Switzerland, a landlocked country in the heart of Europe, has some of the best universities and best views in the region. If you want not only a world-class education but also plenty of things to do, Switzerland is a great option. Outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, history lovers, sports fanatics — no matter your interests, there’s something for you here.
Choosing where to study abroad is down to your personal preferences and goals. To help you get started on your research, here’s an overview of the best universities in Switzerland for international students. Each is unique in what it has to offer so you’re sure to find a great fit.
Why Switzerland is great for international students
Switzerland is a fantastic destination for study abroad but it’s often overshadowed by other popular destinations in Western Europe. If you’re wondering why Switzerland is a great place for international students, here are just a few of the many reasons.
- It has a long history of producing some of the best minds in science, engineering, and business.
- It’s home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities and colleges, with many courses taught entirely in English.
- There is a high standard of living and plenty of free opportunities to enjoy the country’s unrivaled natural beauty.
1. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich)
Best for STEM
📍 Zurich
🌎 Percent international students: 35%
🎓 Top majors: earth and marine science, geology, architecture
📌 QS university ranking: 7th
ETH Zurich is one of the most prestigious universities in Switzerland and one of its oldest. It was founded in 1855 by Swiss Federal Councilor Jacob Burckhardt and has since become known as “the cradle of innovation” because it has produced some of the greatest minds in science and technology.
The university is in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, with a population of about 400,000. Consequently, ETH has a relatively smaller student body size of approximately 10,000 students. The primary language of teaching at ETH Zurich is German; however, most master’s programs and doctoral studies are also offered in English.
In particular, ETH Zurich can count 21 Nobel laureates, 2 Fields Medalists, 3 Pritzker Prize winners, and 1 Turing Award winner (the Nobel equivalent for computing) among its alumni – including Albert Einstein himself! As such, you can expect to be taught by exceptional professors with plenty of real-world experience to offer students interested in pursuing their passions at a high level.
This university also boasts an international reputation: with over 10% of international students attending exchange programs or graduate studies every year (many from Asia), it’s safe to say that if you’re looking for a stimulating cultural experience while also learning valuable new skills, then this might just be your ideal choice!
2. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)
Best for research
📍 Lausanne
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 56%
🎓 Top majors: engineering, computer science, robotics
📌 QS university ranking: 26th
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) is a public research university in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPFL is the second largest university in Switzerland after ETH Zurich, with 18 faculties and schools. It’s also one of the most diverse universities in Europe, with students reportedly coming from over 125 different countries and more than 50% of their professors coming from other countries around the world.
Their campus is next to Lake Geneva, which provides students with access to many exciting musical opportunities, including concerts at nearby venues such as the Victoria Hall or L’Auditorium Stravinsky, all year round.
In addition to its numerous academic offerings, EPFL has over 20 sports teams that regularly compete nationally against other Swiss universities throughout each academic year.
3. University of Zurich (UZH)
Best for choice of subjects
📍 Zurich
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 20%
🎓 Top majors: health and medicine, social science, business
📌 QS university ranking: 109th
The University of Zurich (UZH) is an internationally recognized university located in the city of Zurich. It offers a wide variety of courses and programs that can be completed by both local and international students. The university has over 28,000 students from all over the world studying there, including more than 2,000 foreign exchange students who come every year to study at UZH.
The top subject categories at this university include Anatomy & Dentistry, Medicine, Physiology & Pharmacy, and Psychology & Neuroscience. Some of these courses are taught in English to international students who wish to study at this institution. However, most courses are taught in German or French (depending on the faculty).
The city life combined with great academic opportunities makes the University of Zurich ideal for international students who want to study abroad. Zurich offers many events and commercial opportunities for students, and its scenic surroundings allow for plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking or biking through the mountains or along Lake Zurich.
4. University of Basel
Best for history buffs
📍 Basel
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 27%
🎓 Top majors: life sciences, neuroscience, pharmacology
📌 QS university ranking: 131st
The University of Basel is located in the beautiful and historic city of Basel, which National Geographic voted as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Founded by Pope Pius II in 1460, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The campus itself focuses on sustainability and is home to around 20,000 students.
When not in class, history lovers have tons of sites around campus and the city of Basel to explore. Among the notable attractions include cathedrals like Landesbibliothek Thurgau Library, which holds over 500,000 items from 1500 till the present day and museums such as the Swiss National Museum and Kunstmuseum Basel (KMB) which house works by great artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Dali, and many others.
Considering its extensive history and quality of research, it’s no surprise that this university has been ranked as one of the ten best universities in Switzerland for international students!
5. University of Geneva
Best for international partnerships
📍 Geneva
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 40%
🎓 Top majors: natural sciences, life sciences, humanities
📌 QS university ranking: 155th
Known for its high-quality research and education, as well as its numerous international academic partnerships, the University of Geneva is an excellent choice! The university is located in the Swiss city of Geneva, ranked one of the top five cities to live in by several publications.
In addition to its strong reputation, though, what makes Geneva so appealing to international students is its unique location—the city itself sits on an island surrounded by lakes and mountains.
The school was founded back in 1559 by John Calvin as a theological seminary and law school. It remained focused on theology until the 17th century when it became a center for Enlightenment scholarship under professors such as John Locke and Voltaire who taught there. Today, it has a student body of over 17,000 students from 120 countries worldwide!
6. University of Bern
Best for local activities
📍 Bern
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 13%
🎓 Top majors: dentistry, environmental science, politics
📌 QS university ranking: 161st
The University of Bern is the oldest in Switzerland, founded in 1460 as a school of theology. Today it offers over 100 degree programs and has more than 19,000 students from all over the world. Its campus is a short ride from downtown Bern, which has an abundance of shops and restaurants and is close to the railway station and city center with its many shops and restaurants.
The city is listed among those cities offering excellent quality of life worldwide. The people of Bern are welcoming to students, and the old town of Bern, nestling in a breath-taking setting surrounded by the Swiss Alps, is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Switzland may have a higher cost of living than other European countries with there are plenty of free outdoor activities to do in and around Bern!
The Swiss capital also has a broad range of cultural activities available for students at every level; these include operas, plays, concerts, etc., which take place throughout the year at venues such as Theatre Royal (completed 1779), Stadtcasino Theater(built 1883), Théâtre Municipal or Konzertsallee Concert Hall (both built between 1900 – 1915).
7. University of Lausanne
Best for international atmosphere
📍 Lausanne
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 25%
🎓 Top majors: social science, arts, humanities
📌 QS university ranking: 224th
Founded in 1537, the University of Lausanne (UNIL) is home to over 20,000 students from more than 100 countries who enjoy a stimulating environment that encourages learning outside the classroom.
UNIL offers a wide range of programs through its three faculties: Life Sciences & Medicine; Humanities & Social Sciences; Science & Technology. Some of Switzerland’s leading academics teach all courses in French or English. In addition, the university has campuses at Plainpalais (the original site), Renens VD, and Epalinges VD, which house several research institutes, including an observatory and botanical garden.
The International Office provides support services to all international students throughout their time at UNIL. Student societies offer social activities such as sports clubs and cultural groups so you can make new friends quickly!
8. University of St. Gallen (HSG)
Best for business and economics
📍 St. Gallen
🌎 Percent international students (undergrad): 25%
🎓 Top majors: business, economics, law
📌 QS university ranking: N/A
The University of St. Gallen (HSG) is a private university located in St.Gallen, Switzerland. It was founded in 1898 as a business school and has consistently ranked as one of the best schools in Switzerland since its establishment.
Aside from business, the university is also known for its economics and law programs. As an international school with a strong focus on research and teaching in these fields, it offers several opportunities to become involved with industry leaders during your studies or after graduation through various exchange programs or research assistantships offered by faculty members.
In addition to its academic programs, HSG also offers executive education courses taught by faculty members and external experts such as CEOs from major companies around Switzerland and from abroad, such as Harvard Business School professors who teach executive education programs during their summer breaks.
How to study abroad in Switzerland
If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Switzerland as an international student, you have several options to choose from.
- Direct enrollment: Enrolling in a Swiss university directly is the most cost-effective option but also the most work! You will need to apply to the university on your own, enroll, find housing, and handle transfer credits.
- University exchange: If your home university has an agreement with a university in Switzerland, you may be able to participate in a university exchange. Generally, while studying abroad, you pay the same tuition that you pay at your home university. Housing may or may not be provided for you.
- Third-party program: Program providers offering study abroad experiences in Switzerland are the easiest way to get abroad. Their fees cover not only tuition and fees, but also pre-departure and visa support, housing and sometimes meals, activities, and more. Third-party providers take care of making sure your foreign credits transfer back to your university.
If studying abroad in Switzerland through a third-party provider sounds like it’s up your alley, check out the programs below!
Get ready for your Swiss adventure!
These 8 institutions are just a sampling of the amazing universities in Switzerland for international students. If you want to study in a country with some of the most scenic views in Europe, a high quality of life, and good employment prospects after graduation, continue your research and apply to study abroad in Switzerland!
Read more about studying abroad in Europe: