FAQ for prospective students

Q: Why should I consider a MSc in Statistics?

A: Statistical methods are essential in almost all fields of today's scientific world. In our information centred world, making sense out of massive amounts of data is key to success. A solid foundation in statistics enables you to analyse and make sense of the huge amounts of data that are produced routinely today. It may be an excellent complement to your Bachelor degree in any science, since it turns you into an expert in statistical applications to your field.

Q: Why should I consider the ETH Zürich?

A: ETH Zürich is one of the leading universities in the world (Source: "Times Higher Education University Ranking 2010" on rank 15 world wide; "QS World University Rankings Results 2010" on rank 18 world wide; top in continental Europe in both rankings). ETH Zürich offers a large variety of high-level lectures, that bring you to the cutting edge of the field. Especially the field of computational statistics (which is also key to Biostatistics) is very strong at the ETH Zürich.

Join world class researchers for a semseter project or your master thesis, deal with real world consulting problems in a seminar from the ETH statistical consulting service, listen to inspiring talks from top rated researchers who visit the ETH, choose from a huge variety of top lectures. A mentoring program helps the new students to find their way and make clever study decisions.

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 in mathematics, physics, statistics, computational science, engineering, biology or other science related subjects. A basic foundation in Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics and above average grades are expected. Moreover, you need to be fluent in English. The final decision on admission will be made by an admission committee.

If you apply from university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), you can still apply for the Master in Statistics but you will have to visit some additional courses as an additional requirement. See the regulations for more details.

Q: What level of maths is expected?

A: Since this program deals with a lot of maths, you should in general like mathematics and you should have performed quite well in mathematically oriented subjects up to now. In particular, you should be familiar with the following concepts in general mathematics:

Linear Algebra:
Matrices: inverse, transpose, orthogonal, symmetric
linear transformations, change of base
solution of 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
Simple Linear Regression

You should also be familiar with working at the computer (you don't need to know a programming language, but it would certainly help).

If you don't meet all the requirements from above but have a good overall performance, you might still get accepted under the condition that you have to visit one or two additional lectures to brush up those basic skills.

Q: Do I need to have a GRE?

A: If you have a degree from a country in the Bologna System (see e.g. Countries in the Bologna System) you don't need a GRE. If you have a degree from a country that is not in the Bologna System and you apply for Fall 2011, a GRE is recommended but not necessary. If you have a degree from a country that is not in the Bologna System and you apply for Spring 2012 or later, you need a GRE.

Q: How do I apply?

A: Please visit http://www.rektorat.ethz.ch/students/admission/master/how_to_apply/index_EN for detailed information on the application procedure.

Q: When do courses start and when should I apply?

A: Courses start every semester. As a rule of thumb, you have to apply one year before you want to start your course if you need a visa for Switzerland. If you don't need a visa, half a year is enough if you apply for the fall semester, but you still need to apply one year in advance if you want to start in the spring semester. More precisely, if you need a visa for Switzerland (e.g. outside European Union), you have to apply until Dec 15 for the following fall semester and until April 15 for the following spring semester. If you don't need a visa for Switzerland (e.g. from Switzerland or from EU), it suffices to apply until April 15 for the following fall term. However, if you want to start in spring, you have to apply until April 15 the year before you want to start. For details, please see http://www.rektorat.ethz.ch/students/admission/master/how_to_apply/timetable_EN.

Q: Do you have any funding?

A: The ETH Zürich offers a very limited number of scholarships for truly outstanding applicants. Please see http://www.rektorat.ethz.ch/students/finance/index_EN for financial matters.

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

Q: Do I need to know German?

A: No! All relevant lectures will be 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 Master level in all of ETH)! Sometimes, however, there are additional lectures offered in German. They are not needed for the MSc Statistics, but may enrich your choices.

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

A: Yes, there are lots of language courses at the ETH. Please visit the language center of the ETH and the university. Note that you have to sign up some weeks before the semester actually starts.

Q: Where can I find a place to live?

A: There are several online plattforms that help you find a flat or a shared flat:
- Woko
- ClickLodge (also check out the CityGuide with useful information on the daily life in Zürich)
- Students.ch
- Homegate

Q: Whom can I contact with further questions?

A: If your questions concern the admission process, please contact the admission office.

If you questions concern the content of the program, please contact Markus Kalisch. Also have a look at the FAQ for current students to get an impression of what the program is like.