9. ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) is one of the leading international universities for technology and the natural sciences. It is well known for its excellent education, groundbreaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice. To researchers, it offers an inspiring working environment, to students, a comprehensive education. Founded in 1855, ETH Zurich today has more than 18,000 students from more than 110 countries, including 3,900 doctoral students. About 500 professors currently teach and conduct research in engineering, architecture, mathematics, natural sciences, system-oriented sciences, and management and social sciences. Twenty-one Nobel laureates have studied, taught or conducted research at ETH Zurich, underlining the excellent reputation of the university. Transferring its knowledge to the private sector and society at large is one of ETH Zurich’s primary concerns. The 80 new patent applications filed each year and the more than 300 spin-off companies that have emerged from the institution since 1996 are evidence of ETH Zurich’s success in this area.

You don’t have to be Albert Einstein to study here – every Swiss citizen who has sat the Matura (matriculation) is eligible – but it doesn’t hurt. ETH Zurich (heir to the Federal Polytechnic Institute, set up in 1855) now teaches around 15,000 students in 16 faculties. Einstein received his diploma here in 1901.