About the University of Zurich (UZH)

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.

Exceptional

As a member of the "League of European Research Universities" (LERU), the University of Zurich belongs to Europe's most prestigious research institutions. Numerous distinctions highlight the University's international renown in the fields of medicine, immunology, genetics, neuroscience and structural biology as well as in economics. To date, the Nobel Prize has been conferred on twelve UZH scholars.

Sharing Knowledge

The academic excellence of the University of Zurich brings benefits to both the public and the private sectors not only in the Canton of Zurich, but throughout Switzerland. Knowledge is shared in a variety of ways: in addition to granting the general public access to its twelve museums and many of its libraries, the University makes findings from cutting-edge research available to the public in accessible and engaging lecture series and panel discussions.

History of the University of Zurich

2015

Licentiate degree programs are phased out. In the spring of 2015, UZH students were given a final opportunity to finish their degree under the former university system. As such, this date marks the official status of the Bologna System, which was introduced in the winter semester 2004/2005.

UZH as an architect. On 14 September 2015, the Parliament of the Canton of Zurich approved an amendment to the University Act with a 168 to 0 vote. The University now has greater decision-making powers regarding real estate management and can act independently in university-related building projects.
UZH News: A Good Day for UZH (in German)

Wyss Zurich. On 7 December 2015, the Wyss Translational Center Zurich was officially opened in the presence of donor Hansjörg Wyss. The research center is run jointly by UZH and ETH Zurich and seeks to quickly and efficiently translate innovative ideas from basic research in regenerative medicine and robotics into practical applications.
Website: Wyss Translational Center Zürich

2014

100-year anniversary of the main building. On 17 April 2014, the centennial celebrations for the University's main building began. Over the course of the year, the landmark building designed by architect Karl Moser is honored with exhibitions, tours, concerts, and a multimedia guide.
Website: Haus der Wissenschaft (in German)
Multimedia guide: Das Haus der Wissenschaft entdecken (in German)

2013

University of Zurich Student Association (VSUZH). 35 years after the last student association was dissolved, and two years after the formation of a new group was approved by the Cantonal Parliament, UZH students had reason to celebrate: With the foundation of the VSUZH, the student body now has a legally and financially independent organization. This enhances their ability to represent the interests and ideas of the students at the operative level.
Website: VSUZH – University of Zurich Student Association (in German)

Bio-Technopark in Schlieren. The UZH campus in Schlieren was opened – the University's fourth campus after City, Irchel, and Oerlikon. UZH's Life Sciences departments are now located in the direct vicinity of numerous important biotech companies.
UZH News: UZH Opens Its Schlieren Campus (in German)

2012

UBS Center of Economics in Society. The Center was established thanks to a generous donation on the occasion of UBS's 150th anniversary. The new institution has the twofold aim of supporting research at the Department of Economics and of promoting knowledge sharing between academia, politics, and society.
Website: UBS Center of Economics in Society

2011

Scientifica. The research fair of UZH and ETH Zurich was held for the first time in 2011. The event quickly became established in the city and now takes place every two years.
Website: Scientifica – Zurich's Research Fair (in German)

University Medicine Zurich. This ambitious undertaking is spearheaded by UZH, ETH Zurich, and the University's five hospitals. The overarching aim is to establish a foundational link between medical care and basic research. As such, University Medicine Zurich unites research and education in the natural sciences, medicine, and technological disciplines.
Website: University Medicine Zurich (in German)

2008

175th anniversary of the University of Zurich. The University of Zurich celebrated its 175th anniversary under the motto "Wissen teilen."
Website: 175th anniversary of the University of Zurich (in German)

2007

Award for excellence in teaching. The Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching was presented for the first time at the 2007 Dies academicus. The prize is awarded annually in recognition of innovative approaches to teaching.

2006

Recognition of research excellence. In recognition of its standing as one of Europe's leading research universities, the University of Zurich became a member of the internationally renowned League of European Research Universities (LERU).

New management structures. The University introduced its reorganized management structures. The Office of the President's is now responsible for strategic planning, and the three Offices of the Vice President are in charge of medicine and science, arts and social sciences, and law and economics, respectively, as well as the areas of research, educational development, and academic services. The administrative director is responsible for finances, human resources, and infrastructure.

Oerlikon Campus – interim location. After City Campus and Irchel Campus, the University opened its new premises on the new, but provisional Oerlikon Campus.

Zurich, Basel, Aarau. The University of Zurich entered into a cooperation agreement with the University of Basel and, in collaboration with the city of Aarau and the canton of Aargau, the new Center for Democracy was founded in Aarau.

2004

Breathtaking architecture. Following a 15-year project and construction phase, the Library of the Institute of Law was opened in November 2004. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the University's Law Library houses a collection of approximately 170,00 volumes and 700 journals/publication series.

2002

"Ada" at the Expo ’02. The University and ETH Zurich joined forces for the National Exhibition 2002. The two universities introduced the interactive project "Ada - the intelligent space" at the Arteplage Neuchatel.

2001

Cooperation agreement with ETH Zurich.The University of Zurich and ETH Zurich signed their first-ever official cooperation agreement.

UZH at Zurich's Main Station. The newly established Festival Science et Cité was staged at Zurich's Main Station.

2000

Enhancing quality assurance. An independent evaluation unit assessed the University's organizational units to ensure top quality at all levels. In the future, assessment processes will be repeated in six year cycles.

1999

Unitectra technology transfer. Unitectra, a limited company set up by UZH and the University of Bern is the successor company of Biotectra, which was founded in 1996. Unitectra was created to promote the transfer of technology from the University to industry and, in particular, to help establish spin-off companies.

1998

The University of Zurich gains political autonomy. On 15 March 1998, the voters of the Canton of Zurich approved the new University Law and gave the University the status of an autonomous legal entity. As a result, the University is able to manage its finances independently within a global budget and to organize itself as it sees fit. The new governing body of the University is the Board of the University, which is made up of leading figures from academia, culture, business, and politics.

Joint centers of competence. The University of Zurich iniated steps to further develop its collaboration with other universities and ETH Zurich: Centers of competence for neuroscience, plant science, and international studies were created. Research focusing on banking and finance - a project in cooperation with five Zurich banks and insurance companies - commences.

Clear stand on genetic engineering. The University of Zurich and its representatives, in particular Director of Education Ernst Buschor, UZH President Hans Heinrich Schmid, and Nobel Prize laureate Rolf Zinkernagel, took a public stance against the so-called "genetic protection initiative." The initiative was rejected by the Swiss voters on 7 July.

1996

Moving toward political autonomy. The cantonal government handed over responsiblitiy to the University for: University policy, human resources, pay, and financing. A working committee of the University and ETH was formed to initiate new forms of collaboration.

Opposition to cost-cutting measures. The introduction of general compulsory matriculation resulted in a higher number of enrolled students. At the end of November, students organized the Lux Parade to demonstrate against the Canton's cost-cutting measures.

Nobel Prize awarded to Rolf Zinkernagel. Rolf M. Zinkernagel, professor of experimental immunology, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his discoveries concerning the specificity of the cell mediated immune defense.

1995

Numerus clausus abolished. The numerus clausus for medicial studies, imposed in 1994 by the Zurich Cantonal Government, was abolished by the Federal Supreme Court on the grounds that the measure lacks a legal basis.

Private funding. Due to stringent cost-cutting measures, the Universtiy and authorities sought new sources of funding.

Right to appoint teaching staff. The University was granted the authority to appoint teaching staff on its own behalf without the interference of the Canton - an initial move toward autonomy.

1994

Stricter regulations. Regulations governing secondary employment of UZH professors and the use of inventions were introduced.

1993

Project uni2000 begins. The goal of the reform project uni2000, initiated by UZH President Hans Heinrich Schmid: Dispensing with the old model of a university administered by the Canton and transforming UZH into an indepedent entity constituted under public law. The project included a global budget for all University business to cover expenses. These measures were introduced to ensure that UZH can conduct its core activities in education, research, and related services.

1992

Law and economics split. The Faculty of Law and Political Science was divided into two faculties: The Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics. The increasing importance of economics already prompted the creation of a department of law and a department of economics in the 19th century.

Relations with Eastern Europe. The University of Zurich participated in the European mobility program for students, as participation in European research programs was gaining significance. Special partnerships were developed with East European universities and a week-long event initiated.

Larger role for the federal government. The Swiss federal government began assuming more responsibility for the development and coordination of higher education institutions. The University of Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute jointly created the Institute of Medical Radiobiology. The ETH Zurich and the University agreed to found an Institute of Neuroinformatics. A less positive development: The growing gulf between expectations and available funds available, with the University set to receive less federal funding. Priority is given to research priorities and specific programs.

Decrease in student numbers. A drop in student numbers as the baby boom generation of the 1980s completed their studies. Over the coming years the number of students would continue to drop. The main reasons: Higher semester fees and the abolition of reduced health insurance premiums for students.

1991

A voice in decisions. Privatdozents, teaching and research assistants, and students were granted the right of co-determination at faculty assemblies for the appointment of professors.

University at "Eureka." The University took part in the national research exhibition "Eureka" at Zurich Allmend, showing a cross section of its work from anatomy all the way to economy. A fully functioning lab was part of the University's presentation.

1990

Walter Burkert awarded the Balzan Price. Walter Burkert, long-time Professor of Classical Philology at the University of Zurich, received the Balzan Price.

1988

New trends in subject choice. Of the approximately 20,000 students at the University of Zurich, a disproportionately high number chose the subjects economics, business administration, psychology, or education.

Woman at the helm. Regula Herter bacame the first Chief Fire Officer of the University's fire brigade.

1987

"No" to new student body. The Government Council of the Canton of Zurich rejected a proposal to once again create a student body constituted according to public law.

Nobel Prize awarded to K. Alex Müller. K. Alex Müller, Professor of Solid State Physics at the University of Zurich, received the Nobel Prize for his discovery of high-temperature superconductivity.

President in rickshaw. As part of the exhibitions surrounding the large-scale Swiss event "India in Switzerland" at the Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich the President, Konrad Akert, went for a ride in a  rickshaw.

1985

IT boom. Student numbers in the field of information technology in an upward trend.

1984

Strengthening the Office of the Vice President. The University's new management structure was introduced: The Office of the President as a full-time department, a Vice President for Teaching and Research, and a Vice President for Planning, Finance and Real Estate Management. A year later, the administrative director would be appointed. Over the following years, the scope of responsibility of the Offices of the Vice Presidents would undergo frequent revision.

"Dies" at Irchel Campus. The Dies academicus was held in the auditorium at Irchel Campus for the first time. Previously, the foundation ceremony was held in the University's main building, except for 1983, when, on the occasion of UZH's 150th anniversary, it was held in Grossmunster.

University at "Phänomena." From May to October the University took part in the popular science exhibition "Phänomena" at Zurichhorn.

1983

Developments at Irchel Campus, part 2. The University of Zurich - at the time with some 15,000 students - celebrated its 150th anniversary. During the anniversary year, the second stage of Irchel Campus was completed.

1982

Improved management structures. On 25 April, the voters of Zurich approved a revised education law. The University vastly improved its management structure by appointing a full-time president (four-year term) and two part-time vice presidents (two-year term).

1980

Criticism of Cantonal Government Councillor Gilgen. The Opera House riot shook Zurich. In the summer of youth riots, the protests also extended to the University due to a ban on a video screening of the Opera House riots, filmed by the Institute of Social Anthropology. The events exposed shortcomings in the University's governing bodies and the administrative procedures between the Cantonal Education Department, the Department of Health, the President's Office, faculties, and institutes.

1979

Developments at Irchel Campus, part 1. The first buildings at the new Irchel Campus officiall opened their doors.

1978

End of the student body. The student body as a public legal entity with compulsory membership was abolished. The right of the students to co-determination was transferred to the Extended Student Council (EGStR), subsequently the Student Council (StuRa), which did not have the same legal authority or room to maneuver.

1977

Special Building Regulations. Special building regulationsfor the University's property entered into force.

1975

Dual professorships with ETH Zurich. The University and ETH Zurich began conducting research in the same buildings, the first of which is the Institute of Toxicology in Schwerzenbach. In addition, the University and ETHZ established dual professorships.

Audiovision has arrived. In response to the rising number of students, new means of communication became necessary: A booth with slideshow, soundtrack, and headphones was set up in the foyer of the main building.

1973

University extends to Irchel. Student numbers at the University of Zurich reached the 10,000 threshold. To accommodate the growing University, construction of new buildings began at the former Strickhofareal at Irchel - the future Irchel Campus.

1971

End of the Uni Ball. Under at times tumultuous circumstances the last of the traditional Uni Balls was held. In its place came the cafeteria and Uni celebrations.

Closure due to student unrest. Student unrest at the University reached a climax when the main building closed for two days at the beginning of July.

1968

Students take to the streets. Ongoing student riots erupt following controversy about educational policy and broader social issues: it culminates in the famous Globus riots. Not even the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops can stir up deep feelings at the University: student politics dominate.

University Law founders. A University Law is proposed, however, it does not meet with the approval of the Cantonal Government when presented in 1975.

1965

Designated Presidents. The growing University needs stronger leadership. On 29 January the Senate elects a designated president for the first time, who can prepare to take office in the following year and help the incumbent President with his duties.

1962

First thoughts of expansion. The University of Zurich is running out of space. The first proposal for physical expansion comes from the Faculty of Science, which suggests moving part of the University to the "Strickhofareal" in Zurich Irchel.

Balzan Prize is awarded to Paul Hindemith. Paul Hindemith, Professor for Music Theory, Composition and Music Education at the University of Zurich from 1951 to 1956, receives the Balzan Prize.

1958

More students. After years of decreasing student numbers the figure begins to rise once again. In 1960 over 3,000 students are enrolled - just as many as in 1950; by 1963 the number has already risen to over 5,000.

1949

Nobel prize awarded to Walter Rudolf Hess. Walter Rudolf Hess, Director of the Physiological Institute of the University of Zurich, receives the Nobel Prize for Medicine for his research into the role played by the interbrain in determining and coordinating the functions of internal organs.

1946

Churchill in the auditorium. On 19 September Winston Churchill gives a speech to the "academic youth of the world" in the auditorium of the University of Zurich. The speech culminates in the famous call "Therefore I say to you: let Europe arise!"

1939

University at the "Landi". The University features as part of the patriotic tableau at the National Exhibition in Zurich which takes place in the shadow of the war.

1937

Nobel prize for Paul Karrer. Paul Karrer, Professor for Organic Chemistry, receives the Nobel Prize for his research on vitamins.

1933

Centennial. The University of Zurich celebrates its 100th anniversary. It now has 2,033 students.

1923

"Zürcher Student" rolls off the press. The student newspaper "Zürcher Student" appears for the first time. Throughout all the ups and downs of university and student life the paper has to this day continued to be an important mouthpiece.

1914

Official opening of University premises. The University's Main Building on Rämistrasse is officially opened on the occasion of the Zurich Sechseläuten. Thanks to the commitment of the Aargau architect Karl Moser who oversaw the project from the drawing board down to the last destails of interior design a work of art is created.

1913

Alfred Werner receives Nobel Prize. In recognition of his work on the linkage of atoms in molecules Professor Alfred Werner is awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.

1912

From Institute of Higher Education to University. The educational authorities decide to officially rename the Zurich Institute of Higher Education, thus making the distinction between the newly designated Federal Institute of Technology, the former Polytechnic, and the University clearer.

1909

Einstein appointed as lecturer. Albert Einstein teaches theoretical physics at the University of Zurich for two years.

1908

Yes to the Main Building. The citizens of Zurich accept the preliminary draft proposal for new University premises. A separation contract between the Canton of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Government stipulates the structure of ownership of the University and the ETH and paves the way for the integration of the two bodies' common collections and institutions.

1905

Over a thousand students. The number of students enrolled at the University tops 1,000 for the first time.

1901

Second-oldest Facululty of Veterinary Medicine. The Zurich "Thierarzneyschule" (School of Veterinary Medicine), which was founded in 1820, is affiliated to the University as an autonomous Faculty Veterinary Medicine. Although Zurich began to provide academic training for veterinarians relatively late compared with other veterinary schools the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is the second oldest faculty in the world, after the faculty in Berne was founded a year earlier.

1883

Fiftieth birthday. The University of Zurich celebrates its fiftieth birthday. It now has 463 students and 91 lecturers, of whom 37 are professors.

1867

A Russian as first woman student. The Russian Nadeshda Suslowa, who has been admitted to medical studies as an audit student since 1865, is retrospectively enrolled for the winter semester 1866/67 and at the end of the year becomes the first woman in the German-speaking world to be awarded a doctorate.

1864

University in the Poly building. The University takes up residence in the southern wing of the Polytechnic building, newly built by Gottfried Semper, on the Polyterrasse.

1859

Division of the humanities. The Faculty of Humanities is divided into a Department of Arts - Philosophy, Languages and History (phil. I) and a Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (phil. II).

1855

Polytechnic for rent. The newly created Federal Polytechnic is accepted for the time being as a guest of the University in the "Hinteramt" in Zurich's Augustinergasse.

1833

"Universitas Turicensis" founded. The Canton of Zurich combines its existing colleges of theology, jurisprudence and medicine into the "Universitas Turicensis" and supplements these three areas of study with a faculty of arts. This is the first university in Europe to be founded by a democratic state instead of by either a monarch or the church.

161 students, 55 lecturers. In the first year 16 theology students, 26 law students, 98 medicine students and 21 arts students enroll. The handbook of courses is published in German and Latin. Great hopes for the future. The founders hope ultimately to turn the cantonal university into a national Swiss university. In a letter to a friend the spiritual father of the Zurich University, Johann Caspar von Orelli, wrote: "We had to found a Zurich university just to achieve something. But it, and it alone, can, and should become the Swiss University." The dream never came true.

Accreditation

Institutional Accreditation or Recognition - Staatssekretariat für Bildung, Forschung und Innovation, Schweiz

Other Specialized or Programmatic Accreditations - European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD-EQUIS)

Rankings

• Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ranking (heavy emphasis on research output – citations, Nobel prizes etc.) - 54th globally and 15th in Europe.
• THES – QS World University Rankings (heavy emphasis on peer review) - 61st globally and 14th in Europe.
• QS World University Rankings 2014 - 57th globally.
• Professional Ranking of World Universities (Based on the number of alumni listed among CEOs in the 500 largest worldwide companies.) - 32nd globally and 10th in Europe.
• University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP) 2010 - 52nd globally and 1st in Switzerland.
• According to Handelsblatt, the Department of Economics was ranked first (in 2009) in the German-speaking area and in 2009 the faculty of Business Administration was ranked third in the German-speaking area.

Student Life at UZH

Student Organizations

University of Zurich Student Association VSUZH

The University of Zurich Student Association VSUZH is anchored in the University Act as an independent legal entity. The Association represents the interests of all UZH students at the University and in the public sphere.

Student Organizations

Student representation in each subject.

Other Student Associations

Student associations in the areas of culture, sport, religion, ecology, politics, etc. 

Accommodation

The University of Zurich neither owns nor rents out any student rooms. In fact, none of the universities in Zurich administrate student accommodation. Housing for students is offered by different institutions that are connected with the University, but operate independently.

Since the demand on housing is high, it is important to start looking for accommodation in good time and to explore every possible avenue.

The Housing Office of University / ETH Zurich issues an overview of useful addresses, if you’re looking for reasonably priced accommodation as well as accommodation at short notice.

Accommodation offers can also be found on the various notice boards in the University buildings and institutes.

A useful link for students looking for accommodation from outside Switzerland is the University of Zurich and ETH “Marktplatz”.

The youth hostel and the City Backpacker hotel are recommended options for temporary living arrangements at a reasonable price.

Study and living expenses for students

Living expenses depend very much on the individual student. These figures should therefore be regarded as a guideline only: (CHF)

The expected minimum cost of living for students at the University of Zurich therefore comes to a total of CHF 2000 per month.

* Every household in Switzerland is legally obliged to register their receiving devices and pay the radio and television fees. Your fees contribute to the public service offered by radio and television broadcasting in Switzerland. You have to register your receiving devices with Billag even if you pay for cable TV in your ancillary costs. On the Billag web site you’ll find more detailed information, an overview of fees, and an online registration option.
** Tuition fees come to around CHF 770 per semester (+ CHF 100/CHF 500 for foreign students). Please see also the information on the Website Semester fees and contributions 
*** Depending on the field of study, the cost of teaching materials comes to around CHF 50 - 150 per month.

Leisure and Entertainment

There is a vast amount of things you can do in Zurich. Apart from internationally renowned institutions, such as the opera house, the theatre (Schauspielhaus), the concert hall (Tonhalle), and the art museum (Kunsthaus), there is a great variety of smaller venues providing abundant entertainment for each taste. Apart from a large number of bars, night clubs, and discos, there are concerts in former factories, dance performances at the river, art exhibits in secluded galleries; on Mondays, movies and plays are shown at reduced rates in the entire city.

«Züritipp», a supplement to the newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, publishes each Thursday a detailed calendar of events. Websites like www.partyguide.ch or www.ronorp.net provide an overview of parties and other events in Zurich.

Sports

The Academic Sports Association (ASVZ) has excellent sports facilities. It offers a large range of sports to students of the University of Zurich free of charge.

There is also an exceptionally wide range of sports facilities to be found in the city – Zurich offers everything from ice skating to beach volleyball. In summer, the city’s numerous public swimming pools along the river and lake are especially popular.