University Of Zurich, Switzerland Program

Last Updated on January 15, 2023

One of the world’s foremost research universities, the University of Zurich was founded in 1833 and has since been at the forefront of science. With an award-winning faculty and a wide array of disciplines to choose from, students find themselves immersed in a world of discovery at the very heart of Switzerland. In this program, you’ve not only gained access to state-of-the-art facilities – you’ve studied at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

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University Of Zurich, Switzerland Degree Program

Founded in 1833, the University of Zurich (UZH) was the first university in Europe to be established by a democratic government rather than a monarch or the church. Now the largest university in Switzerland, it is home to 26,000 students and comprises seven faculties offering over 100 degree programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

About University of Zurich

Founded in 1833, the University of Zurich is Switzerland’s largest university. It is ranked: 

  • As the 73rd best university in the world in the QS World University Rankings® 2018
  • Among the top 150 universities in the world for employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2017
  • 20th for anatomy and physiology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject
  • 29th for dentistry in the QS World University Rankings by Subject

With its 26,000 enrolled students, the University of Zurich (UZH) is Switzerland’s largest university. Founded in the year 1833, UZH was Europe’s first university to be established by a democratic political system; today, UZH is one of the foremost universities in the German-speaking world. Made up of seven faculties covering some 100 different subject areas, the University offers a wide variety of Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs. In addition, UZH’s continuing education programs offer excellent learning opportunities.

Switzerland was formally recognized as an independent country in the 17th century, but it’s cantons came together to form a confederation during medieval times. That’s centuries of history waiting to be explored in the country’s mountains, valleys, and cities. While formally neutral since the 1800s when it comes to the world’s conflicts, Switzerland has played an important role in world affairs (and we’re not just talking about Swiss cheese or Lindt chocolate). Switzerland’s global cities are home to world class universities, the United Nations, and many other important organizations, giving international students ample opportunity to learn both in and out of the classroom. 

university of zurich admission requirements for international students

How to apply

  • Complete the online application form on the university website
  • Pay the application fee
  • Upload all the supporting documents before the deadline

Language requirements for a Swiss university application

Switzerland has three official languages — German, French and Italian — and the language of instruction depends on the university. In addition, most universities also offer a wide range of programmes taught in English. The vast majority of international students apply for either English, French or German-taught degrees.

Accepted evidence of proficiency for each language are:

  • German: DSH, TestDaF, OSD, telc and others
  • French: DELF or DALF
  • English: IELTS, TOEFL

If you don’t have a language certificate, you can take a language test at the university and they can decide if your level is sufficient to be accepted. This option is not available at all universities, so first check with the institution.

Required university application documents

  • A signed printout of your application form
  • Two passport photos
  • Copy of identity document
  • Official academic transcript(s) from each university you attended before (if applicable)
  • High school diploma or Bachelor’s diploma
  • Language proficiency certificates (German/French/English)
  • CV
  • Evidence of paying the application fee (100 – 150 CHF or 400 CHF for late applications)
  • Personal essay/Motivation letter

Additional documents for students who apply to a doctoral programme

  • A letter from an instructor of the faculty who is certified to direct doctoral dissertations, and who agrees to overlook your research.
  • If you are in your final year at secondary school and have not yet received your diploma, you may apply based on your grades over the year, but you have to send copies of your final exam results as soon as you have them.
  • All certificates and transcripts that are not in English, French, German or Italian must be translated into English or French by a certified translator. Along with the translation, some universities will demand an official document from the school or university that you attended, with an explanation of the grading and assessment system.

University of Zurich International Students Degree Program

International atmosphere in Zürich

Being Switzerland’s largest city, Zürich is also a hotspot for international students and businessmen. The Swiss lifestyle reflects the city’s quality of life and this aspect is visible in all fields.

While a significant amount of the city’s inhabitants does not hold citizenship, there are high chances you will meet Germans, Italians or others. Locals are friendly and open and the city has an environment where you can learn, develop and socialize.

5 Top Swiss universities for international students

1. International University in Geneva

Ranked as one of the top ten business schools in the country, the International University in Geneva is one of the best universities in Switzerland for international students. The school’s emphasis on theoretical and practical study means you’ll be more than ready for a career in international business. Recognized as an international center for politics, business, and culture, Geneva is the perfect backdrop for your studies, and provides excellent opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom in the real world. 

Pros: Location! Geneva is one of the best places to be for international business students. It’s centrally located in Europe (making travel to other cities easier), and it’s a hub for business and politics. IUG has developed many relationships in Switzerland and abroad that serve their students during and after their academic experiences. 

Unlike other schools in Switzerland, IUG courses are taught in English!

Cons: Cost of living in Switzerland is not cheap. While tuition isn’t as high as you’ll find at home, when planning for your time in Geneva it’s important to think about your day-to-day costs and start saving.

  • Recommended full-degree programs: Bachelor and master’s degree programs are taught in English. The Bachelor and Master’s of Business Administration are both ideal for those interested in a career in international business.
  • Recommended short-term study abroad programs: There are about five schools in the US that partner with IUG. Students from these schools can spend a semester in Geneva and apply the credits at their home university.

2.  Business and Hotel Management School of Switzerland

This hospitality school in Lucerne offers programs in culinary arts, hospitality management, and global business management. With students from 65 countries and an emphasis on real-world work experience, BHMS places a great deal of importance on the success of their students in the international hospitality industry.

Pros: Every year students are placed in a training position in the industry with one of BHMS’ partners around the world. Students won’t spend all their time in the classroom here, they’ll put their learning to the test and gain valuable experience, so they’ll be ready for the job market when they graduate.

And courses are taught in English!

Cons: While cost of living is still in the cons section and you cannot obtain a job on a student visa, BHMS’ industry training program provides students with a paid position. So you’ll make a little extra money while also gaining valuable experience. 

  • Recommended full-degree programs: Students of the three year BA in Hotel and Hospitality Management and the MS in International Hospitality Business Management programs leave school with the academic and professional credentials to be extremely competitive in the international job market. 
  • Recommended short-term study abroad programs: Spend two weeks in Lucerne with BHMS’ familiarization program. You’ll be introduced to the industry, learn about the many career paths and opportunities, and gain some experience in the hospitality, tourism, and travel industry. By the end of two weeks maybe you’ll be signing up for a full degree program!

3. University of Geneva 

Established in 1559, the University of Geneva is the second largest Swiss university. The university is internationally recognized for both its research and education, and it students benefit greatly from the wealth of international organizations that call Geneva home. The city’s international importance and multiculturalism is felt on campus too. About one third of students at the University of Geneva are foreigners. 

Pros: We’re looking at the language as a pro here instead of a con. Geneva is the center of francophone Switzerland, and therefore the vast majority of classes are taught in French. However, the university offers French support courses during your time there. The university’s international students website also has a list of regular and short-term courses that are offered in English. At the University of Geneva you can study at a world-class institution and improve your French at the same time!

Cons: Geneva is not known to be an especially affordable city. Even by western standards, the cost of living in Geneva is a bit higher than you may be used to. This is a great opportunity to check out GoAbroad’s Scholarship Directory!

  • Recommended full-degree programs: Students coming to Geneva are probably thinking about political science and diplomacy. The School of Social Sciences offers a bachelor program, English and French master’s programs, and a doctoral program. Studying international relations in the city that is also home to the United Nations and many NGOs sounds like an ideal setting!
  • Recommended short-term study abroad programs: Geneva Summer Schools offer students and scholars from around the world the opportunity to come together to discuss and learn from one another about topics of global significance. 

4. University of Bern

Located in the capital of Switzerland, the University of Bern benefits from being in an important cultural and political center. The university places a lot of importance on the issues of gender equality and sustainability, and is always looking to improve and innovate. 

Pros: Bern may be the capital of Switzerland and the country’s fourth most populous city, but the city is known for its more relaxed pace. With its UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town and many museums, you may actually find it difficult to focus in class because of all of the amazing “informal learning” you’re doing outside the classroom.

Cons: Like many Swiss universities there is a language requirement for admission. Students wishing to study at the University of Bern are required to pass a German proficiency exam. 

  • Recommended full-degree programs: The University of Bern offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs in a wide variety of subjects, as well as programs in medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. 
  • Recommended short-term study abroad programs: Like many universities in Switzerland for international students, the University of Bern participates in exchange agreements with several other universities. They also participate in the ISEP-International Student Exchange Program, as well as a visiting student program. 

5. University of Basel

Basel is located in the north of Switzerland by the French and German borders, making it a great spot if you’re itching to explore more of Europe during your time in Switzerland as an international student. The University of Basel is Switzerland’s oldest, founded in 1460. With students coming from over one hundred countries, the university definitely has an international presence and values multiculturalism.

Pros: The University of Basel is regularly ranked as one of the top one hundred universities in the world. While its program offerings are diverse, the school places a high level of importance on its relationships with regional and international partners as it continues to innovate and contribute to a number of important current issues.

Cons: While courses are taught in German and English here, the primary language of instruction is German. Therefore, you must be able to prove a certain level of proficiency for admission. However, the university does have a language center dedicated to helping students to continuously improve their German skills.

  • Recommended full-degree programs: The University of Basel offers bachelor and master’s degree programs in a wide variety of subjects from mathematics to history. There are 18 master’s degree programs in English in both hard sciences and the humanities.
  • Recommended short-term study abroad programs: The MAUI-Utrecht Network Exchange Program allows students from participating universities from the Utrecht Network and the Mid-American Universities International group (MAUI) to spend a semester or two at another school within the network. 

university of zurich acceptance rate

Application process and the cost of tuition. To enroll the student must provide the information on previous academic performance and pass examinations. Academic year of the university consists of two semesters. UZH has affordable bachelor’s programs that cost less than 2,500 USD/year. Those who wish to get their master’s degree here should be ready to spend at least 1,714 USD per year. Despite the tuition gees being quite low, the students often participate in scholarship programs. Is among the educational institutions that allow the students to enroll in online programs. Due to the fact that the tuition fees at UZH may vary depending on the faculty, we advise you to check the official website http://www.uzh.ch for more accurate information.

University ranking. University of Zurich is one of the leaders in Switzerland, one of the 5 best universities in the country. The university can boast a strong track record, ranking 10 in the national ranking of Switzerland. The most popular programs of UZH are: «Arts and Humanities», «Engineering and Technology», «Life Sciences and Medicine», «Natural Science», «Social Sciences and Management», «Mathematics», «Physics», «Economics & Business». UZH is among the best in terms of education quality, proudly standing in the top 200 in the international rankings according to this criterion. The graduates of the university are viewed as valuable employees in Switzerland thus have no issues finding jobs upon graduation.

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