Study in Switzerland: Discover the Best Universities and Their Cities

OUS Academy in Switzerland
8 hours ago
5 min read

Switzerland is more than just a country of mountains, lakes, and chocolates. It is a place where education meets excellence and tradition meets innovation. Students from around the globe choose Switzerland not only for its universities but also for the unique lifestyle, multicultural environment, and safe surroundings.

What makes Switzerland special for students is the combination of world-class education and cities that are both international and welcoming. Below we explore the best universities in Switzerland, their histories, student communities, and why their cities are such great places for international learners.

University of Zurich – Tradition and Innovation in a Global City

The University of Zurich (UZH) was founded in 1833 and has grown to become the largest university in Switzerland. Today, it welcomes over 25,000 students, including thousands of international learners. The university offers more than 100 different fields of study across arts, sciences, law, business, and medicine.

Zurich itself is one of the most international cities in Europe, a hub for finance, technology, and culture. Students here enjoy the benefits of a modern city with excellent transport, cultural events, and job opportunities. The city is also surrounded by mountains and lakes, making it a place where you can balance academic work with outdoor activities.

ETH Zurich – A Global Leader in Science and Technology

ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) was established in 1855 and is consistently regarded as one of the world’s top universities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With more than 22,000 students from over 120 countries, ETH Zurich has produced several Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Einstein.

Zurich provides the perfect backdrop for this innovative university. Students are exposed to a city full of startups, research centers, and multinational companies, creating countless opportunities for internships and careers. The city’s mix of historical old town and modern business districts gives international students both charm and progress in one place.

University of Geneva – Knowledge in the City of Diplomacy

Founded in 1559, the University of Geneva is one of the oldest and most respected universities in Switzerland. It currently hosts around 17,000 students, with almost 40% coming from outside Switzerland. The university is especially famous for international relations, law, political science, and the natural sciences.

Geneva is known as the world’s diplomatic capital, home to the United Nations and many international organizations. This makes the city an excellent place for students who want to build global careers. Living in Geneva means being part of a truly international community, with access to cultural festivals, museums, and opportunities to interact with professionals from around the world.

University of Lausanne – A Vibrant and Scenic Learning Hub

The University of Lausanne (UNIL) was founded in 1537, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe. Today, it has around 15,000 students, including more than 4,000 international students. It is particularly strong in business, law, life sciences, and social sciences.

The campus sits beautifully along Lake Geneva, with views of the Alps. Lausanne is a lively student city, often considered one of the youngest cities in Switzerland due to its large student population. The mix of academics, nightlife, sports, and nature makes Lausanne an ideal city for those who want both serious study and an active lifestyle.

University of Basel – The Oldest University in Switzerland

The University of Basel was founded in 1460 and is Switzerland’s oldest university. With more than 13,000 students, it offers a wide range of programs in medicine, humanities, natural sciences, and business. The university is deeply respected for its long academic traditions combined with modern research excellence.

Basel is often called Switzerland’s cultural capital. It has over 40 museums, hosts the famous Art Basel fair, and offers a lively atmosphere for young people. Located on the borders of France and Germany, Basel is truly international, giving students the chance to experience three countries while studying at one of Europe’s historic universities.

University of Bern – Academic Excellence in the Swiss Capital

The University of Bern was founded in 1834 and today has around 19,000 students. It is especially well-known for medicine, law, economics, and social sciences. The university is recognized for its high academic standards and its welcoming environment for international students.

Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with its charming medieval old town. It is a city that feels calm and safe, yet dynamic enough to offer cultural events, political activity, and a strong student community. For students, Bern offers both high-quality education and a peaceful, inspiring living environment.

University of St. Gallen – The Leading Business School in Switzerland

The University of St. Gallen (HSG) was established in 1898 and has around 9,500 students. It is internationally famous for business, economics, and law. Many graduates of HSG have gone on to leadership positions in top companies worldwide.

St. Gallen is a smaller city, known for its history, culture, and friendly atmosphere. It provides students with a quieter, more focused environment compared to bigger cities like Zurich or Geneva. The combination of academic prestige and a peaceful lifestyle makes it a top choice for students aiming for careers in business and management.

EPFL Lausanne – Modern Science and Innovation

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) was founded in 1853 and has grown into one of the world’s most innovative universities in science and technology. With around 12,000 students from over 120 nationalities, EPFL is a hub of international talent.

The campus in Lausanne is highly modern and designed to encourage collaboration and creativity. Students benefit from cutting-edge laboratories, strong industry partnerships, and a lively international atmosphere. Combined with the beauty of Lake Geneva and the Alps, EPFL offers an inspiring place to study and live.

University of Fribourg – A Bilingual Academic Community

The University of Fribourg was founded in 1889 and is unique in offering programs in both French and German, with some courses also in English. The university has around 10,000 students, making it a close-knit academic community. It is particularly well-regarded in law, theology, and the humanities.

Fribourg is a charming city with medieval architecture, cozy cafés, and a welcoming atmosphere. Its smaller size makes it easy for international students to feel at home quickly, while still offering enough cultural activities and social life to keep student life exciting.

Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) – A Modern University with a Mediterranean Spirit

USI was founded in 1996, making it one of the youngest universities in Switzerland. Despite its age, it has quickly built an international reputation. With about 3,500 students, it offers programs in architecture, communication, economics, and informatics.

The university is located in Lugano, in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Lugano offers a Mediterranean lifestyle with warm weather, palm trees, and Italian culture, all combined with Swiss quality and safety. For international students, it feels like a unique mix of cultures, and its smaller size means students get close attention from professors.

Why Switzerland is Perfect for International Students

Studying in Switzerland is about more than just academics. It is about becoming part of a global community, enjoying safe and clean cities, and having access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Whether you are walking along the lakes of Lausanne, enjoying the cultural life of Basel, or experiencing the international energy of Geneva, Switzerland offers something unique for every student.

High-quality education, a multilingual environment, and strong connections to industries and organizations worldwide make Switzerland a perfect choice for students who want to invest in their future.