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University of Zurich

Zurich, 🇨🇭 Switzerland Public
#2 National #100 QS World #80 THE #67 ARWU
University of Zurich campus
28,000 students 20% international Urban $1.6k/yr

About University of Zurich

The University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland's largest university, is a distinguished public research institution founded in 1833. Located in Zurich, a global city known for its high quality of life, UZH offers a dynamic learning environment for over 28,000 students, including a significant international population. The university is recognized internationally for its academic excellence and research contributions, with 12 Nobel laureates among its past scholars.

Academics


UZH boasts a comprehensive academic portfolio across seven faculties: Theology, Law, Business, Economics and Informatics, Medicine, Vetsuisse (Veterinary Medicine), Arts and Social Sciences, and Science. The teaching approach emphasizes research-based learning, encouraging critical thinking and active student involvement in research from early stages. The university offers over 200 Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, with particular strengths in finance, economics, law, neuroscience, biomedical research, and climate science. UZH is committed to interdisciplinary studies, offering numerous programs and modules that encourage students to combine different academic perspectives and address complex global challenges.

International Students


With over 5,570 international students from more than 120 countries, UZH fosters a diverse and multicultural atmosphere. The university provides various support services, including psychological counseling, to help international students with cultural integration and mental well-being. While most undergraduate programs are taught in German, numerous Master's and doctoral programs are available in English, requiring proof of English or German language proficiency depending on the course of study. Over 130 student organizations cater to a wide range of interests, facilitating social connections and cultural exchange.

Campus & Location


The University of Zurich's campuses are integrated throughout the vibrant city of Zurich, with main locations in the city center, Irchelpark, and Oerlikon. Zurich itself is renowned for its high quality of life, rich cultural scene, and stunning natural surroundings, offering a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The city's efficient public transportation system makes navigating between campuses and exploring nearby attractions convenient for students. Students also have access to several libraries, including the ETH-library and the Zurich Central Library.

Career Outcomes


UZH graduates demonstrate strong employment prospects, with approximately 75% securing permanent employment in Switzerland within one year of graduation, a figure that rises to 80% after ten years. The university's Career Services offer comprehensive support, including professional assessment, career counseling, online tips, job portals, CV checks, and networking events. UZH maintains close ties with various industries, facilitating internships, entry-level positions, and opportunities for students to collaborate with companies on Master's theses. Graduates from UZH are highly valued in the Swiss labor market, with average earnings significantly higher than the national average.

Highlights

  • Largest university in Switzerland
  • Member of the League of European Research Universities
  • Twelve Nobel Prize winning alumni
  • Extensive range of academic degree programs
  • Leading center for medical and science research
  • Strong global ranking across multiple disciplines

Subject Areas

MedicineLawEconomicsNatural SciencesHumanities

Student Life & Support

Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Scholarships Available

Photos

University of Zurich photo 1University of Zurich photo 2University of Zurich photo 3University of Zurich photo 4University of Zurich photo 5University of Zurich photo 6University of Zurich photo 7University of Zurich photo 8University of Zurich photo 9

Programs Offered at University of Zurich (32)

Offers programs in:

Business & Management Computer Science Humanities Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (9)

Banking and Finance

Business

Business
bachelor degree businessbachelor's businessbachelor's in businessbachelor's in business in switzerlandbsc business
36 months German Full-time

$1,440/yr

Bachelor's in Business

Business Administration

Business

Business
study in zurichbusiness administrationbusiness in zurichuniversity of zurichbachelors in business
36 months German Full-time

$1,440/yr

Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
bachelorbachelor chemistrychemistryswitzerland
36 months German Full-time

$1,440/yr

Communication Science and Media Research

Communication

Communication
communicationcommunication degreecommunication programcommunication bachelorbachelor's degree
36 months German Full-time

$1,440/yr

Ancient Studies

Humanities

Humanities
ancientbachelorhumanitiesstudiesswitzerland
36 months German Full-time

$1,440/yr

Law (University of Zurich)

Law UZH

Law

Law
bachelor in lawstudy law in switzerlandlaw program in zurichbsc lawenglish-taught bsc law in switzerland
36 months German Full-time

$1,440/yr

Applied Probability and Statistics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
study mathematics in switzerlandbest mathematics programs in switzerlandmathematics careerbachelor in mathematicsmathematics bachelor program
36 months German Full-time

$1,440/yr

Medicine

STEM

Medicine

Medicine
bachelor in medicinemedicine bachelor degreebsc in medicinebsc medicinebachelor of medicine
German Full-time

$1,440/yr

Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
psychology SwitzerlandPsychologie StudiumUniversity of Zurich psychologyZürich psychologycognitive psychology Germany
36 months German Full-time

$1,440/yr

Certificate Programs (2)

Blockchain

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
certificate degreecertificate programcomputer sciencecomputer science certificatecomputer science in switzerland
English Full-time

Data Science and Machine Learning

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
certificate computer science switzerlandtech job CSuniversity of zurichsoftware engineer careerprogrammer degree
English Full-time

Diploma Programs (2)

Clinical Research

STEM

Medicine

Medicine
Medicine diploma program in Switzerlandstudy Medicine in Zurichclinical programinternational student diploma Medicinediploma program in Medicine
English Full-time

Applied Ethics

Philosophy

Philosophy
Philosophy programstudy Philosophydiploma in Philosophycertificate Philosophystudy Philosophy in Switzerland
German Full-time

Master Programs (9)

Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
biologygraduatemastermbameng
24 months English Full-time

$1,440/yr

Biochemistry

STEM

Biology

Biology
master's in biologystudy biology in switzerlandmaster's biology in switzerlandbiology program in zurichmsc biology
24 months English Full-time

$1,440/yr

Accounting and Finance

Business

Business
24 months English Full-time

$1,440/yr

Data Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computer sciencecomputer science degreecomputer science programcomputer science mastermaster's degree
24 months English Full-time

$1,440/yr

Artificial Intelligence

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
artificialcomputercomputer sciencegraduateintelligence
24 months English Full-time

$1,440/yr

Computational Linguistics

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computationalcomputational linguisticscomputercomputer sciencegraduate
24 months English Full-time

$1,440/yr

Quantitative Finance

STEM

Finance

Finance
master in financemaster financemasters in financemsc financestudy finance in switzerland
24 months English Full-time

$1,440/yr

Human Medicine

STEM

Medicine

Medicine
humanhuman medicinemastermedicineswitzerland
German Full-time

$1,440/yr

Master of Veterinary Medicine

STEM

Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Medicine
master of veterinary medicineuniversity in ZurichMSc in veterinary medicinemedical degreemasters in veterinary medicine
24 months German Full-time

$1,440/yr

PhD Programs (10)

Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism

STEM

Biochemistry

Biochemistry
molecular biology careerbiochemistry researchdoctorate in biochemistrystudy biochemistry zurichstudy biochemistry in switzerland
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

Plant Sciences

STEM

Biology

Plant Sciences
plant sciences PhD University of Zurichplant biology doctoral Switzerlandbotany research doctorate Zurichplant molecular biology PhDagriculture plant science doctorate
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

Molecular Life Sciences

STEM

Biology

Biology
biobiologylifemolecularphd
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

Ecology

STEM

Biology

Biology
Biology PhDBiology PhD programBiology at University of ZurichBiology doctoral programBiology doctorate
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

Neuroscience

STEM

Biology

Biology
biology program switzerland biology admission requirementsstudy biology in switzerlandneuroscienceprogram in biology
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

Cancer Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
biologycancerdoctor of philosophydoctoraldoctorate
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

Chemical and Molecular Sciences

STEM

Chemistry

Chemical Engineering
chemicalchemistrymolecularphdsciences
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

Informatics

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
phd in computer scienceenglish-taught phd computer sciencestudy computer science in switzerlandsoftware developer degreecomputer science program switzerland
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

Economics (Track A, B, C)

Economics

Economics
economicsphdswitzerlandtrackuniversity
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

STEM

Public Health

Public Health
phd public healthenglish-taught phd public healthphd public health switzerlandphd public health abroadphd in public health
36 months English Full-time

$300/yr

University of Zurich Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

7+ IELTS
100+ TOEFL
3+ GPA
Required GRE
Required GMAT
Acceptance Rate Very Selective (<20%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline Fall Intake: February 28, 2025; Spring Intake: August 31, 2025
Tuition (per year) $1.6k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$500
Application Fee $100
Teaching Language German, English
Accreditation
Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation)

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Frequently Asked Questions About University of Zurich

Common questions from international students considering University of Zurich.

What is the acceptance rate at University of Zurich?

University of Zurich is classified as "Very Selective (<20%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does University of Zurich cost for international students?

Tuition at University of Zurich ranges from $1.6k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $500/month), books, and living expenses.

What is University of Zurich ranked globally?

University of Zurich holds the following rankings: QS World #100, Times Higher Education #80, ARWU #67, #2 in Switzerland. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does University of Zurich have?

University of Zurich typically requires IELTS 7+ or TOEFL 100+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at University of Zurich?

Yes, University of Zurich offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does University of Zurich start its semesters?

University of Zurich has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does University of Zurich offer?

University of Zurich offers 20+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is University of Zurich located?

University of Zurich is located in Zurich, Switzerland 🇨🇭. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What programs does University of Zurich offer?

For specific details about University of Zurich, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

Are there scholarships at University of Zurich?

For specific details about University of Zurich, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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