Service and studying can be found Download here (PDF, 123 KB) (in German).  

Students can order their official ETH transcript online.