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In eighth place in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 is Zurich. 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.
Currently ranked seventh in the world, ETH Zurich is the highest-ranked university in continental Europe – and the best performing university from outside the US and UK. The University of Zurich is also ranked highly at =109th in the QS World University Rankings® 2025.
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”.
This year, two of Zurich's universities can be found in the QS World University Rankings. The best of these is ETH Zurich, ranking seventh in the world. Zurich scores particularly highly in the desirability and student view indicators, but earns excellent scores across each of the indicators used to compile the QS Best Student Cities rankings.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Zurich?
Affordable study destination
Despite ranking 98th for affordability this year, Zurich's high living fees are offset by its low tuition fees.
A desirable city
Zurich earns a top five score in the desirability indicator this year, ranking third globally.
World-class education
Switzerland is known for its world class education. This year, two of Zurich's universities feature in the global top 150: 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, ranking 98th in the affordability indicator this year. 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. Overall, Zurich ranks sixth for employer activity.
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.
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Study in Zurich
Aisha Khan
Updated Aug 05, 2024Save
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In eighth place in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 is Zurich. 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.
Currently ranked seventh in the world, ETH Zurich is the highest-ranked university in continental Europe – and the best performing university from outside the US and UK. The University of Zurich is also ranked highly at =109th in the QS World University Rankings® 2025.
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.
Best universities in Zurich
More about Zurich
This year, two of Zurich's universities can be found in the QS World University Rankings. The best of these is ETH Zurich, ranking seventh in the world. Zurich scores particularly highly in the desirability and student view indicators, but earns excellent scores across each of the indicators used to compile the QS Best Student Cities rankings.
Number of universities ranked by QS
2
Highest-ranked institution
ETH Zurich (seventh in the world)
Population
1,443,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$2,100
Desirability rank
3rd
Employer Activity rank
=20th
Affordability rank
98th
Student Mix rank
Student View rank
12th
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Zurich?
Affordable study destination
Despite ranking 98th for affordability this year, Zurich's high living fees are offset by its low tuition fees.
A desirable city
Zurich earns a top five score in the desirability indicator this year, ranking third globally.
World-class education
Switzerland is known for its world class education. This year, two of Zurich's universities feature in the global top 150: 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, ranking 98th in the affordability indicator this year. 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. Overall, Zurich ranks sixth for employer activity.
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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.
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