Top 20 Universities in Switzerland: A Comprehensive Guide to Universities and Fachhochschulen
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Sep 16
- 6 min read
Switzerland is home to some of the world’s most respected higher education institutions. Its dual system of Universities (Universitäten) and Universities of Applied Sciences / Fachhochschulen offers a wealth of opportunities: from pure research and doctoral work to strongly practice-oriented training and applied innovation. In this guide, we explore the top 20 such institutions, with details on when they were founded, how many students they serve, what they are known for, and how they compare, in a neutral yet appreciative way.
Understanding the Swiss Higher Education System
Before profiles, a quick note on the two systems:
University (Universitäten / Établissements universitaires / Università): These focus on research, offering undergraduate (Bachelor), graduate (Master), and doctoral (PhD) programs in a broad range of academic disciplines: medicine, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, law, etc. They tend to have large student bodies, extensive research output, international collaboration, and strong theoretical foundations.
University of Applied Sciences / Fachhochschule / Haute école spécialisée: These institutions focus more on practical, professional, applied education. They provide Bachelor’s and Master’s programs that are closely linked to industry, technology, business, health, social work, design, etc. While some applied research is done, the emphasis is on preparing graduates for employment and professional fields.
Both systems are officially accredited and recognized in Switzerland; students often move between them or engage in combined paths.
Criteria for “Top” in this List
By “top”, this article considers:
Size (student numbers)
Reputation (academic, research, or applied)
Diversity of programs
Historical significance
Regional representation
Comparison & What Makes Each Stand Out
To help understand what they offer and where a prospective student might aim, here are some comparative observations:
Institution | Size / Students | Strength Areas | Unique Features |
ETH Zurich | ~26,000 | STEM, architecture, engineering, natural sciences | High research intensity, federal status, global rankings very high |
University of Zurich | ~28,600 | Broadest spectrum: medicine, law, humanities, etc. | Largest in Switzerland, strong international profile |
EPFL | ~14,000 | Engineering, tech, physical sciences | Strong international student body, modern campus, innovation parks |
University of Lausanne | ~17,000 | Life / environmental sciences, social sciences | Scenic campus, French-speaking region, historic institution |
Bern University | ~19,600 | Broad fields, medicine, climate, law | Capital location, strong public research |
FHNW | ~14,000 | Practice-oriented, regional impact | Multiple campuses, strong applied research, balanced disciplines |
ZHAW | ~11,000 | Health, business, tech etc. | Proximity to Zurich, many applied courses, good reputation for employability |
USI | ~4,000 | Architecture, communication, informatics | Italian language, smaller, tight academic community |
Switzerland has long been known for its stunning natural landscapes, strong economy, and global reputation for precision, innovation, and quality. Its education system reflects the same values. Swiss universities consistently rank among the most respected in Europe, offering a mix of centuries-old academic traditions and modern, practice-oriented programs.
Swiss higher education follows a dual system:
Universities (Universitäten) – Focused on research, theoretical foundations, and academic disciplines such as medicine, law, humanities, science, and social sciences. These institutions also offer doctoral programs.
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) – Concentrated on professional education, practical training, and applied research in fields like engineering, business, health, design, and technology.
Together, they form a complete ecosystem serving both academic research and the needs of modern industries. Below, we explore the Top 20 Universities and Fachhochschulen in Switzerland, covering their founding history, student numbers, academic strengths, and what makes each unique.
The Top 10 Universities in Switzerland
1. University of Zurich (UZH)
Founded: 1833
Students: Around 28,000
About: The University of Zurich is the largest university in Switzerland, offering more than 100 subject areas. It is well known for its programs in medicine, law, economics, and humanities. As a comprehensive research university, UZH combines academic tradition with modern innovation and serves as a hub for international collaboration.
2. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)
Founded: 1855
Students: About 26,000
About: ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It has produced multiple Nobel Prize winners and is known for cutting-edge research, particularly in physics, computer science, architecture, and engineering disciplines.
3. University of Geneva (UNIGE)
Founded: 1559
Students: Around 17,000
About: Situated in the heart of a global diplomatic city, the University of Geneva is recognized for its programs in international relations, law, sciences, and social sciences. It attracts students from over 150 countries, creating a truly multicultural academic environment.
4. University of Basel
Founded: 1460
Students: About 13,000
About: As Switzerland’s oldest university, the University of Basel has a strong reputation for research in life sciences, medicine, and the humanities. It also hosts one of Europe’s oldest libraries and is deeply rooted in academic tradition.
5. University of Lausanne (UNIL)
Founded: 1537
Students: About 17,000
About: Located on a scenic campus near Lake Geneva, UNIL is particularly known for its programs in law, economics, business, and life sciences. Its international environment and interdisciplinary approach attract students from around the world.
6. University of Bern
Founded: 1834
Students: About 19,000
About: The University of Bern combines academic excellence with a central location in Switzerland’s capital city. It is especially strong in medicine, climate research, law, and social sciences, offering a diverse range of programs and research opportunities.
7. University of Fribourg
Founded: 1889
Students: About 10,000
About: This bilingual university offers programs in both French and German and is known for its law, theology, economics, and social sciences faculties. Its smaller size fosters a friendly academic atmosphere and personalized learning.
8. University of Neuchâtel
Founded: 1838
Students: About 4,500
About: Located in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, the University of Neuchâtel focuses on humanities, law, science, and economics. Its moderate size allows close interaction between faculty and students.
9. Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)
Founded: 1996
Students: About 4,000
About: USI is Switzerland’s only Italian-speaking university. It is known for its programs in architecture, communication, informatics, and economics. Its smaller, modern campus offers a dynamic and international learning environment.
10. University of St. Gallen (HSG)
Founded: 1898
Students: About 9,500
About: HSG has a strong reputation in business, economics, law, and international affairs. It combines academic rigor with close ties to the corporate world, making it one of Europe’s leading institutions for management education.
The Top 10 Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen)
11. Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
Founded: Modern structure formed in 2007 from earlier institutions
Students: About 13,000
About: ZHAW offers programs in engineering, business, health, social work, and life sciences. Located in the Zurich region, it has strong connections with local industries and focuses on practical training and applied research.
12. Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH)
Founded: 1997
Students: Around 7,500
About: BFH provides education in architecture, engineering, business, health, and arts. It is particularly known for combining practical education with research and innovation projects.
13. University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO)
Founded: 1998 (as a network of institutions)
Students: About 21,000
About: HES-SO is the largest University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, covering multiple campuses across the French-speaking region. It offers programs in business, engineering, design, health, and social sciences.
14. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)
Founded: 1997
Students: About 7,500
About: HSLU specializes in arts, music, engineering, business, and social work. Its location in the heart of Switzerland gives it a strong regional role in applied research and professional education.
15. University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons (FHGR)
Founded: 1963 (as a technical school, later expanded)
Students: About 2,500
About: FHGR is well known for programs in tourism, management, and digital sciences, serving both regional and international students with career-oriented programs.
16. University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
Founded: 2006 (through a merger)
Students: About 14,000
About: FHNW offers programs in engineering, business, social work, life sciences, and the arts. It maintains strong links with industries in the Basel and Aargau regions.
17. University of Applied Sciences Eastern Switzerland (OST)
Founded: 2020 (through consolidation of older institutions)
Students: About 3,500
About: OST focuses on engineering, computer science, health, and business programs, combining practical training with applied research projects.
18. University of Applied Sciences Kalaidos
Founded: 1997
Students: About 4,000
About: Kalaidos is a private, accredited University of Applied Sciences offering flexible programs for working professionals in business, law, and health.
19. University of Applied Sciences Southern Switzerland (SUPSI)
Founded: 1997
Students: About 5,000
About: Located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, SUPSI offers programs in engineering, business, design, and social work, focusing on regional development and international collaboration.
20. Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences (FFHS)
Founded: 1998
Students: About 2,000
About: FFHS specializes in online and part-time education, making it ideal for students balancing work and study while seeking accredited degrees in business, IT, and engineering.
Why Switzerland Excels in Higher Education
Strong International Outlook: Many programs are offered in English, attracting students worldwide.
Close Industry Links: Especially at Fachhochschulen, students benefit from internships, applied research, and career networks.
Research Excellence: Traditional universities focus on high-level research and innovation, often in collaboration with global partners.
Multilingual Environment: German, French, Italian, and English are widely used across institutions.
Quality Assurance: All institutions meet strict national and international standards.
Final Thoughts
The Top 20 Universities and Fachhochschulen in Switzerland together form a rich educational landscape. Whether students seek academic research careers or applied professional training, Switzerland offers world-class opportunities in both systems. From the historic University of Basel to the modern University of Applied Sciences networks, Swiss higher education combines tradition, innovation, and international engagement like few other countries.
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