University of Neuchâtel

A stimulating environment of study and research in Switzerland

The University of Neuchatel (UniNE) is an internationally recognised institution as well as a university on a human scale. With 4380 students from Switzerland and beyond (nearly 20% of students from abroad), it provides high quality teaching and support. Bachelor and Master degrees are compatible with most other European universities and are in line with society’s expectations in a variety of innovative and cutting-edge fields.

Halfway between Geneva and Zürich, in the middle of Europe, the UniNE is a perfect place for those who wish to study or to undertake high-level research in a magnificent environment, near lake and mountains. In Neuchâtel, students‘ and researchers‘ activities take place throughout the city, in various but nearby places. This ensures close contact and mutual help, in particular between beginners and advanced students.

Key facts and figures

• 4380 students
• almost 60% of them female

• 552 doctoral candidates
• over 40% from outside Switzerland

• 740 staff members (FTE equivalent)
• of whom almost 70% are teachers

• 935 degrees
• awarded in November 2011

History

The Academy of Neuchatel was founded in 1838. It owes its birth not only to the strong political will to provide the region with a high quality educational establishment, but also to the geologist and paleontologist Louis Agassiz who made significant scientific advances at the time. In 1866, the Academy was comprised of the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Law, as well as some high school level institutions. In 1873, the Faculty of Theology was added. By decree of the Grand Council of 18 May 1909, the Academy of Neuchatel was officially established as the University of Neuchatel.

In addition to the institution's renaming, the 1910 law on Higher Education created a business school, and gave students the opportunity to undertake doctoral study in all faculties. Since its establishment, the UniNE has always aimed to provide education at the highest possible level. Its modest size lends it the dynamism and flexibility needed to achieve this goal.

Why choose the University of Neuchatel

Commitment to inspired and inspiring teaching

What distinguishes the University of Neuchatel above all else is the quality of its teaching staff. When hiring, we ensure that every teacher has advanced skills and an international reputation within his or her area of research. As a result, our professors are extremely passionate about what they teach - but that's not all. To teach at the UniNE, they must also meet high pedagogical standards so that they can share their knowledge in an inspiring way for their students.

A quick peruse through our expert 'who's who' will help you get to know some of our professors.

A congenial place to study

Unlike larger universities, anonymity doesn't rule the roost at the University of Neuchatel. On the contrary, people get to know one another - they discuss and exchange ideas, and students frequently run into their teachers out of class. There is a sense of solidarity and support between students, in particular between advanced students and beginners. This allows you to build friendships which will last you throughout your professional career and your life outside it.

Unique teaching methods

At the University of Neuchatel, students participate actively in lessons, aiding comprehension and increasing work efficiency. Groupwork, seminars and excursions are frequently organized, unlike in larger universities in which these forms of teaching are often unavailable, given that upwards of one hundred students may attend one course.

Students from the world over

The University of Neuchatel has an international reputation: 21% of the student body comes from outside Switzerland (approximately 100 nationalities). Such a cultural diversity is a great asset, both in terms of teaching and atmosphere on campus.

Engaging students in research

Thanks to the relatively small size of the University of Neuchatel, students can be active participants rather than just an audience. They are initiated into the production of knowledge very early in their studies. Moreover bachelor students (in some fields) and master students have the opportunity to participate in projects with PhD students and other researchers. Engaging master students in research opens up attractive prospects for professional development. Indeed, many institutes of the University of Neuchatel have established linkages with firms on the national and international level.