ETH Zurich - 160 years of Teaching and Learning

On the 16th of October 1855, the Federal Polytechnical School opened its doors to a first group of just 68 students. While little is known about the first day of classes, we do know that the teaching and learning that commenced on this day established a foundation of higher learning that has influenced the "political and economic landscape of Switzerland" for the past 160 years.

From the beginning, the institution attracted students from each region of Switzerland, as well as students from England and Germany. Responding to the needs of industry, Engineering was among the first courses established and it provided the technical expertise and training that later contributed to the development of the national infrastructure. Today, more than 18,500 students from 110 different countries study in both the historical campus in the center of Zurich as well as at the Science City Campus, in nearby Hönggerberg.

In 1911, the Federal Polytechnical School became known as ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule) or the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Today, the university continues to balance fundamental research in technology and the natural sciences with the requirements of industry. Valuing the transfer of knowledge into society, its scientists and researchers are well-known for implementing results directly into practice. With the launch of more than 300 spin-off companies in the past two decades, the university continues to contribute to Swiss innovation and economic success.

While the 16th of October is a milestone in our history, ETH Zurich traditionally celebrates its birthday in November each year on ETH Day (ETH-Tag). On this academic holiday, it takes the opportunity to recognize outstanding achievements and present awards to those who exemplify remarkable performance.