otherSwitzerland · Master’sResearched 14d ago

Computer Science

ETH Zurich

PortPath researches criteria from public sources and can be incomplete or out of date. Always verify against the program’s official announcement before relying on it. PortPath never predicts admission chances.

Overview

ETH Zurich MSc Computer Science uses a selective, prerequisite-driven review with holistic elements. Official sources emphasize excellent undergraduate academic preparation in computer science and mathematics, a motivation letter, and required English proof at C1 level; there is no program-specific portfolio requirement published for the master's application page.

Admission criteria

PortfolioLow

ETH Zurich does not publish a portfolio or work-sample requirement for the MSc Computer Science application. The official programme-specific documents mention a motivation letter and language proof, while admissions information emphasizes prior curriculum and academic mastery rather than submitted projects or creative samples.

Statement of PurposeMedium

A motivation letter of about one A4 page is required. ETH Zurich says it should state your motivation for choosing this specific master's programme, and departmental material notes that admission decisions consider the applicant's personal statement of purpose.

Academics & GPAHigh

This is the strongest published factor. The programme requires a bachelor's background equivalent in content, scope, quality and skill level to ETH Zurich's computer science foundations, including substantial mathematics and computer science preparation. Departmental material says decisions are based on the applicant's bachelor's curriculum and level of mastery in each subject. ETH also publishes minimum overall average grades for MSc Computer Science for some high-application non-EU/EFTA countries, while noting that meeting a minimum does not guarantee admission because multiple aspects are evaluated.

Test scoresMedium

English proficiency is required at CEFR C1 and missing or insufficient language proof leads to formal rejection. Accepted proof includes recognized English tests such as TOEFL and IELTS unless an official exemption applies. The MSc Computer Science programme page does not list a GRE requirement, so standardized testing emphasis is mainly on mandatory English proof rather than a broader entrance exam.

Application components

Statement of purpose / motivation letterOfficial transcript of records / academic recordProof of English proficiency test or official exemption evidence

How to stand out

→Match your bachelor's coursework clearly to ETH Zurich's computer science and mathematics prerequisites, especially core theoretical and practical foundations.

→Use the motivation letter to explain specifically why ETH Zurich MSc Computer Science fits your preparation and goals, rather than writing a generic essay.

→Show consistently strong grades in core CS and math subjects; if you are from a country with a published minimum average grade, make sure you are safely above it.

→If you need English proof, submit a recognized C1-level result by the application deadline because incomplete or insufficient language proof leads to rejection.

→Do not spend effort preparing a design-style portfolio unless a separate scholarship or track explicitly asks for it; prioritize transcript strength and a precise programme-focused statement.

Source confidence

90%Well sourced

Sources

Computer Science MSc | ETH Zurich

ethz.ch/en/studies/master/application/master-informatik.html

Official programme-specific application documents page; confirms motivation letter and English C1 proof for MSc Computer Science, and does not list a portfolio requirement.

Master Computer Science | ETH Zurich

ethz.ch/en/studies/master/degree-programmes/engineering-sciences/computer-science.html

Official programme overview; states qualifying disciplines and links the requirement profile.

Appendix Programme Regulations Computer Science MSc | ETH Zurich

ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/infk/department/Education/Master-s-Tracks-and-Focus-Areas/Forms---Documents/forms_1/Appendix2%20MSc%20Computer%20Science%20%28Regulations%202020%29.pdf

Official regulations appendix; details academic prerequisites, equivalence to ETH curriculum, mathematics/computer science foundations, and English C1 requirement.