QS World University Rankings 2021: Q&A with ETH Zurich

The top ranked university in Switzerland in the QS World University Rankings, ETH Zurich also has the honor of being the only non-UK or US based institutions to feature in the global top 10, placing at sixth in the world. It also achieves impressive scores in the ranking indicators, placing 19^th in the world for academic reputation, 26^th for employer reputation, 16^th for citations per faculty and 19^th for international faculty. Zurich itself is a fantastic city for students, ranked eighth in the QS Best Student Cities ranking. 

So, what makes ETH Zurich such a world-beating university? We spoke to ETH Zurich’s President Joël Mesot to find out more… 

Talent. The Swiss mindset is based on hard work and a tradition of excellence that reflects the high standards that our students achieve. This is also one reason that ETH Zurich is a magnet for highly qualified professors from all over the world ensuring our consistent international orientation.

Academic freedom. The Swiss value education and public funding, supplemented by increasing private donations, which enables scientists to explore the limits of knowledge, carry out ground-breaking research, and contribute innovative solutions that benefit society.

A reliable political and social framework combined with a wonderful location and campus provides the ideal backdrop for a high quality of life.

Openness is a key to our success. Particularly at the master’s and doctoral levels, we attract and educate students from around the world. Currently, we have students from 126 different countries. This convergence of cultures enables our students and professors to examine problems from diverse perspectives and to develop sustainable solutions.