Direct doctorate programme
The ETH Zurich direct doctorate programme makes it possible for candidates with outstanding Bachelor’s degrees to progress directly to doctoral studies.
The application for the direct doctorate programme is always linked to the associated Master’s degree programme. It proceeds online via the application portal when the respective programme is selected.
The direct doctorate programme is only offered by certain degree programmes at ETH Zurich (Chemistry, Chemical and Bioengineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology and Physics). Detailed information can be found on the linked pages or can be requested directly from the Study Administration.
If one of the above-mentioned degree programmes is selected in the application portal eApply, then there will be two buttons in the tab “Programme”: “Direct doctorate” and “Master's degree programme” (Figure 1).
An application for the direct doctorate programme is only possible during the first application window (autumn).
The following additional documents are required for the application for the direct doctorate.
Direct Doctorate in Computer Science
- Motivation letter which concisely explains the motivation and suitability to do doctoral studies in computer science at ETH Zurich. It should describe any past research, and teaching experience, identify general areas of research and reflect on two preferred research groups’ work you are interested in to complete the doctoral programme as well as future career plans. No word limit.
Direct Doctorate in Chemistry, Chemical and Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Mathematics and Physics)
- Motivation letter: The requirements listed for the respective degree programme must be observed.
- Financial support: For a successful application, a written confirmation of the future supervisor (ETH professor) is required. This letter has to state that they will provide the funding for the merit-based scholarship during the MSc studies and the salary for the subsequent doctoral studies. This PDF can be uploaded in the 2nd field and labelled “Financial support”.
The direct doctorate programme consists of two parts. The first part involves a full Master’s degree programme, and the second the actual doctorate. For this reason, the direct doctorate programme is always linked to a Master’s degree programme in the respective discipline. The details regarding the direct doctorate can be found in the appendix to the programme regulations of the Master's degree programme. The current study regulations of the degree programmes offering a direct doctorate can be found in the ETH Zurich Legal Collection.
- MSc Chemistry
- MSc Chemical and Bioengineering
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Mathematics
- MSc Physics
- MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
Students in direct doctorate programmes receive a scholarship during their Master’s degree studies. It is therefore not possible to apply for an Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) at the same time.