Being situated in the heart of Europe, Switzerland has always held a unique geopolitical and cultural position. In addition to recognizing four official languages, its traditions are also diverse and stem from various cultures. Because of these characteristics, Switzerland is an ideal place for students to pursue their higher education.
As the cultural hub of Europe, it offers students an education that embodies the very best of all that Europe has to offer. In no area is this truer than in the study of law. Students of law in Switzerland have the opportunity to experience various legal traditions and are taught by some of the most prominent legal figures in Europe. To have a better idea about the Swiss education system for higher education and their law programs, here are the five best law programs in Switzerland.
Top Law Schools in Switzerland
1. University of Zurich
Situated in the heart of Switzerland, the University of Zurich is a top law university in the country and is a pillar of academic excellence both at home and abroad. It was founded in 1833 by six already existing colleges that had been established during the 16th century. Currently, the university is the largest research center in Switzerland, with a student body numbering over 28,000 students. Due to its impressive size, the university offers the greatest number of courses and subjects in the country. Although it is situated in Zurich, it does not have one campus but is rather scattered throughout the city, giving its students the chance to explore and discover the city during their studies.
One of the most notable faculties at the University of Zurich is its Faculty of law. Due to its substantial size, it offers a broad and varied selection of courses in all relevant legal areas. Its educational approach is based on the strengths of its faculty members. Therefore, the scientific and academic findings of the faculties legal experts, and professors help shape the curriculum on all levels. Its legal program aim is to prepare its graduates for legal careers ranging from law-making and jurisdiction to diplomatic service and administration.
2. University of Basel
Established on the 4th of April 1460, the University of Basel is one of the best law institutions in Switzerland and is among the world’s oldest surviving universities. Traditionally, it is considered to be among the leading educational and research institutions in Switzerland. Over the centuries, the University of Basel has been home to prominent figures such as Erasmus of Rotterdam, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Carl Gustav Jung. Presently, the university has over 13,000 students and 300 staff members, many of which come from countries scattered all over the globe. In addition to its highly diverse faculty and student body, the university houses the largest and most important library in Switzerland.
Apart from its rich history and noteworthy alumni, the University of Basel has one of the most renowned faculties of law both in Switzerland and abroad. The Faculty of Law is divided into three departments: Private Law, Public Law, and Criminal Law. Throughout their time at the university, all lecturers and faculty members strive to teach their students about the interworking of society and the value of social justice, as they believe these to be the pillars of the legal system. Moreover, the Faculty of Law stresses the importance of sustainability, equal opportunity, and knowledge transfer in the educational domain.
3. University of Bern
Situated in the Swiss capital bearing the same name, the University of Bern is the third-largest institution for higher education and an excellent law school in Switzerland. Ever since its establishment in the 19th century and throughout its vibrant history, the university has remained one of the world’s most prominent research centers in areas spanning from biomedical engineering to literature and social sciences. Today, it offers students the chance to study at eight different faculties and over 150 institutes connected to the university. At each faculty without exception, the University of Bern stresses the importance of equality and aims to provide equal learning opportunities for all its students.
Concerning its law program, the University of Bern is well-known for educating some of the best and brightest legal figures in Switzerland. At the undergraduate level, the focus is initially put on mastering legal concepts. As a student progresses further, the courses begin to challenge them to become more innovative and approach the study and practice of law with creativity and enthusiasm. Once they have completed their undergraduate studies, graduates may choose to further their studies and enroll in master’s and later on the doctoral program as the Faculty of Law. At these academic levels, the students are asked to decide on the legal area they wish to pursue.
4. University of Geneva
The University of Geneva is among the best law universities in Switzerland and is an acclaimed research university located in the Swiss city of Geneva. Originally founded in 1559 to be a theological seminary, the university developed over centuries to become one of the most notable academic research centers in both Switzerland and Europe. During the 19th century, it became an exclusively secular institution and is presently focused on pursuing teaching, research, and community service. Moreover, the University of Geneva prides itself on the fact that it is a member of the League of European Research Universities and that almost half of its student body is made up of international students.
One of the university’s most popular and notable faculties is the Faculty of Law. The faculties alumni include the current president of the European Commission, as well as the chief prosecutor of two United Nations international criminal law tribunals. In addition to offering a curriculum that includes all relevant legal areas, the Faculty of Law hosts several research centers, including the Centre for Banking and Financial Law, the Centre for European Legal Studies, and the Art Law Centre. Once they finish their undergraduate and graduate studies, students go on to become legal experts employed in leading law firms in both Switzerland and abroad.
5. University of Lausanne
Established in 1537, the University of Lausanne is one of the best law schools in Switzerland and has managed to become a leading figure among Swiss institutions for higher education. It was initially founded as a school of theology and is currently the second oldest university in Switzerland. Presently, the university consists of seven faculties with its main campus situated on the brinks of Lausanne, on the shores of Lake Leman, in Dorigny. The campus has been constructed not only to stimulate students’ academic ambitions but their physical health as well. Because of this, the campus operates a bicycle sharing system available for all students.
The university’s Faculty of Law delivers a world-class law curriculum in Switzerland and is considered unique as it combines the study and research of law, forensic science, criminology, and public administration. Along with teaching its students about the theoretical aspects of law, the faculty encourages them to be critical and analytical when discussing the potential and relevant reform. With both theoretical knowledge and a practical skillset, graduates are capable of becoming expert legal scholars who will argue for justice and reform concerning the most burning legal issues of today’s world.
We hope that this article on Best Law Universities in Switzerland was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Law Programs for International Students!
