The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

Swiss university system climbs to third in global study

university hall
A lecture hall at the Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne (EHL). © Keystone / Peter Klaunzer

The Swiss university system has entered the top three globally in the latest QS rankings, thanks largely to the continued strong performance of the federal technology institute ETH Zurich.

​​​​​​​

The annual ranking, released on Wednesday by London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)External link, places Switzerland in third spot overall, behind the US and the UK. Australia and Canada, previously ranked higher than the Alpine nation, dropped to fourth and fifth.

ETH Zurich, which QS ranked last year as the top overall university in continental Europe (7th in the world), was crucial to the Swiss score, coming out in the top ten worldwide for 22 of 48 indicators.

Along with ETH Zurich, which was once again the number one global school in the bioscience category, the Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne (EHL) came out on top of the hospital and leisure management indicator.

In total, four Swiss schools featured in the top ten of this hospital and leisure category, more than any other country.

The Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Zurich also helped the Swiss score with improved rankings in the computer science and dentistry categories respectively.

QS first published their ranking in 2004. Along with the Times Higher Education and Shanghai rankings, it is one of the most cited indicators of university quality.

More
Campus

More

A visual summary of university rankings

This content was published on Choosing the right university is an important decision. Find the right fit with swissinfo.ch’s university rankings and fees visualisations.

Read more: A visual summary of university rankings

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide

More

UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide

This content was published on The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is to cut around 3,500 jobs as a result of financial cuts linked in particular to US decisions. Hundreds of temporary contracts will also be cut, the UN agency said in Geneva on Monday.

Read more: UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide
Confederation to relieve cantons in the enforcement of expulsions

More

Swiss government to help cantons in expelling rejected asylum-seekers

This content was published on The federal government is to provide greater relief and support to the cantons when it comes to deporting people who are not entitled to asylum in Switzerland. This is what Parliament wants. After the National Council, the Council of States also adopted a corresponding proposal on Monday.

Read more: Swiss government to help cantons in expelling rejected asylum-seekers
One in four people in Switzerland is frequently stressed

More

Quarter of Swiss frequently stressed

This content was published on One in four people in Switzerland feel stressed often or almost always. Among the under-30s, the figure is as high as 40 per cent. This is according to the "Health Forecast" study financed by health insurer Sanitas.

Read more: Quarter of Swiss frequently stressed
The permafrost in Switzerland has thawed further

More

Permafrost in Switzerland continues to thaw

This content was published on The permafrost in the Swiss Alps is thawing faster and faster. The thawed top layers of permafrost have never been as thick as they were last year. This is shown by the latest data from the Swiss permafrost monitoring network Permos.

Read more: Permafrost in Switzerland continues to thaw
Landslide in Blatten VS causes 320 million francs in damage

More

Landslide in Blatten causes CHF320 million in damage

This content was published on The landslide in Blatten VS and the resulting floods caused damage totalling CHF 320 million. Around CHF 260 million of this was due to damage to buildings and household contents, according to estimates by Swiss private insurers.

Read more: Landslide in Blatten causes CHF320 million in damage
Brienz GR closed due to landslide risk

More

Swiss village of Brienz closed due to landslide risk

This content was published on The Graubünden village of Brienz was closed again on Monday due to the risk of landslides. Rock masses on the mountain above the village recently accelerated to such an extent that they are threatening to collapse. The inhabitants have been evacuated since last November.

Read more: Swiss village of Brienz closed due to landslide risk
Failure to render assistance in the event of rape remains unpunishable

More

Failure to help rape victims remains unpunishable in Switzerland

This content was published on Failing to come to the aid of a rape victim will remain unpunishable. Against the advice of the National Council, the Council of States on Monday rejected by 30 votes to 13 a Socialist parliamentary initiative to review the current law.

Read more: Failure to help rape victims remains unpunishable in Switzerland

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR