Top 10 Universities in Switzerland 2025 QS Rankings – Switzerland is often a study destination chosen by international students. Many educational institutions here are ranked high in various international rankings. So what are the best universities in Switzerland? Check out the rankings below through the QS Rankings 2025 version.
Top Universities in Switzerland 2025
1. ETH Zurich
The first best university in Switzerland is ETH Zurich or known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. With an unmatched reputation, ETH Zurich has produced many Nobel laureates.
ETH Zurich’s leading departments are of course Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. It’s no secret that ETH Zurich alumni are often pioneers in various fields of technology. In addition, this university in Switzerland is the center of advanced research in various fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
2. EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
In second place for the best universities in Switzerland is EPFL or the abbreviation for École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne. This Swiss university is renowned for its research that has produced advanced technologies used worldwide. EPFL’s leading majors include Electronic Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Bioengineering.
In addition, EPFL plays an important role in the development of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology which is widely used in various electronic devices.
3. University of Zurich
The next best university in Switzerland is the University of Zurich which is in third place. Founded on April 29, 1833, this campus was established as the first university in Switzerland to use German as the language of instruction.
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The establishment of UZH was initiated by the Cantonal government of Zurich with the aim of providing quality higher education and advancing science. The leading departments at the University of Zurich include Psychology, Economics, and Law.
4. University of Basel
The fourth best university in Switzerland is the University of Basel. This institution is one of the oldest in Switzerland. The University of Basel was founded in 1460 by Pope Pius II with the support of the Duke of the House of Habsburg.
The University of Basel itself is famous for its leading department, namely health sciences. The uniqueness of the University of Basel’s health sciences program lies in its research-based approach and in-depth clinical practice. This Swiss university has produced five Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine.
5. University of Geneva
The next best university in Switzerland is the University of Geneva, founded in 1559 by John Calvin, a famous Protestant reformer. Initially, this Swiss university started as a theology school with the aim of educating church and community leaders.
The leading departments at the University of Geneva are social sciences and law, due to its strategic location in the center of international diplomacy. This Swiss university is also actively involved with CERN, the world’s largest nuclear research organization.
6. University of Bern
The 6th ranking of Swiss universities is occupied by the University of Bern. Initially, this Swiss university started very simply, namely to educate local leaders and scholars by teaching basic education in theology, law, and humanities. There is something interesting about the University of Bern, namely that Einstein once compiled his theory of relativity while teaching here.
The University of Bern is famous for its leading departments in astrophysics and biotechnology. The uniqueness of these programs lies in their advanced research facilities and collaboration with global institutions.
7. University of Lausanne
The 7th best university in Switzerland is the University of Lausanne which was founded in 1537. This Swiss university originally started as a theological school under the influence of the Protestant Reformation. The leading departments of the University of Lausanne are in the fields of social sciences and health. This university even has a sophisticated laboratory for researching the human brain.
The uniqueness of the University of Lausanne lies in the integration of academic theory and practical application. Its programs, especially in health studies, are very well known for their state-of-the-art research facilities and collaboration with leading hospitals.
8. USI – Università della Svizzera italiana
The next best university in Switzerland is ranked 8th, namely Università della Svizzera italiana. This institution was founded in 1996 in Lugano, Switzerland and is one of the youngest universities. Learning at Università della Svizzera italiana uses three languages, namely Italian, German, and English. This Swiss university is famous for its excellence in the fields of design and architecture.
What makes USI unique is its highly focused approach to creative design and technology development. Their programs provide intensive training and collaboration opportunities with leading design firms.
9.Université de Fribourg
The 9th best university in Switzerland is Université de Fribourg. This institution itself was founded in 1580 in the city of Fribourg with the support of Pope Gregory XIII. The uniqueness of Université de Fribourg lies in the richness of perspectives offered in its legal education. The theology program of this Swiss university is also highly regarded, combining religious studies with scientific research. During their studies, students will study in French and German.
10.Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
The best university in Switzerland which is ranked 10th according to the QS Rankings is Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). It was founded in 2007 as a result of the merger of several higher education institutions in Zurich. This institution is renowned for its excellent programs in occupational therapy, midwifery, nursing and physiotherapy.
ZHAW leads in physiotherapy training and research. The university’s physiotherapy program offers a multidisciplinary approach, combining theory, practice and research to provide a well-rounded education.
