The University of Zurich, the largest university in Switzerland ,was founded in 1833 as the first university in Europe by a democratic state and is today one of the best universities in the German-speaking world. Seven faculties offer a wide range of study opportunities at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level. In addition, UZH has a wide-ranging training portfolio.
From MAS courses of study over several years with renowned international institutions to individual day courses: all of the courses on offer meet the University of Zurich's highest quality standards.
Continuing education at the University of Zurich is more than imparting knowledge: it is knowledge exchange. Participants of our courses integrate new techniques, models and methods, based on true-to-life examples and exercises, into their professional lives. We offer high-quality education of academic standards by continuously comparing ourselves with national and international universities and universities of applied sciences as well as by selecting academically educated and committed lecturers.
The University of Zurich is a member of the League of European Research Universities and one of the leading basic research institutions in Europe. The University of Zurich is leading house at three National Centers of Competence in Research and is a partner in numerous others. The Clinical Research Priority Programs are a part of the University's efforts to promote strategic areas of research in University Medicine and to support junior scholars. Researchers at the University of Zurich have access to state-of-the-art technology platforms and highly qualified personnel.
UZH recruits outstanding scholars for professorial appointments and offers first-rate conditions. The University is particularly committed to supporting junior scholars from an early stage and provides them with favorable conditions for their future academic career.
The University of Zurich neither owns nor rents out any student rooms. In fact, none of the universities in Zurich administrate student accommodation. Housing for students is offered by different institutions that are connected with the University, but operate independently.Since the demand on housing is high, it is important to start looking for accommodation in good time and to explore every possible avenue. The Housing Office of University / ETH Zurich issues an overview of useful addresses, if you’re looking for reasonably priced accommodation as well as accommodation at short notice. Accommodation offers can also be found on the various notice boards in the University buildings and institutes.
Libraries at the University of Zurich are regulated and supported by two committees established by the Executive Board of the University: The Library Commission makes strategic decisions and users are represented by the Library Coordinating Board.
Health insurance is compulsory for anyone staying in Switzerland longer than three months. Students from an EU state who are legally insured in their home country can apply for exemption from this obligation by using the European Health Card or a provisional certificate, both of which issued by the health insurance company in the home country.
Public transportation in the city of Zurich is dense and well planned, and residents can get around by bus, streetcar, regional train - even by boat. There is a discount for students under the age of 25. Bicycles are an inexpensive alternative to public transportation.You can find more information about getting around in the city on website of the City of Zurich, where there are maps for pedestrians or cyclists, walking tours, and other information (website in German):
Do you enjoy physical exercise? Do you want to get or stay in shape and improve your quality of life? Then the Academic Sports Association Zurich (ASVZ) is the right place for you. The ASVZ and its wide range of sports facilities and activities are open to the entire university community. Its offers include traditional sports as well as various new and exciting kinds of sports.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 5 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 59 | 64 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Dropped 1 places compared to 2025
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 67 | 64 | 65 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By TopUniversities
Climbed 2 places compared to 2026
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 109 | 100 | 98 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Based on 52 reviews
The University of Zurich (UZH) is a premier choice for Master’s students in these fields, primarily due to its world-class research infrastructure and its unique partnership with ETH Zurich. UZH is home to the Vetsuisse Faculty, which is consistently ranked among the top 10 veterinary and animal science programs globally (ranked #7 in 2025 by QS). It serves as a major hub for, Animal Health & Welfare: Leading research in livestock behavior, pain management, and sustainable husbandry. The program is highly international, preparing you for a career in global NGOs, research institutes, or multinational agro-companies.
Hello, I'm Mariana, I'm a trumpetist. I'm from Portugal and I have 18 years old. I'm studing in Switzerland, in ZHdK, in classical music. I'm doing the PreCollege program and I'm like it very much. Before moving to Switzerland I done my high schol in Portugal, on a professian music schol. Now, I'm enjoying a lot the experience of a new schol, a new culture and I'm loving this university. Also, I like a lot all the oportunities that this country offers and I already played in some orquestras, in some churchs apart from the university. And, of course, played in the projects that the uni offers. Been here is such a privilege and until now the most dificult part is the money and try to do the best that I can to can keep study here. I hope that this will pass and I don't have to be so preocupated about it.
I really liked the flexibility and independence of the study program. I also thought most of what we discussed in our lectures is very important. The exams are at the end of each year, so that exam period can be very stressful. Also the exams can be challenging and you have a certain competition.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
How would you rate your overall study experience?
How helpful were your teachers?
How diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
How was your everyday life?
Did the university provide support for your career development?
Wishlist