ETH Zurich AI Rules for Your Thesis
At ETH Zurich, you may use generative AI in a bachelor's or master's thesis only as agreed with your supervisor. Every thesis comes with a signed declaration of originality that has two options: no generative AI used, or AI use and its source declarations agreed with the supervisor. Format and placement are also agreed with your supervisor.
What the official text says
These are the university's own words, quoted as published. Where the original is French, the third column paraphrases it; it is not a translation.
| Source | Official wording (verbatim) | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| ETH: Academic integritySource 1 | These now include two options with the following focus on the use of generative artificial intelligence: Generative AI technologies were not used. The use of generative AI as a tool and its source declarations has been agreed with the supervisor. | You tick one of two boxes on the declaration of originality. |
| ETH Library: Plagiarism and AISource 1 | Before you start writing your scientific text, you must clarify with your supervisor whether and to what extent you are permitted to use generative AI and AI-based tools. | Ask first, write second. Your supervisor decides whether and how far. |
| ETH Library: Plagiarism and AISource 1 | Doctoral candidates declare that they have written their doctoral thesis independently as part of their registration for the doctoral examination. | PhD candidates declare at registration for the doctoral exam. |
What you have to do
Ask your supervisor before you start writing and keep a short log of every AI use (tool, date, task, what you kept). The declaration is much easier to fill in from a log than from memory.
Agree with your supervisor how you list AI use: as a table or in the text, in the methods section or an appendix, and whether you attach prompts. The Library offers a table template but calls it “not an official recommendation”.
Sign the declaration of originality and tick the box that matches what you agreed.
What the rule leaves open
Department-specific variations were not checked, and we quote the English ETH pages only. ETH does not set one rule on what AI use is allowed; your supervisor does.
Questions this guide answers
Every answer below is assembled from the dated fields on this page. Nothing is written separately for search.
Can I use ChatGPT for my ETH thesis?
Only as agreed with your supervisor. Clarify whether and how far before you start writing.
Do I have to declare AI use at ETH?
Yes. Every BSc and MSc thesis comes with the signed declaration of originality, which has the two AI options.
Is there an ETH template for listing AI tools?
The Library offers a table template but says it is “not an official recommendation”. Agree the format with your supervisor.
What about PhD theses?
Doctoral candidates declare independent authorship when they register for the doctoral examination.