Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
Zurich is renowned for its prosperity, orderliness and low taxes, which may make it sound more like a place for millionaires than international students. However, look a little closer and you’ll see it certainly deserves its place among the world’s top student cities.
Zurich gained plenty of acclaim in our student survey, with one student pointing out its “natural beauty and high standard of living” while another praised its “perfect combination of city life and nature”.
Despite a midtable rank for affordability this year, Zurich's high living fees are offset by its low tuition fees.
A desirable city
Zurich earns a top score in the desirability indicator this year.
World-class education
Switzerland is known for its world class education. This year, two of Zurich's universities rank impressively well: ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.
Excellent job prospects
Zurich is one of the best cities in the world to work, with a good quality of life and excellent job prospects for graduates.
Cost of studying in Zurich
Zurich is one of the more expensive student cities for living costs. While rent and socialising may be expensive, international tuition fees in Switzerland are relatively low, so the overall costs of studying in Zurich are likely to be considerably lower compared to cities in the UK, US or Australia, for example.
Tuition fees are reasonably low, costing an average of US$2,100 per year.
Life & culture in Zurich
An international hub, Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and among the wealthiest in Europe – which brings both pros and cons for international students. On the one hand, its affluence means Zurich is clean, safe and immaculately maintained, frequently ranking among the world’s most liveable cities.
It’s certainly tough to beat Zurich when it comes to scenery. Situated on the banks of picturesque Lake Zurich and with the stunning Swiss Alps within day-trip reach, this city would suit those who want to combine the attractions of city life with close proximity to some of Europe’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Regarded as Switzerland's economic powerhouse, Zurich has one of the country's largest financial sectors. For this reason, graduate jobs are widely available in the finance sector, including in banking, accountancy, tax consultancy, business consultancy and wealth management.
Other sectors hiring graduates include engineering, media, health, trade, education and architecture.
Aisha is Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, creating and publishing a wide range of articles for an international student audience. A native Londoner, Aisha graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in Philosophy and has previously worked in the civil service.
Views
Save
Share
Share via
Share this Page12
Study in Zurich
Aisha Khan
Updated Jul 10, 2025Table of contents
Table of contents
Zurich is renowned for its prosperity, orderliness and low taxes, which may make it sound more like a place for millionaires than international students. However, look a little closer and you’ll see it certainly deserves its place among the world’s top student cities.
ETH Zurich is one of the top universities in continental Europe while the University of Zurich is also ranked highly in the QS World University Rankings.
Zurich gained plenty of acclaim in our student survey, with one student pointing out its “natural beauty and high standard of living” while another praised its “perfect combination of city life and nature”.
Would Zurich get your vote? Tell us why.
Top universities in Zurich
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
QS World University Rank
Zurich's QS Best Student Cities performance
Why study in Zurich?
Affordable study destination
Despite a midtable rank for affordability this year, Zurich's high living fees are offset by its low tuition fees.
A desirable city
Zurich earns a top score in the desirability indicator this year.
World-class education
Switzerland is known for its world class education. This year, two of Zurich's universities rank impressively well: ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.
Excellent job prospects
Zurich is one of the best cities in the world to work, with a good quality of life and excellent job prospects for graduates.
Cost of studying in Zurich
Zurich is one of the more expensive student cities for living costs. While rent and socialising may be expensive, international tuition fees in Switzerland are relatively low, so the overall costs of studying in Zurich are likely to be considerably lower compared to cities in the UK, US or Australia, for example.
Tuition fees are reasonably low, costing an average of US$2,100 per year.
Life & culture in Zurich
An international hub, Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and among the wealthiest in Europe – which brings both pros and cons for international students. On the one hand, its affluence means Zurich is clean, safe and immaculately maintained, frequently ranking among the world’s most liveable cities.
It’s certainly tough to beat Zurich when it comes to scenery. Situated on the banks of picturesque Lake Zurich and with the stunning Swiss Alps within day-trip reach, this city would suit those who want to combine the attractions of city life with close proximity to some of Europe’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Testimonials
Career in Zurich
Regarded as Switzerland's economic powerhouse, Zurich has one of the country's largest financial sectors. For this reason, graduate jobs are widely available in the finance sector, including in banking, accountancy, tax consultancy, business consultancy and wealth management.
Other sectors hiring graduates include engineering, media, health, trade, education and architecture.
+ 34 others
saved this article
+ 35 others saved this article
Aisha is Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, creating and publishing a wide range of articles for an international student audience. A native Londoner, Aisha graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in Philosophy and has previously worked in the civil service.
Recommended articles Last year
Study in Auckland
Study in Shanghai
Study in Lausanne