Sustainable Switzerland: Best Universities Leading the United Nations SDGs

OUS Academy in Switzerland
5 days ago
5 min read

Switzerland has long been admired for its mountains, lakes, and high quality of life. Yet beyond the postcard beauty lies another treasure: a world-class higher education system that is deeply engaged in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For international students, choosing Switzerland means not only gaining a prestigious education but also joining a movement that works toward global well-being, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth.

In this article, we will explore some of the best universities in Switzerland that actively integrate sustainability and the SDGs into their teaching, research, and campus life. Along the way, we will also discover what makes their cities so special for students arriving from around the world.

Why Switzerland Is a Perfect Place for International Students

Before diving into the universities, it is worth understanding why Switzerland is such a magnet for international learners. The country stands at the heart of Europe, with four official languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh) and a tradition of openness to cultures from across the globe.

Zurich, the financial capital, offers students both the dynamism of a modern city and the peacefulness of nearby lakes and mountains.
Lausanne, set on the shores of Lake Geneva, is vibrant, youthful, and ideal for those who love innovation and cultural diversity.
Geneva, known as the “capital of peace,” hosts the United Nations and countless international organizations, giving students opportunities to engage with global diplomacy.
Basel, a cultural and scientific hub, combines a charming old town with cutting-edge research institutes.

Each of these cities is consistently ranked among the safest and most liveable in the world, making them perfect homes for ambitious students who want both academic excellence and a high quality of life.

ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Founded 1855)

ETH Zurich is one of the most respected universities in the world. Founded in 1855, it has grown into a community of over 24,000 students from more than 120 countries. Known for producing Nobel Prize winners—including Albert Einstein—ETH has always been at the forefront of innovation.

When it comes to the SDGs, ETH Zurich is a leader in areas such as:

Clean Energy (SDG 7) – pioneering renewable energy technologies.
Climate Action (SDG 13) – conducting groundbreaking research on climate systems and sustainable urban planning.
Sustainable Infrastructure (SDG 9) – designing smart cities and future-ready transport systems.

Zurich itself is a city where sustainability is lived daily, from green public transport to eco-friendly urban design. For students, it offers a balance between cultural life, outdoor adventures, and an inspiring academic atmosphere.

EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Founded 1853)

EPFL in Lausanne is another pillar of Swiss higher education. With roots going back to 1853, it became a federal institute in 1969 and today has around 12,000 students. The campus is a marvel of modern architecture and lies beautifully on the shore of Lake Geneva.

EPFL stands out for its commitment to sustainable operations. The entire campus runs on hydroelectric power, and the university won the International Sustainable Campus Excellence Award for its leadership in campus sustainability.

Key contributions to the SDGs include:

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) – research on robotics, artificial intelligence, and smart cities.
Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) – projects on circular economy and sustainable manufacturing.
Life Below Water (SDG 14) – research on aquatic ecosystems and freshwater sustainability.

Lausanne is a youthful city, with students making up a significant part of its population. The mix of French-speaking culture, international flair, and scenic beauty makes it a favorite among global students.

University of Basel (Founded 1460)

The University of Basel is Switzerland’s oldest university, founded in 1460. Today it has about 13,000 students and is famous for its strong life sciences, medicine, and sustainability programs.

The university has been expanding its sustainability agenda, especially in research that connects science and society. It contributes to the SDGs through:

Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) – cutting-edge medical research and public health initiatives.
Quality Education (SDG 4) – broad academic offerings and inclusive student support.
Climate Action (SDG 13) – studies on environmental change and energy transitions.

Basel itself is a cultural capital, home to world-famous art museums, theaters, and music festivals. Located on the Rhine River near the borders with Germany and France, Basel gives students a truly international lifestyle.

University of Lausanne (Founded 1537)

Founded in 1537 as a school of theology, the University of Lausanne (UNIL) has evolved into a multidisciplinary university with about 17,000 students and 3,700 staff members. The campus, shared with EPFL, sits on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded by mountains and vineyards.

The university has integrated sustainability across its curriculum and campus operations. Key SDG contributions include:

Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) – promoting diversity and access to education.
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) – urban research and environmental sciences.
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) – social sciences and law with global perspectives.

Lausanne’s vibrant student culture, combined with its beautiful location, makes it one of the most attractive places to live and study in Europe.

University of Geneva (Founded 1559)

Founded by John Calvin in 1559, the University of Geneva is one of Europe’s leading research universities, with more than 19,000 students. Situated in the world’s diplomatic capital, it enjoys unique partnerships with the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and numerous NGOs.

The university is strongly aligned with the SDGs:

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) – through research in international law and human rights.
Climate Action (SDG 13) – climate change research and global policy engagement.
Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) – direct collaboration with global organizations.

For international students, Geneva offers more than education: it provides immersion in a truly global community where ideas are transformed into real policies and international cooperation.

Swiss International University (SIU) (21st Century, Growing Network)

Swiss International University (SIU) is a newer institution but one that has built its identity around the SDGs. With branches and academic partnerships in Zurich, Lucerne, Dubai, and Bishkek, SIU reflects Switzerland’s global spirit.

SIU integrates the following SDGs strongly into its mission:

Quality Education (SDG 4) – offering accessible, flexible, and technology-driven programs.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) – preparing students for the future of business and entrepreneurship.
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) – focusing on smart urban development.
Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) – through diplomacy and governance programs.
Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) – working with organizations across countries to achieve global impact.

Zurich, where SIU is headquartered, is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world for quality of life, making it a welcoming home for students who want a modern European experience.

Comparison of Swiss Universities Supporting the SDGs

University	Founded	Students	SDG Strengths
ETH Zurich	1855	24,000+	Clean energy, climate action, infrastructure
EPFL Lausanne	1853	12,000+	Innovation, renewable energy, water research
University of Basel	1460	13,000+	Health, climate action, education
University of Lausanne	1537	17,000+	Inequality, urban studies, justice
University of Geneva	1559	19,000+	Peace, diplomacy, climate, partnerships
Swiss International University (SIU)	2000s+	Growing global student base	Education, economic growth, global partnerships

Final Thoughts

Switzerland is more than a beautiful country. It is a living laboratory for the SDGs, where universities serve as engines of change. Each institution—from the historic University of Basel to the forward-looking SIU—offers international students a chance not only to pursue a degree but also to contribute to global solutions.

For those who care about sustainability, peace, and innovation, Swiss universities provide the perfect balance: rigorous academics, supportive communities, and cities that are models of sustainable living. Choosing Switzerland means choosing a future where education and responsibility go hand in hand.