Universities

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The achievements of Zurich's universities are internationally renowned and contribute to the good reputation of Zurich as a location for science and higher education. In addition to the major cantonal universities such as the University of Zurich and the Zürcher Fachhochschule ZFH, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, the University of Applied Sciences in Special Needs Education and private institutions are also located in Zurich.

The café of the Zurich University of the Arts
The Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) is one of the leading art schools in Europe. Image source: ZHdK

University of Zurich

The University of Zurich (UZH) is Switzerland's largest university and belongs to Europe's most prestigious research institutions. The UZH is a comprehensive university with 7 faculties and over 150 institutes. More than 26’000 students are enrolled in over 200 different bachelor's and master's degree programmes. UZH combines the following faculties under one roof:• Faculty of Theology

  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Vetsuisse Faculty
  • Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Science

The University of Zurich works closely with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ) and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZFH) and maintains numerous collaborations with national and international universities. Many Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Einstein, have researched and taught in Zurich.

Entry to the main building of the University of Zurich
More than 26'000 students are enrolled at the University of Zurich. Image source: UZH, Foto: Frank Brüderli

Zürcher Fachhochschule

The Zürcher Fachhochschule (ZFH) consists of three public universities:

  • Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
  • Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK)
  • Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH)

The private Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration (HWZ) is also affiliated to it.

In addition to teaching, the universities of applied sciences are mainly active in application-oriented research and development. At the same time, they strongly focus on the needs of the economy and work closely with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

With over 20’000 students, the ZFH is one of the largest and most diverse universities of applied sciences in Switzerland. The university offers a variety of bachelor's and master's degree programmes and several continuing education programmes in combination with employment.

Zurich University of Teacher Education
The Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH) provides education and continuing education courses for teaching professionals in the Canton of Zurich. Image source: PHZH

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The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Switzerland. ZHAW concentrates on important societal challenges in research and development, with a particular focus on energy and social integration. The university offers 29 bachelor's and 18 master's degree programmes and is subdivided into eight departments:

  • Psychology
  • Architecture
  • Design and Civil Engineering
  • Health professions
  • Life Sciences und Facility Management
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Management and Law
  • Social Work

The Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) is one of the leading art schools in Europe. With its performances, exhibitions and presentations as well as the Museum für Gestaltung (museum of design) and its collections, the ZHdK plays an important role in the cultural life of the city and the canton of Zurich. The following degree and research programmes are available to the approximately 2’100 bachelor and master students:

  • Design
  • Film
  • Fine Arts
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Theatre
  • Transdisciplinary Studies
  • Education

The Zurich University of Teacher Education (PHZH) provides education and continuing education programmes for teaching professionals in the Canton of Zurich. It trains teachers at all levels, from kindergarten to VET School. With its education and continuing education programmes, research contributions and services, the PHZH proactively influences schools and educational processes. Approximately 3’600 students and more than 12’000 participants of continuing education courses attend PHZH each year.

The University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration (HWZ) is a private university accredited by the government and offers continuing education programmes in combination with employment in the following areas:

  • Business Economics
  • Communication
  • Business Informatics/Business Engineering

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

In international rankings, the Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) is regularly rated one of the best universities in the world and leading university in continental Europe.

Approximately 21'000 students are enrolled in 23 bachelor's and 43 master's degree programmes in 16 departments. The degree programmes are subdivided into five areas: Architecture and construction sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, system-oriented natural sciences, management and social sciences.

ETH  Zurich
21’400 students from over 120 countries study at the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. Image source: ETHZ, Foto: Gian Marco Castelber

University of Applied Sciences in Special Needs Education

The University of Applied Sciences in Special Needs Education (HfH) is a university of teacher education with degree programmes, continuing education programmes and research activities in the field of therapeutic pedagogy. 1’200 students have access to a range of 17 subject areas at 5 different institutes.

University of Applied Sciences in Special Needs Education
Approximately 1’200 students are enrolled in bachelor's and master's degree programmes at the University of Applied Sciences in Special Needs Education. Image source: HfH, Foto: Jana Figliuolo

Further information

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Contact

Hochschulamt

Address

Walcheplatz 2
8090 Zürich
Route (Google)

Phone

+41 43 259 23 48

Sekretariat

Email

info@hsa.zh.ch