Info for prospective students

Note: For students entering in Fall 2020 or later, an updated version of the regulations applies (see esp. Art. 30).  

Q: Why should I consider a MSc in Statistics?

A: Statistical methods are essential in almost all fields of science. In our information centered world, extracting useful information from data is key to success. A solid foundation in statistics enables you to analyse the large amounts of data that are produced routinely today. It may be an excellent complement to your Bachelor degree, since it turns you into an expert in statistical applications within your field. To find out more about statistics, visit external pageThis is Statistics.

Q: Why should I consider the ETH Zürich?

A: ETH Zürich is one of the leading universities in the world. ETH Zürich has a very active statistics group and offers a large variety of high-level lectures that bring you to the cutting edge of the field.

At ETH, you can work with world class researchers for your master thesis, deal with real consulting problems in the Statistics Lab, listen to inspiring talks from top researchers who visit ETH and choose from a large variety of excellent lectures. A mentoring program helps you to find your way and make clever study decisions. An internal networking platform and regular get-togethers help you socialize. Our students have a wide variety of backgrounds which generates lively discussions and a great exchange of ideas.

Q: Can I apply for the MSc in Statistics?

A: The program is aimed at a wide variety of students holding a Bachelor's or Master's degree and is very selective. A solid foundation in Mathematics and Computer Science and very good GPA in your previous degree are expected. Moreover, you need to be fluent in English. The final decision on admission will be made by an admission committee.

You can apply with a degree from a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) but you will have to visit a specified collection of additional courses as an additional requirement (courses for ca. 40 ECTS credit points, which will take one year to complete).

Please see the regulations (top of page) for more details.

Q: What level of mathematics and computer science is expected?

A: We require at least 17 ECTS credit points in mathematical lectures and 4 ECTS credit points in computer science lectures.  

You should in general be very much at ease with mathematics and you should have performed very well in mathematically oriented subjects up to now. In particular, you should be familiar with the following concepts:

Linear Algebra:
Matrices: inverse, transpose, orthogonal, symmetric
Linear transformations, change of base
Solution of a linear system of equations
Eigenvalues, eigenvectors

Analysis:
Integration, Differentiation
Linear approximation (Taylor series expansion)

Probability and Statistics:
Concept of probability; conditional probability
Random variables - discrete and continuous
Independence, expectation, variance
Concept of hypothesis testing, types of error; t-tests (basic, paired and two sample)
Confidence intervals
Linear Regression

Computer Science:
Concept of variables
For-loops
If-else-statements
Functions
Basic algorithmic understanding

If you don't meet all the requirements, you can enroll at another university before entering ETH and collect the necessary credits there. However, in this case you need very good grades both in your previous degree and in the additional courses.

Q: Do I need to have a GRE?

A: If you have a degree from a country in the external pageEU/EFTA you don't need a GRE. If you have a degree from a country that is not in the EU/EFTA, you need a (general) GRE.

Q: How do I apply?

A: Please visit this page for detailed information on the application procedure.  

Q: When does the program start and when should I apply?

A: The program starts every fall semester. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree obtained outside Switzerland can only apply during the application window in November/December. The second application round in April will only be open to applicants with a Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university who do not need a visa or already have a valid Swiss residence permit. For details, please see the official application schedule.

Q: Do you have any funding?

A: ETH Zürich offers a limited number of scholarships for truly outstanding applicants. Please see our webpage for financial information.

There are sometimes positions as teaching assistants for undergraduate statistics courses. However, fluent German skills are necessary for these positions. You can apply for these positions after you finished your first semester. For more details, please see the webpage for Hilfsassistenten (German) and Info for current students.

Q: Can I enter a PhD program when I finish the MSc program?

A: Many students do a PhD after our program. There are also students who continue with a PhD at our institute, but they are the minority due to capacity limitations. For a PhD position, you will have to apply directly with your potential supervisor at the end of your MSc studies.

Q: Do I need to know German?

A: No, you don't need to know German. All important lectures are in English and many of our current students don't speak German. The range of lectures in English at ETH is great (virtually all lectures on the Master level).

If you apply with a degree from a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) you need to know German, bacause some additional requirements are taught in German.

Q: Are there courses for German as a foreign language at the ETH?

A: Yes, language courses are offered by the external pagelanguage center of ETH and University of Zurich. Please note that you might have to sign up some weeks before the semester actually starts.

Q: Can I follow lectures at the University of Zurich?

A: The University of Zurich is just next door to ETH Zurich. Although you will be enrolled at ETH Zurich, it will be possible to follow courses at the University of Zurich, too. However, in your first semester there are some restrictions (further details). We highly recommend that you complete your registration as early as possible in order to avoid administrative issues in this regard.

Q: How can I find a place to live?

A: There are several online platforms that can help you find a flat or a shared flat:

Q: Is it easy to find a job in Switzerland after I finished my degree at ETH?

A: Job opportunities for statisticians are generally excellent, but there are restrictions on work permits in Switzerland for students from non-EU countries. On the following websites you will find advice and tips on finding a job in Switzerland and further information on work permits for non-EU students:

Q: What are alternative programs in Zurich?

Q: Can I apply for more than one program ?

A: Yes. You have to apply for each program individually.

Q: Whom can I contact with further questions?

A: If your questions concern the admission process (e.g. questions regarding language certificates, GRE, the admisson form, reference letters, etc.), please contact the .

If your questions concern the content of the program, please have a look at the Info for current students to get an impression of what the program is like. If you want to contact an active student please contact . For any remaining questions please use the contact form.

JavaScript has been disabled in your browser