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.
Education
With 22% of students coming from abroad (approximately a 100 nationalities), the University of Neuchatel is one of the most international universities in Switzerland.
Furthermore the University is well known nationally for its education and training: around 45% of students are from other Swiss cantons.
Research
Research in Neuchâtel is carried out by about 800 teachers, researchers and scientific staff. It represents one third of the University’s annual budget of CHF 141 million.
While research is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, the European Union and other funding sources, the University interacts with both academic and private entities.
Career
At UniNE, join associations and clubs! Put your newly aquired academic skills into practice by participating in the many different activities offered by student groups and start building a network that will serve you well throughout your career.
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2025
501 -100
2024
401 100
2023
501
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
1196 -29
2023
1167
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
UniNE strongly encourages you to do a part of your studies (1 or 2 semesters) in another university in Switzerland or abroad. To this end, the University regularly signs students exchange agreements with other universities and offers administrative support for the preparation of your stay. Different types of financial aid are available: scholarships specific to your field of study, state-funded scholarships, etc.
Housing services
The University of Neuchâtel is in the heart of the city; it does not have a campus. Students stay either in university hostels, in private homes or in shared apartments.UniNE cannot guarantee housing for its student population. Nevertheless, we are taking all the measures that are at our disposal to try to find as many accommodations as possible. It is recommended to find accommodation before the beginning of the academic year. It is therefore preferable to start your search as soon as possible.The average rent for a room varies from SFr 450 to SFr 800 / month.
Library services
Our services
- Advanced literature search. Selective and exhaustive bibliographies for all your academic works
- Quick delivery of documents (print and online)
- Research support
- Data management on the UniNE publications portal and RERO DOC
- Materials and chargers check-out
Medical services
It is obligatory for everyone living in Switzerland (including foreign students) to adhere to a basic health insurance. The insurance must be acquired within the first three months following your registration with the Foreign Residents’ Office in your Commune of residence.
Campus life
Nestled at the foot of a mountain, on the shores of the largest expanse of water entirely within Swiss borders, Neuchâtel is the perfect venue for students.
In Neuchâtel, you will enjoy:
- a central location in Switzerland and Europe
- modern infrastructure and facilities
- a wide range of cultural pursuits (theaters, museums, festivals)
- security, both on- and off-campus
- significantly lower costs of housing and living than in big Swiss cities!
- a relatively mild climate
Sports facilities
If you like sports, you will be delighted with the exceptional opportunities available in the Neuchâtel region. Whether in winter or summer, the UniNE Sports Service (SUN) offers a wide range of activities including:
- outdoor sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, golf, tennis, sailing
- indoor sports such as indoor football, ice hockey, badminton, fitness training
- more "exotic" disciplines such as juggling, aikido or aïkibudo, and hip-hop, salsa, merengue and cumbia dancing
- a variety of health-oriented wellness activities
Student clubs
At UniNE, join associations and clubs! Put your newly aquired academic skills into practice by participating in the many different activities offered by student groups and start building a network that will serve you well throughout your career.
All UniNE students are automatically members of FEN (Federation of Neuchâtel Students), although they may opt out if they wish. FEN is dedicated to defending students' interests at the University. Furthermore, it studies decisions and legislation affecting the University and takes position on matters concerning student life. Other associations serve as a liaison between UniNE faculties/departments and their students.
Accreditation
Institutional accreditation is provided for by the Law on the encouragement and coordination of higher education institutions (LEHE) as an instrument aimed at controlling access to the Swiss higher education landscape. Receiving accreditation is a necessary condition for a Haute École to be entitled to the granting of federal contributions and to the designation 'University' or 'Haute École'. The accreditation must be renewed every 7 years.