With more than 27,000 students, the University of Zurich is Switzerland's largest university. UZH occupies a leading position among European research institutions and, in several disciplines, it numbers among the world’s best.
UZH attracts and nurtures top talent by providing comprehensive support for excellence in research and teaching. This is reflected in international rankings and in the external awards and distinctions conferred on UZH researchers.
UZH is a member of several highly regarded international university networks. Researchers and students can take part in collaborative projects and exchange programs with more than 250 universities worldwide.
UZH confers honorary doctorates on people who have made significant contributions, and celebrates the outstanding achievements of our researchers, teaching staff or students with awards and prizes.
Every spring, UZH celebrates its founding on 29 April 1833 with the Dies academicus. At the ceremony, honorary doctorates are awarded to external individuals for significant achievements, and prizes granted to UZH members for outstanding scholarly work.
The University of Zurich was the first university in Europe to be founded by a democratic state (as opposed to by a monarch or the Church). A timeline of the most important milestones in our history from 1833 to today.
