Study in Aargau: The Best Universities in the Heart of Switzerland

Switzerland has long been admired for its world-class education system, innovation, and high quality of life. While cities like Zurich, Geneva, or Basel often dominate international headlines, the canton of Aargau is a hidden gem that deserves more attention. Perfectly located between Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne, Aargau combines the charm of small towns with the benefits of being close to Switzerland’s largest economic and cultural centers.

For international students, Aargau offers something unique: a peaceful and safe environment with excellent study opportunities, a diverse community, and modern academic institutions. It is home to leading applied sciences universities, strong teacher education centers, and research partnerships that make it a true hub of knowledge. In this article, we will highlight why Aargau is such a great place to study, and provide a detailed look at its main universities.

Why Aargau is Perfect for International Students

Before exploring the universities, it’s worth looking at what makes Aargau itself so attractive.

Central Location: Students can reach Zurich, Basel, or Lucerne within 30–40 minutes by train. This means easy access to internships, jobs, and cultural events.
Safe and Peaceful: Aargau is known for its low crime rates and high quality of life, making it perfect for focused study.
Affordable Living Costs: Compared to Zurich or Geneva, housing and everyday expenses in Aargau are more affordable.
Rich Culture and History: From medieval castles to beautiful riverside towns and famous thermal baths, students enjoy both history and relaxation.
Nature and Lifestyle: Aargau is known as the “land of rivers,” offering endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and enjoying nature after classes.

For international students, these factors combine into an environment that balances study, career preparation, and lifestyle in one of the most student-friendly parts of Switzerland.

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) – Brugg-Windisch Campus

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) is one of Switzerland’s leading applied sciences universities. Established in 2006 through the merger of several older institutions, FHNW has grown rapidly into a modern educational powerhouse. Today, it serves over 12,000 students across multiple campuses, with the Brugg-Windisch campus in Aargau being one of its most important sites.

Programs and Strengths

At FHNW Brugg-Windisch, students can study in areas such as:

Engineering and Technology
Business and Economics
Health Sciences
Social Work
Teacher Education

The university is known for its strong links to industry and applied research. Students often work on real-life projects with Swiss companies, giving them practical skills that make them highly employable after graduation.

Student Experience

The Brugg-Windisch campus is modern, spacious, and designed for collaboration. International students benefit from support services, language courses, and integration programs. The multicultural environment makes it easy to build friendships from all over the world.

With its size, diversity, and reputation, FHNW is one of the best choices for students who want both academic excellence and practical career preparation.

Pädagogische Hochschule FHNW – School of Education

The School of Education at FHNW has its roots in Switzerland’s long tradition of teacher training, but in its current form it became part of FHNW in 2006. Today, it trains thousands of students every year to become skilled teachers and educational leaders.

Focus on Teaching Innovation

The school specializes in:

Primary and Secondary Teacher Education
Educational Psychology and Pedagogy
Research in Teaching Methods
Lifelong Learning and Continuing Education

With more than 3,000 students, it plays a central role in shaping the future of education in Switzerland. For international students, the School of Education provides insight into one of the most respected school systems in the world.

Why International Students Choose It

Global perspectives are encouraged, with many courses including international teaching methods, intercultural learning, and projects focused on the digital future of education. Students also have opportunities to participate in exchange programs with other universities, making it an attractive choice for those who want to combine Swiss quality with global experiences.

University of Teacher Education Aargau (PH Aargau)

The University of Teacher Education Aargau (PH Aargau) is another important institution dedicated exclusively to teacher training and pedagogy. Founded in 2006 as part of Switzerland’s teacher education reform, it has since built a strong reputation for preparing teachers to work in modern, inclusive, and multicultural classrooms.

Academic Offerings

PH Aargau offers:

Bachelor’s degrees in Primary Education
Master’s degrees in Secondary Education
Specialized diplomas and professional development courses

With around 1,500 students, PH Aargau is smaller and more specialized than FHNW, but its focus on personalized education and practice-oriented training makes it highly effective.

International Perspective

International students interested in education sciences and pedagogy find PH Aargau particularly appealing because of its emphasis on inclusivity and innovation. It provides a clear view into how Switzerland balances high academic standards with support for diverse learners.

Research Collaborations with University of Zurich and ETH Zurich

Although University of Zurich and ETH Zurich are based outside Aargau, the canton plays host to several of their research institutes and collaborations. In particular, Aargau is known for its contributions to:

Energy and Environmental Research
Technology and Innovation
Medical and Health Studies

These collaborations provide opportunities for students and researchers in Aargau to work with two of Switzerland’s most prestigious universities. International students who choose programs in Aargau can often benefit from joint research projects, guest lectures, and networking opportunities with professors from Zurich.

Student Life in Aargau

Studying in Aargau is not only about lectures and exams; it’s also about enjoying a unique lifestyle.

Housing: Student apartments and shared housing in Aargau are generally more affordable than in larger cities.
Transport: With the Swiss Travel System, students can reach Zurich, Basel, or Lucerne quickly. Many choose to live in Aargau while enjoying weekend trips across the country.
Culture: Cities like Aarau (the cantonal capital) are rich with art, museums, and music festivals, while towns such as Baden are famous for their thermal baths.
Nature: The Aare River and surrounding hills provide perfect settings for hiking, swimming, and cycling, making it easy for students to stay healthy and relaxed.

Why Choose Aargau Over Larger Cities?

Some international students might first think about Zurich or Geneva when choosing Switzerland. However, Aargau offers unique advantages:

Lower Living Costs – rent, food, and transportation are often cheaper.
Central Position – access to three major cities in under an hour.
Peaceful Study Environment – less crowded, with more focus on learning.
Strong Education System – universities here are connected to Switzerland’s best research networks.
Community Feeling – smaller campuses mean closer relationships with professors and classmates.

Conclusion

Aargau is one of Switzerland’s most welcoming regions for international students. With high-quality institutions like FHNW’s Brugg-Windisch campus, the FHNW School of Education, and PH Aargau, along with collaborations from Zurich’s world-class universities, the canton provides a full spectrum of opportunities.

Students who choose Aargau benefit not only from excellent academics but also from a safe, central, and affordable location filled with cultural and natural beauty. Whether your passion is engineering, business, social sciences, or teacher education, Aargau offers the right environment to grow and succeed.

For international students looking for a study destination that combines quality, opportunity, and lifestyle, Aargau is truly a place where education meets inspiration.