Rising Demand for Computer Science & Information Technology Studies in Zurich

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Sep 17
4 min read

Zurich has long been recognized as one of the leading academic and technological centers in Europe. Known for its high quality of life, strong economy, and international outlook, the city continues to attract students from across the world, particularly those seeking careers in Computer Science and Information Technology.

In 2025, both ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich (UZH) reported significant interest in Computer Science and related programs, especially at the Master’s level. This growth is driven by technological advancements, industry demand, and the universities’ global reputations for academic excellence.

Below, we provide a detailed overview of this positive trend, including the history, current programs, student numbers, and future prospects for Computer Science and IT studies in Zurich.

Why Zurich?

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and an international hub for finance, technology, research, and education. The city offers a safe and multicultural environment, modern infrastructure, and proximity to industry leaders in IT, finance, and innovation. Students benefit from world-class universities, well-connected research institutes, and numerous career opportunities.

For international students, Zurich offers a unique combination of high academic standards, cultural diversity, and strong industry links. The local economy heavily invests in technology and innovation, making graduates from Zurich universities highly sought after worldwide.

ETH Zurich: A World Leader in Technology and Innovation

Founding and History

ETH Zurich, officially known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, was founded in 1854 and opened in 1855. From the beginning, ETH focused on science, engineering, and technology, quickly becoming one of the world’s top universities.

The roots of Computer Science at ETH go back to the late 1940s when the university started research in applied mathematics and early computing. In 1956, ETH developed its first computer, known as ERMETH, marking the beginning of computing research in Switzerland. The Department of Computer Science (D-INFK) was formally established in 1981, and since then, ETH has become a leader in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and advanced computing research.

Student Numbers and International Outlook

Today, ETH Zurich has over 26,000 students from more than 120 countries. Around 35% of the student body is international, reflecting the university’s global reputation. Approximately 4,400 doctoral students conduct cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, including computer science and information technology.

Computer Science Programs at ETH

ETH offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in Computer Science and related fields.

Bachelor’s in Computer Science: Covers mathematics, programming, algorithms, computer systems, and data analysis. The first year is taught mainly in German, while later years include more English-language courses.
Master’s in Computer Science: Highly specialized, with tracks in Data Management, Machine Learning, Secure Systems, Visual Computing, and Theoretical Computer Science.
Master’s in Data Science: An interdisciplinary program combining computer science, statistics, and mathematics for careers in data analytics and AI.

The Master’s programs are particularly competitive, attracting students worldwide due to ETH’s reputation for excellence in research and teaching.

University of Zurich (UZH): Tradition Meets Modern Technology

Founding and History

Founded in 1833, the University of Zurich (UZH) is the largest university in Switzerland, with over 28,000 students. It was the first university in Europe established by a democratic political system rather than by a monarchy or the church.

Computer Science at UZH has its origins in the 1960s when the university began offering courses in electronic data processing and early computing. The Department of Informatics (IfI) was officially formed in the early 1970s and has since grown into one of Switzerland’s leading centers for computer science research and education.

Student Numbers and Growth

At the start of the Fall Semester 2025, the University of Zurich enrolled over 28,600 students across all faculties. Around 24% have an international educational background, while 59% of all students are female. The Department of Informatics alone has more than 1,000 students in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, plus over 100 doctoral students engaged in research projects.

Computer Science Programs at UZH

The Department of Informatics offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral programs covering a wide range of topics such as software engineering, information systems, machine learning, and human-computer interaction.

The Master’s program in Informatics allows students to specialize in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Software Systems, preparing graduates for roles in industry and research institutions worldwide.

Reasons Behind the Growth in Computer Science Studies

The increasing popularity of Computer Science and IT studies in Zurich can be explained by several key factors:

High Demand for Digital Skills The global economy increasingly depends on AI, big data, cybersecurity, and automation. Graduates with advanced computing skills find excellent career opportunities both in Switzerland and abroad.
World-Class Research Facilities ETH Zurich and UZH both invest heavily in research infrastructure, supercomputing facilities, AI laboratories, and interdisciplinary programs that attract top talent from around the world.
International Career Prospects Zurich is home to many multinational companies, startups, and research institutions offering internships, research projects, and full-time positions for IT graduates.
Strong Academic Reputation ETH Zurich consistently ranks among the top universities globally in engineering and technology. The University of Zurich is also highly respected, especially in Europe, for its research output and teaching quality.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities Many programs combine Computer Science with Mathematics, Biology, Medicine, and even Social Sciences, allowing students to work in diverse areas like computational biology, medical informatics, and fintech.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Students graduating with degrees in Computer Science and IT from Zurich universities pursue careers in:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
Software Engineering and IT Consulting
Big Data Analytics and Cloud Computing
Financial Technology (FinTech)
Research and Development in Academic Institutions

Many graduates continue into doctoral studies or work in Switzerland’s growing startup ecosystem, especially in Zurich’s “Silicon Valley” districts that host numerous tech companies.

Future Outlook

With student enrolments increasing every year, both ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich plan to expand their programs, hire more faculty members, and invest in modern laboratories. There is also a growing emphasis on sustainability, ethics in AI, and data privacy, ensuring that future IT professionals are not only technically skilled but also socially responsible.

Conclusion

Zurich has become a top destination for Computer Science and IT education in Europe. Both ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich combine centuries of academic excellence with cutting-edge research, modern facilities, and strong industry connections.

The rising enrolments in 2025 show that students worldwide recognize Zurich as a gateway to global careers in technology and innovation. For anyone aspiring to build a future in Computer Science or Information Technology, Zurich offers world-class education, international exposure, and limitless opportunities.