About us

ETH Zurich has come to symbolise excellent education, groundbreaking basic research and applied results that are beneficial for society as a whole.

Founded in 1855, it today offers researchers an inspiring environment and students a comprehensive education as one of the leading international universities for technology and the natural sciences.

ETH Zurich has more than 17,000 students from approximately 80 countries, 3,800 of whom are doctoral candidates. More than 400 professors teach and conduct research in the areas of engineering, architecture, mathematics, natural sciences, system-oriented sciences, and management and social sciences.

ETH Zurich regularly appears at the top of international rankings as one of the best universities in the world. 21 Nobel Laureates have studied, taught or conducted research at ETH Zurich, underlining the excellent reputation of the institute.

Transferring its knowledge to the private sector and society at large is one of ETH Zurich’s primary concerns. It has succeeded in this, as borne out by the 80 new patent applications each year and the 240 spin-off companies that were created out of the institute between 1996 and 2011. ETH Zurich orients its research strategy around global challenges such as climate change, world food supply and human health issues.

Facts and figures at a glance