Best Universities in Switzerland in 2024

Switzerland is globally recognized for its high-quality education system, and its universities consistently rank among the best in the world. In this article, we explore the top 10 universities in Switzerland, according to Studyportals University Meta-Ranking. Among them, ETH Zurich is consistently ranked as the best university in Switzerland and the best university in continental Europe. The university is known worldwide for its research and study programmes in Science, Engineering, and Technology. 

Switzerland is also well-known for being a very beautiful country. As a student here, you will enjoy breathtaking surroundings, including the Swiss Alps and picturesque cities like Zurich and Geneva. And while living and studying in this country is not cheap, many universities also offer scholarships and financial aid to support international students.  

So, whether you are seeking cutting-edge research opportunities, a vibrant student life, or a world-class faculty, universities in Switzerland offer it all. You can even study part-time in Switzerland and get a job on the side. Or, you can take advantage of the excellent Swiss education without leaving your own country with an online degree.

But before diving into the best universities that make Switzerland one of the most popular destinations for students worldwide, check out the available English-taught degrees available in Switzerland: 

• over 100 English-taught Bachelors   
• over 450 English-taught Masters   
• over 140 English-taught PhDs   
• over 150 English-taught distance learning (online) degrees  

Top 10 universities in Switzerland 

Here are the top 10 universities in Switzerland according to the latest rankings: 

1. ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) 

• Top 0,1% worldwide 
• No. of students: 20,000 
• City and population: Zurich, 400,000 people 

ETH Zurich, established in 1855, is one of the world’s leading universities for Science and Technology. Located in Zurich, it has produced 21 Nobel laureates, including Albert Einstein, Richard Earnst, and John von Neumann. The university is renowned for its cutting-edge research, particularly in Engineering, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences. With state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry connections, ETH Zurich supports innovation and entrepreneurship among its students. 

Find Master’s degrees in English at ETH Zurich

2. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)  

• Top 0,5% worldwide 
• No. of students: 11,000 
• City and population: Lausanne, 137,000 people 

Founded in 1853, EPFL has become an internationally renowned institution, attracting some of the best professors and students in the world. . Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, motivated students, and outstanding faculties, EPFL excels in teaching and research. The university offers an innovation-oriented environment with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. With over 350 labs and strategic initiatives like the Blue Brain Project, EPFL leads in diverse scientific and technological fields. 

Find Master’s degrees in English at EPFL

3. University of Zurich  

• Top 0,5% worldwide 
• No. of students: 23,000 
• City and population:  Zurich, 400,000 people 

The University of Zurich, founded in 1833, is the largest university in Switzerland and a leading institution in the German-speaking world. It offers diverse programmes across seven faculties and is renowned for its high-quality education and research excellence. Located in Zurich, a city known for its vibrant cultural scene and the picturesque Lake Zurich, the university excels in promoting innovative research and offers state-of-the-art facilities to support its dynamic academic community. 

Find Master’s degrees in English at University of Zurich

4. University of Bern  

• Top 0,5% worldwide 
• No. of students: 11,000 
• City and population:  Bern, 133,000 people 

The University of Bern, established in 1805, offers a widerangewide range of programmes across eight faculties and numerous many research institutes. It excels in Sustainability, Health and Medicine, and Intercultural Knowledge. Located in Bern, the Swiss capital known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status, the university blends modern innovation with historical charm, providing a dynamic environment for students and researchers alike. Its central location ensures you can easily travel by public transport anywhere in Switzerland. 

Find Master’s degrees in English at University of Bern

5. University of Geneva  

• Top 0,5% worldwide 
• No. of students: 17,000 
• City and population: Geneva, 200,000 people  

The University of Geneva (UNIGE), founded in 1559 by Jean Calvin, is a prestigious institution dedicated to teaching, research, and societal dialogue. Located in Geneva, a city known for hosting numerous international organisations, UNIGE offers over 500 programmes, including over 100 129 Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes and 80dozens of doctoral programmes. Renowned for its research excellence in Life Sciences, Physics, and Astrophysics, UNIGE supports both fundamental and applied research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across diverse academic fields. 

Find Master’s degrees in English at University of Geneva

6. University of Basel  

• Top 0,5% worldwide 
• No. of students: 9,000 
• City and population: Basel, 170,000 people 

The University of Basel, founded in 1460, is Switzerland’s oldest university and has grown dynamically ever since. Located in Basel, a city famous for its vibrant cultural scene and art fairs, the university is known for its high standards and flexible structure. It excels in research and maintains strong partnerships with renowned institutions and companies in the region, enabling innovation and academic excellence. 

Find Master’s degrees in English at University of Basel

7. University of Lausanne  

• Top 1% worldwide 
• No. of students: 13,000 
• City and population: Lausanne, 137,000 people 

The University of Lausanne, founded in 1537, is a leading institution known for its focus on research, teaching, and innovation. It offers a wide range of programmes in disciplines such as Medicine, Law, Geosciences, Environment, Business, and Humanities. Located in Lausanne, a picturesque city on the shores of Lake Geneva, it provides a vibrant academic environment. Lausanne is famous for its Olympic Museum and as the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee, reflecting the city's rich sporting heritage. 

Find Master’s degrees in English at University of Lausanne

8. Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)  

• Top 2% worldwide 
• No. of students: 3,000 
• City and population: Lugano, 63,000 people 

Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), established in 1996, plays a crucial role in Switzerland's intellectual and socio-economic growth. Located in Lugano, a city known for its stunning lakeside scenery and Mediterranean flair, USI offers interdisciplinary programmes in Architecture, Communication, Data Science, Economics, and more. With small class sizes, international faculty, and strong industry connections, USI fosters a dynamic and rewarding study environment. The university's research is globally recognised for its ambitious, interdisciplinary projects. 

Find Master’s degrees in English at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)

9. University of Fribourg  

• Top 3% worldwide 
• No. of students: 10,000 
• City and population: Fribourg, 38,000 people 

The University of Fribourg, founded in 1889, is renowned for its interdisciplinary spirit and excellence in research and teaching. Located in the bilingual city of Fribourg, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, the university attracts students globally. It comprises five faculties: Theology, Law, Economic and Social Sciences, Arts, and Science, offering diverse programmes. Fribourg's unique blend of French and German cultures enhances the university's vibrant academic environment, creating a truly multicultural learning experience. 

Find Master’s degrees in English at University of Fribourg

10. University of St. Gallen  

• Top 5% worldwide 
• No. of students: 9,000 
• City and population: St Gallen, 75,000 people 

The University of St. G251853en (HSG), founded in 1898 as a Business Academy, offers a practice-oriented education to over 9,500 students. Located in the picturesque city of St. Gallen, renowned for its Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, HSG integrates Management, Economics, Law, Social Sciences, International Affairs, and Computer Science. As one of Europe's top business schools, it combines rigorous research across five schools with a strong emphasis on practical application and career support. 

Find Master’s degrees in English at University of St G251853en

How we did it 

We created this list of the top 10 universities in Switzerland based on the Studyportals Meta-ranking. The Meta-ranking methodology brings together results from multiple global university rankings, providing a more comprehensive and balanced assessment of each institution. Factors such as academic reputation, research output, internationalisation, and student satisfaction are all taken into account. 

Additional Resources 

• Learn more about tuition fees and living costs in Switzerland 
• Find out how to apply to university in Switzerland 
• Discover how to get a student visa for Switzerland 
• Explore the 5 advantages of studying for a Master’s in Switzerland 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I know if a Swiss university teaches in English?  

All programmes listed on our portals are taught in English, making it easy to start your search. For additional information, check the language requirements on each university's website. If you're unsure, contact the university directly. To apply, you'll need to pass an English language test such as PTE Academic, IELTS Academic, or TOEFL iBT. 

Is English enough to live and study in Switzerland? 

While English is sufficient for studying at Swiss universities, living and working in Switzerland requires learning one of the four official languages: German, French, Italian, or Romansh. The region you live in will determine which language you need to learn, and there are significant variations between Swiss and standard versions of these languages. 

Are there any affordable English-taught universities in Switzerland? 

Yes, there are affordable English-taught universities in Switzerland. You can explore and compare tuition fees for various programmes on Mastersportal Search Page by selecting the country you’re interested in and sorting by the lowest tuition. 

Can you find funding to study in Switzerland?  

Various scholarships and financial aid options are available for studying in Switzerland. The Swiss Excellence Scholarships are a good example, but you can find many more scholarships by using the country and scholarship filters on Mastersportal.