Facts About the University

Freedom and individual responsibility, entrepreneurial spirit and open-mindedness:
ETH Zürich stands on a bedrock of true Swiss values.

1855

Founded

26,198

Students from 120 countries (one third are females)

1,956M

Financing (operating revenue) (CHF million)

13,600

Employees

16

Departments

Leading the Way Since 1855

Since its founding as the Polytechnikum in 1855, ETH Zürich has been a pillar of Swiss innovation and a globally recognized institution of higher education.

As a national university with an international reputation, it has consistently attracted top talent from around the world while driving advancements in industry, research, and technology. Today, ETH Zürich continues to shape the future with groundbreaking discoveries and innovative solutions that are in demand worldwide.

Image: Alessandro Della Bella / ETH Zürich

Our Mission

“(...) With our research, we create knowledge and develop technologies to meet the global challenges of our time. We project a sustainable, future-oriented, and innovative image of Switzerland to the world and connect with the global community. Together with our partners from science, business, politics, and society, we rely on the power of teamwork and strive for excellence in everything we do.”

Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zürich

ETH Zürich's Global Impact

ETH Zürich makes contribution to the social and economic prosperity of Switzerland and the wider world. Our university engages in research, teaching, continuing education and knowledge transfer not only as an end in itself, but in the service of society.
Find out more.

Image: Adobe Stock / Viacheslav

Environment & Resources

ETH Zürich develops solutions to protect Earth's ecosystems, manage resources responsibly, and explore planetary systems for a sustainable future.

Image: Dominik Lindegger / ETH Zürich

Responsible Digital Transformations

ETH Zürich pioneers ethical AI, data science, and digital solutions that drive innovation while addressing social, legal, and environmental challenges.

Image: Adobe Stock / AI edit: Anouk Schuler / ETH Zürich

Health & Wellbeing

ETH Zürich advances health sciences by integrating engineering, data, and biomedical research to enhance human well-being and disease prevention.

Research & Academic Excellence

University Structure

ETH Zürich comprises 16 departments, including Architecture, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics, each contributing to its multidisciplinary approach to education and research.

Research Infrastructure

Modern research often depends on technological infrastructure. ETH Zürich's technology platforms live up to the highest standards, boosting efficiency and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Technology Platforms

ETH Zürich's technology platforms promote interdisciplinary collaboration, contribute to cost reduction, and present an attractive working environment to highly specialised experts.

Working at ETH Zürich

To be able to focus on work and research, a well-functioning environment is important in addition to good working conditions. The health of its employees is a major concern for ETH Zürich. It is also committed to the compatibility of family and career.

Culture and Values

ETH Zürich culture shapes us all. And we all shape culture at ETH Zürich. At ETH Zürich, people with different perspectives and in many varied roles study, do research and work together. By fostering a culture of mutual respect, we create an inclusive and inspiring environment where everyone can develop their full potential and perform at their best.

4,5/5

overall employee review rating

93%

of employees would recommend
working at ETH Zürich to a friend.

Source: ETH Zürich Glassdoor

Photo: ETH Zürich / Alessandro Della Bella

Diversity at ETH Zürich

ETH Zürich Diversity is committed to ensuring that all members of ETH Zürich can study, pursue research, work or complete an apprenticeship with equal opportunities and success, regardless of their function, education, origin, race, gender, age, language, social status, lifestyle, religious, ideological or political beliefs, sexual orientation and gender identity, physical and mental disability, or professional status.

Offers and benefits

From childcare to car sharing - ETH Zürich offers its employees a range of offers and benefits.

Working hours

Find out about the working hours and flexible forms of employment at ETH Zürich.

Flexibility

ETH Zürich fosters a forward-thinking work culture, valuing employees' individual needs.

Entry

Learn everything about starting a job at ETH Zürich as well as the employment contract.

International

You come from abroad and are interested in working at ETH Zürich? Here you will find further information.

Consulting and coaching

Employees are supported in private and professional challenges.

Living & Working in Zürich, Switzerland

Zürich is an international hub known for its vibrant cultural scene, excellent public services, and high quality of life, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Photo: heyengel - Adobe Stock

Quality of Life

Zürich is a city where the quality of life is among the best in the world. As Switzerland's largest city it is rich in culture, and it is regarded as safe. Its central location makes it the ideal starting point for excursions. Bern, Lucerne, Basel and Schaffhausen can all be reached in less than an hour by train. Famous places in the Alps like Pilatus, Säntis, the Rigi and even the Jungfraujoch are only a little further away.

Lively Communities

As the home of international companies and prestigious universities, Zürich is characterised by its many lively communities of people from other countries. About 30% of the people living in Zürich are not of Swiss nationality. The inhabitants are regarded as very cosmopolitan, and most of them speak English or French.
Find out more about life in Switzerland here.

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