Menu

Zürich

7 Best Universities in Zurich

Choosing among universities in Zurich starts with the kind of study environment you want. ETH Zürich suits technology and science-led research, while the University of Zurich offers broad academic study. Irchel adds libraries, cafés, dining, sports and green space, while specialist options cover arts, business, teacher training and applied learning across Rämistrasse, Oerlikon, Lagerstrasse and nearby Winterthur.

How this guide is ordered

This list comes from researching universities in Zürich: we kept the businesses that specialise in it, that customers recommend and that give clear, trustworthy information.

Certain businesses pay to be featured more prominently.

Top 3Full listMapHow to choose

Quick view

Featured options

Select an option to see its summary.

#1
ETH Zürich
4.71,190 reviews
science and research-focused study
#2
University of Zurich
4.5811 reviews
Broad university study and campus visits
#3
University of Zurich Irchel
4.5197 reviews
Campus-based study with extensive facilities

Full list

Compare 7 local options

ETH Zürich#1
What stands out

  • Focused on technology and science

  • A historic Einstein connection

ETH Zürich

4.71,190 reviews
Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
Best for
science and research-focused study

ETH Zürich is a Zurich-based university focused on technology and science , located at Rämistrasse 101. It suits students seeking a research-oriented academic environment and visitors interested in the institution’s scientific heritage.

The main campus is also a worthwhile stop for its elevated position and city views, with a historic Einstein connection adding a distinctive cultural dimension. Access is available on Saturdays as well as weekdays.

University of Zurich#2
What stands out

  • A broad university environment

University of Zurich

4.5811 reviews
Rämistrasse 71, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
Best for
Broad university study and campus visits

The University of Zurich is a major university campus at Rämistrasse 71, positioned close to ETH Zürich and the city’s university quarter. Its academic setting makes it a natural fit for students looking for a broad university environment , while the surrounding area also works well for visitors exploring Zurich’s educational and cultural landmarks.

Weekday opening hours run from 8 am to 6 pm; the campus is closed on weekends.

University of Zurich Irchel#3

University of Zurich Irchel

4.5197 reviews
Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
Best for
Campus-based study with extensive facilities

University of Zurich Irchel is a substantial campus at Winterthurerstrasse 190 on the northern edge of Zurich. Its setting combines several libraries, cafés, dining halls, sports facilities, a student bar and a park-like campus area, making it particularly practical for students who value day-to-day amenities close to their study environment.

The campus also sits beside the forest, offering a greener atmosphere than the central university buildings.

Zurich University of the Arts#4

Zurich University of the Arts

4.4189 reviews
Pfingstweidstrasse 96, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland
Best for
artistic and transdisciplinary study

Zurich University of the Arts offers an extensive creative study environment at Pfingstweidstrasse 96 in Zurich’s former industrial district. Its programme spans art education, cultural critique, design, film, fine arts, music, dance, theatre and transdisciplinarity, making it a strong fit for students looking to develop work across established and experimental disciplines.

The modern setting includes cafés and presentation-friendly rooms for events and creative exchange.

Universität Zürich#5
What stands out

  • A contemporary university environment

  • Weekday access from 7 am to 7 pm

Universität Zürich

4.433 reviews
Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
Best for
Academic work and specialist research communities

This University of Zurich location at Binzmühlestrasse 14 provides a university setting in Zurich’s Oerlikon area, with weekday access from 7 am to 7 pm . Its academic profile is connected with knowledge creation and public science activity, making it suitable for students, researchers and visitors interested in a contemporary university environment .

The campus setting also supports focused sessions and academic meetings, including work connected with specialist research communities.

HWZ Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration#6

HWZ Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration

4.237 reviews
Lagerstrasse 5, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
Best for
Business study alongside professional work

HWZ Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration is geared toward combining study and career at its Lagerstrasse 5 campus. Its offer includes Bachelor of Science programmes, continuing education, company training, a corporate job board and room rental, creating a practical environment for working professionals and business-focused learners.

The central location supports a structured weekday schedule, with additional Saturday opening during the morning.

University of Education Zurich#7
What stands out

  • A practical and connected approach to education

  • Near Zurich’s main railway station

University of Education Zurich

3.7106 reviews
Lagerstrasse 2, 8090 Zürich, Switzerland
Best for
Teacher training and education-focused study

University of Education Zurich, at Lagerstrasse 2, combines academic teaching with a practical and connected approach to education . Its setting near Zurich’s main railway station and city centre is convenient for students and professionals, while the institution is designed as an active place for teaching, learning and educational exchange.

It is particularly well matched to aspiring teachers and education specialists seeking a practice-oriented academic path.

Summary

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviewsBest for
#1ETH Zürich 4.71,190science and research-focused study
#2University of Zurich 4.5811Broad university study and campus visits
#3University of Zurich Irchel 4.5197Campus-based study with extensive facilities
#4Zurich University of the Arts 4.4189artistic and transdisciplinary study
#5Universität Zürich 4.433Academic work and specialist research communities
#6HWZ Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration 4.237Business study alongside professional work
#7University of Education Zurich 3.7106Teacher training and education-focused study

For businesses

Run a business?

Manage or add my business

Map and areas

Map of universities in Zürich

Use the map to compare Zurich’s university quarter around Rämistrasse with Irchel’s larger northern campus and the central locations near Lagerstrasse. You can also check the distance to Oerlikon and Winterthur when daily travel matters. Looking at the sites together helps separate a compact city-centre routine from a fuller campus setting.

Services to compare

  • Technology and scienceResearch-focused study in technology, science and related academic fields at ETH Zürich.
  • Broad university studyA wide university environment suited to students comparing disciplines and exploring Zurich’s academic quarter.
  • Campus facilitiesLibraries, cafés, dining halls, sports facilities, a student bar and park-like space at Irchel.
  • Arts and creative disciplinesStudy spanning design, film, fine arts, music, dance, theatre, art education and transdisciplinary work.
  • Business educationBachelor’s study, continuing education and company training designed to fit alongside professional work.
  • Teacher trainingEducation-focused study combining academic teaching, practical preparation and exchange with the education community.
  • Applied higher educationProfessionally oriented programmes connecting academic work with practical fields in the wider Zurich area.

How to choose universities in Zürich

  1. Start with your intended field: technology, science, arts, business, education or another broad academic route.
  2. Decide whether you prefer research-led study, creative and transdisciplinary work, or a practical connection to professional fields.
  3. Compare the campus experience, especially if libraries, dining, sports, green space or specialist facilities will shape your everyday routine.
  4. Check the exact campus address before applying, since Rämistrasse, Irchel, Oerlikon, Lagerstrasse and Winterthur create different travel patterns.
  5. Review teaching format, programme structure, admissions dates and weekday access directly with the institution before making a decision.
  6. If you work while studying, give particular attention to continuing education, company training and schedules built around professional commitments.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities in Zurich are strongest for technology and science?

ETH Zürich is the clearest fit for students seeking technology and science-focused study in a research-oriented environment. The University of Zurich also supports broad academic work and specialist research communities, so the right choice depends on your intended subject and preferred academic setting.

Where can I study arts and creative subjects in Zurich?

Zurich University of the Arts offers a broad creative environment in the former industrial district around Pfingstweidstrasse. Its areas include design, film, fine arts, music, dance, theatre, art education and transdisciplinary study, making it suitable for students who want to develop work across disciplines.

Which Zurich option suits someone working while studying?

HWZ Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration is designed around combining education and professional life. Its offer includes business degree programmes, continuing education and company training. Check the current programme structure and timetable to confirm that the format suits your working commitments.

Which university campus has the most day-to-day facilities?

University of Zurich Irchel is particularly practical for students who want several amenities close to their study environment. The campus includes libraries, cafés, dining halls, sports facilities, a student bar and park-like areas, creating a more self-contained daily routine than a compact city-centre location.

Is Winterthur a practical alternative within the Zurich area?

Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur may suit learners who prioritise professionally oriented study and a direct connection with practical fields. It is outside central Zurich, so compare the commute, timetable and campus location with your schedule before choosing it over a city-based institution.

Related guides

15 Best Pubs in Zurich3 Best FKK Venues in Zurich15 Best Family Ski Resorts Near Zurich