When considering studying in Europe, Switzerland emerges as a prime choice for students pursuing high-quality education, alongside the UK and Germany. With its outstanding quality of life, affordable tuition fees at public universities, and world-class academic prowess, Switzerland attracts many students. Notably, the University of Zurich (UZH), located in the country’s largest city, Zurich, stands out as a highly regarded institution.
This article will analyse the global rankings of the University of Zurich, its academic positioning, highlight competitive academic disciplines, and provide detailed information about admission requirements and tuition fees, offering valuable insights for students interested in studying in Switzerland.
Overview of the University of Zurich
The University of Zurich (UZH) was established in 1833, marking it as the first university in Europe founded by a democratic system rather than a monarch or church [1]. Situated in Switzerland's largest city, UZH is not only the country's biggest university but also a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU), which includes esteemed institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. Over its history, UZH has produced 12 Nobel laureates, including several distinguished scholars in medicine, economics, and natural sciences, demonstrating its rich academic heritage [2].
Advantages of the University of Zurich
The University of Zurich has become a popular choice for global students due to several core advantages:
- Leading Research Environment: UZH collaborates closely with the nearby ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), working together in various fields such as life sciences and natural sciences. This partnership allows both institutions to share research resources and experimental facilities, solidifying Zurich's status as a prominent "centre of science" in Europe [3].
- Excellent Geographical Location: Zurich serves as a significant financial, life sciences, and biotechnology hub in Switzerland and Europe, hosting numerous international financial institutions and over 1,000 life sciences companies, providing students with opportunities to engage with leading industries [3].
- Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to countries like the UK, USA, and Australia, public universities in Switzerland benefit from substantial governmental support, resulting in relatively low tuition fees. UZH operates on a two-semester system, and even with additional fees for international students, the total annual tuition for a Bachelor's degree is approximately CHF 2,518 (approximately HKD 24,000 - 25,000 at current exchange rates), allowing students to access premier education at reasonable costs [4].
Source: University of Zurich
Global Ranking Overview of the University of Zurich
According to the latest QS World University Rankings for 2026, the University of Zurich is ranked 100th globally [5][6]. In the 2025 QS World University Subject Rankings, UZH achieved an impressive 8th place for Dentistry [7], 32nd for Communication and Media Studies [8], and 57th for Life Sciences and Medicine [9].
Conversely, in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2024, UZH is ranked 80th [10]. Applicants should note that this data is not the most recent, as the university has adjusted its academic assessment strategies in recent years. As of 2024, UZH will no longer proactively provide data to THE, focusing resources on promoting "Open Science" and enhancing research transparency. This change suggests that UZH may not appear in some rankings in the future, but it does not reflect a decline in its actual teaching and research standards [11].
Overall, according to the QS ranking data, the University of Zurich maintains a strong reputation in the healthcare, media communication, and research fields, embodying both academic prowess and international recognition.
Academic Disciplines at the University of Zurich
The University of Zurich is a comprehensive university composed of seven faculties, offering over 150 degree programmes [12]. Many students prioritise the institution's international reputation in specific disciplines when selecting their area of study. To provide an overview, here are six important fields at UZH that are internationally competitive:
1. Business, Economics and Informatics Studies
Leveraging Zurich's status as a global banking and finance centre, this field is among the most popular choices at the University of Zurich and holds a high reputation across Europe. The programmes are offered by the Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics [13], ranking prominently and maintaining close ties with financial institutions such as UBS and Credit Suisse. Most Master's programmes are taught in English, including Banking and Finance [14] and Management and Economics [15], covering topics such as quantitative finance, behavioural economics, and banking management, making them popular choices for international applicants.
2. Life Sciences & Medicine
In QS subject rankings, this field holds a global rank of 57 [9]. The Faculty of Medicine [16] closely collaborates with Zurich University Hospital, providing first-rate clinical and experimental facilities. Although the Bachelor's programme in Human Medicine is generally not open to international students, Master's and doctoral programmes in Biology [18], Biochemistry [19], and Biomedicine [20] within the Faculty of Science are significant hubs for life sciences research, welcoming outstanding global talent.
3. Dentistry
The Dentistry programme at UZH enjoys international acclaim, ranking 8th in the QS subject rankings [7]. Instruction and clinical training primarily occur at the Centre for Dental Medicine (ZZM) [21], part of the Faculty of Medicine, renowned for its research capabilities in oral biology and restorative dentistry. Despite the high entry thresholds and intense competition, graduates find that their credentials are highly recognised in Switzerland and across Europe.
4. Veterinary Science
The Vetsuisse Faculty [22] at UZH is one of only two veterinary schools in Switzerland (the other is located in Bern). The faculty boasts advanced facilities for clinical teaching covering small animals, equines, and farm animals. Given that veterinary science is a regulated profession in Switzerland, admissions to this programme can be quite challenging, often requiring fluency in German, primarily targeting students aiming to practice in German-speaking regions.
5. Law & Legal Studies
The Faculty of Law [23] at UZH is one of the largest law faculties in Europe. While undergraduate studies focus on Swiss law (civil law system), which differs from common law in Hong Kong, the Master's courses are specifically designed for international students, covering topics such as international business law, banking and finance law, and international arbitration entirely in English, attracting many students seeking transnational legal knowledge.
6. Communication and Media Studies
In QS subject rankings, this field is positioned 32nd [8] and is taught by the Department of Communication and Media Research (IKMZ) [24], part of the Faculty of Arts. The programme encompasses areas such as digital and social media, political communication, media usage, and media effects, emphasising empirical methods to analyse communication phenomena. It is suitable for students aspiring to careers in media strategy, public communication, or data-driven communication research.
Source: University of Zurich
Admission Requirements and Standards at the University of Zurich
Once you have identified your desired field of study, the next step is to understand the admission requirements. In comparison to universities in Australia or the UK, public universities in Switzerland generally have stricter evaluation criteria. The following outlines the admission requirements for prospective students:
Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
The Bachelor's programmes at UZH are primarily conducted in German, with only a few subjects offering instruction in other languages. For students holding non-Swiss high school diplomas, such as the HKDSE, the entrance requirements are relatively stringent:
- Academic Qualifications: Non-Swiss high school diplomas (including HKDSE) will not automatically be considered equivalent to the Swiss Matura. If the curriculum and duration of study are only partially comparable, students may need to complete at least two years of full-time studies at a recognised university in their home country or pass supplementary examinations as stipulated by the Swiss University Conference (for example, the ECUS, depending on the country) [25].
- Language Proficiency: Since the programmes are predominantly taught in German, applicants must demonstrate German proficiency at least at the CEFR C1 level and submit a language certificate recognised by the University of Zurich; otherwise, admission is unlikely [26].
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
In contrast, Master's programmes serve as the primary pathway for international students, as many natural sciences and business Master's degrees offer instruction entirely in English:
- Academic Background: Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree from an internationally recognised university. Most programmes require a major closely related to the field of application and compliance with specific credit and prerequisite requirements, assessed by the respective faculties [27].
- Language Proficiency: For English-taught courses, an IELTS score of 7.0 is required (with minimum scores of 6.5 in speaking and writing) or a TOEFL iBT score of 100 (with minimum scores of 25 in speaking and 26 in writing). For German-taught courses, proficiency must reach C1 level [26].
It is advisable for students to consult the official University of Zurich admissions page and relevant faculty websites to stay informed of the latest entry requirements.
Overview of Tuition Fees at the University of Zurich
Swiss public universities are primarily funded by taxpayers. Although international students are typically required to pay a modest additional fee, the tuition difference between local and international students is minor. Below are the estimated costs per semester as published on the University of Zurich’s official website [28]:
| Expense Item | Bachelor’s Programme Fees (CHF) | Master’s/Doctoral Programme Fees (CHF) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Tuition Fee | $720 | $720 | Applicable to Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes |
| International Student Fee | $500 | $100 | For non-Swiss/Liechtenstein residents |
| Semester Miscellaneous Fee | $59 | $59 | Includes student association fees, library fees, etc. |
| Total per Semester | $1,259 | $879 | |
| Total per Year | $2,518 | $1,758 |
*Note: These figures are roughly estimated based on current exchange rates, indicating that annual tuition for international students in Bachelor's programmes is around HKD 24,000 - 25,000, while Master's and doctoral students pay approximately HKD 17,000 - 18,000.
Despite the University of Zurich’s low tuition fees, Zurich is one of the cities with the highest living costs globally, so students must be mindful of their living expenses. According to budget guidelines provided by the university, students should anticipate a minimum monthly living cost of approximately CHF 2,200 [29], encompassing accommodation, insurance, meals, and daily expenses, amounting to around CHF 26,000 - 27,000 for the year (about HKD 250,000 - 260,000), with actual expenses varying based on living location and personal consumption habits [30].
Scholarships at the University of Zurich are often prioritised for local students, leaving limited options for overseas applicants. Currently, the primary opportunity is the "Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships" [31] aimed at research-based Master’s and doctoral students, which is highly competitive. Therefore, students are advised to assume self-financing for tuition and living expenses when planning their budgets and not to rely on scholarships as a necessary source of funding.
Source: University of Zurich
Consulting GROVE Education for Your Academic Choices
This overview has provided insights into the global ranking, popular academic disciplines, admission standards, and tuition fees associated with the University of Zurich. If you possess strong language skills (in English and German) and yearn for a rich cultural and research atmosphere in Europe, UZH is undoubtedly an excellent choice. We invite you to contact Grove Education, where experienced study abroad advisors are ready to assist you in crafting a tailored European study plan.
References：
1. UZH - Profile | University of Zurich
2. UZH - At a Glance | University of Zurich
3. UZH - Partnerships | University of Zurich
4. European Union - Higher education funding
5. QS Top Universities - University of Zurich: Rankings, Fees & Courses Details
7. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings for Dentistry 2025
8. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings for Communication and Media Studies 2025
9. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings for Life Sciences and Medicine 2025
10. Times Higher Education - University of Zurich | World University Rankings
11. UZH - Rankings | Open Science
14. UZH - Banking and Finance
15. UZH - Management and Economics
16. UZH - Faculty of Medicine
17. UZH - Human Medicine
18. UZH - Biology
19. UZH - Biochemistry
20. UZH - Biomedicine
21. UZH - Center for Dental Medicine
22. UZH - Vetsuisse Faculty
23. UZH - Faculty of Law
25. UZH - Admission to a Bachelor's Program
26. UZH - Language Requirements
27. UZH - Admission to the Master’s Program
28. UZH - Fees and Contributions
29. UZH - Finances