University of Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland
"Switzerland's largest university, founded in Zurich in 1833"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#100 (QS)
PSW VISA
6 months
About University of Zurich
The University of Zurich (UZH) is a public research university in Zurich, founded in 1833 as the first university in Europe established by a democratic state rather than a monarch or church. It is Switzerland's largest university, with seven faculties, over 130 departments and more than 200 study programmes. It is known for medicine, the natural sciences, economics and finance, and has links with ETH Zurich. Bachelor's teaching is mostly in German, while many master's specialisations, such as those in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics, are taught in English.
Rankings & Recognition
#100
Ranked #100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (#98 joint in QS 2027).
Accreditations & Memberships
League of European Research Universities (LERU)
Universitas 21
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with University of Zurich's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
71.0#
Employer Reputation
43.5#
Faculty / Student
95.2#
Citations / Faculty
52.3#
Intl. Faculty
100.0#
Intl. Students
57.8#
Intl. Research Network
93.5#
Employment Outcomes
90.8#
Sustainability
69.8#
#
Key Facts
1833
Founded
23,627
Total Students
4,743
International Students
4,273
Faculty
More than 200
Study Programmes
Popular Programs
Banking and Finance
Economics
Data Science
Artificial Intelligence
Information Systems
Medicine
Application Details
Application Route
UZH Admissions Office
Application Fee
CHF 100-150 (foreign)
Master Language
Mostly English (OEC)
Semester Start
September / February
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
IELTS Academic (MSc)
|
approx. 7.0 |
|
TOEFL iBT (MSc)
|
approx. 100 |
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced (MSc)
|
approx. 185 |
|
IELTS / TOEFL iBT (GSB PhD)
|
7.0 / 100 |
|
German (German-taught degrees)
|
Required |
Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
—
I-20 Processing
D visa + B permit (study)
Post-Study Work
6 months (job-seeking)
Green Card Pathway
Work permit (quota)
Financials
Application Fee
CHF 100-150
Avg Scholarship
N/A
Career Outcomes
6 months
Post-Study Work
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Academic Staff — 4,273
International Staff — 53%
—
Notable Alumni
Albert Einstein (doctorate, 1905)
Campus & Location
UZH teaches across Zurich, with its main building in the city centre next to ETH Zurich, the Irchel campus for natural sciences, and further sites in Oerlikon and around the university hospital.
Campus Details
City
centre
Irchel
and Oerlikon sites
23627
students
Campus Forecast
Warmest (Jul): 14 to 24 C
Coldest (Jan): -1 to 4 C
Climate: Temperate oceanic
Student Life & Housing
Housing
Housing: WOKO / student residences and private rental
Dining
Dining: University mensas
Health & Wellness
Health: Swiss basic health insurance (compulsory unless exempt)
Activities & Clubs
Student associations
ASVZ academic sports
Zurich culture
Diversity & Demographics
Total Students
23,627
International Students
4,743
Undergraduate
50.3%
Postgraduate
49.7%
Cost Deep-Dive
Tuition - Bachelor's (foreign)
CHF 1,220 / semester
Tuition - Master's (foreign)
CHF 820 / semester
Swiss students
CHF 720 / semester
Compulsory fees
CHF 59 / semester
One-time fee (foreign degree)
CHF 100 or 150
Intakes & Deadlines
Semesters start in mid-September (autumn) and mid-February (spring). Applicants with foreign qualifications apply through the UZH Admissions Office, which sets the deadlines for each semester; visa-required students should apply as early as possible. Master's specialisations in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics require 120 ECTS and, except Business Administration, are taught in English.
Scholarships at University of Zurich
0 scholarships available
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
Matura-equivalent certificate; German proficiency
Postgraduate
Related bachelor's degree; English C1 (approx. IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 100)
English Proficiency
IELTS Academic (MSc)
TOEFL iBT (MSc)
Cambridge C1 Advanced (MSc)
IELTS / TOEFL iBT (GSB PhD)
German (German-taught degrees)
RequiredRequired Documents
Passport copy
Upper secondary school certificate (bachelor)
Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript (master)
Academic transcripts
Language certificate (English, French or German as required)
CV and motivation letter (many programmes)
Admission letter (visa)
Proof of sufficient funds (visa)
Health insurance
Application Process
1
Choose programme
Check the programme page for admission rules, language of instruction and the deadline for visa-required applicants.
2
Apply online
Submit the online application with transcripts, degree certificates, CV and language certificate, and pay the application fee.
3
Receive admission
Wait for the formal and academic review and the admission letter from the institution.
4
National D visa
Non-EU/EFTA students apply for a national D visa at the Swiss embassy or consulate with the admission letter and proof of funds.
5
Arrive and register
Register with the local residents office (commune) within 14 days of arrival to obtain a B residence permit for study.
6
Enrol and insure
Complete enrolment, pay the semester fee and take out Swiss basic health insurance unless exempted.
Campus & Location
UZH teaches across Zurich, with its main building in the city centre next to ETH Zurich, the Irchel campus for natural sciences, and further sites in Oerlikon and around the university hospital.
Master's
6
University of Zurich
📍 Zurich
Master's
Banking and Finance
University of Zurich
📍 Zurich
Master's
Economics
University of Zurich
📍 Zurich
Master's
Data Science
University of Zurich
📍 Zurich
Master's
Artificial Intelligence
University of Zurich
📍 Zurich
Master's
Information Systems
University of Zurich
📍 Zurich
Master's
Software Systems
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