University of Basel: Rankings, Acceptance Rate, Fees & Courses | Top Universities

University of Basel, founded in 1460, stands as Switzerland's oldest university with an impressive 550-year legacy of academic excellence. When you're considering prestigious European institutions for your higher education, this historic university deserves your attention for several compelling reasons.

With a competitive acceptance rate ranging between 19% and 28%, the University of Basel has established itself among top global institutions, ranking #131 in the QS World University Rankings and #126 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2025. You'll join a diverse community of over 13,000 students, including 3,327 international students from more than 100 countries. Additionally, the affordable fees of approximately CHF 1,700 per year (around INR 1.61 lakh) make it an attractive option compared to other international universities. The university offers comprehensive academic programs across seven faculties, with particularly strong focus on Life Sciences and Culture.

Throughout this guide, you'll discover everything you need to know about this prestigious Swiss institution—from its academic offerings and admission requirements to accommodation options and student life at Basel University.
 

University of Basel Overview

The University of Basel in Switzerland boasts a rich heritage as the country's oldest institution of higher learning. Established in the 15th century, this prestigious university in Switzerland combines centuries of tradition with modern educational excellence.

History and legacy of the university

The University of Basel officially opened its doors with a ceremonial mass at Basel Minster on April 4, 1460. During its first year, the university registered 226 students and lecturers, a stark contrast to today's enrollment of approximately 13,325 students and over 350 professors.

Initially organized with four traditional faculties—theology, law, medicine, and arts (which later became philosophy)—the university's structure remained largely unchanged for centuries. However, the 19th century ushered in greater academic differentiation, leading to the establishment of the Faculty of Science in 1937, followed by the Faculty of Economics in 1997 and Psychology in 2003.

Throughout its 550+ years, the Basel University has weathered numerous challenges while maintaining academic excellence. After experiencing a crisis during the Reformation that saw enrollment drop to just a single student in 1528, the university rebounded through relative denominational openness. Furthermore, the institution has been home to numerous distinguished scholars, including Erasmus of Rotterdam, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Leonhard Euler, along with ten Nobel laureates.

Location and campus environment

The main building of the University of Basel is centrally located at Petersplatz 1 in Basel, Switzerland. This historic campus is easily accessible via public transportation—just a ten-minute ride on bus 30 from either the SBB or Badischer Bahnhof train stations to the "Universität" stop. Although the campus can be reached by car from the A2/A3 highways, finding parking proves challenging, thus most visitors opt for public transport.

The main university building operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm, providing students with extended access to campus facilities. For those arriving by plane, the Basel EuroAirport connects to the university via the airport shuttle bus (number 50) to SBB train station, followed by bus 30.

Student population and diversity

As of the fall semester 2024, the University of Basel hosts 13,325 students and doctoral candidates, with women comprising 58.3% of the student body. The student population reflects remarkable diversity, with international students accounting for 27% overall.

The university of basel features seven faculties covering a wide academic spectrum. The Faculty of Medicine stands as the largest, enrolling 25.1% of all students, followed by the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Notably, 22.7% of enrollees are doctoral candidates, highlighting the institution's strong research orientation.

The university demonstrates strong regional ties, with 36.8% of students (4,904 individuals) coming from the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft. At the same time, the international character becomes increasingly pronounced at higher academic levels—approximately half of all doctoral candidates come from abroad, underscoring the university of basel's global research reputation.

After steady growth until 2017, when enrollment approached 13,000, student numbers have stabilized in recent years, maintaining the university's intimate yet diverse academic environment.

University of Basel Rankings 2025

The University of Basel continues to cement its position as a leading university in Switzerland with impressive standings across major global assessment systems in 2025.

QS World University Rankings

According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of Basel holds position #131 globally, marking a slight shift from its #124 ranking in 2024. On the European stage, Basel University stands at #80, reflecting its strong academic reputation. Significantly, the institution earned the #74 spot in QS Sustainability rankings, demonstrating its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

The university of basel qs ranking shows notable fluctuation over recent years:

Year	QS World Ranking
2023	136
2024	124
2025	131

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, the University of Basel secured position #126, maintaining relatively stable performance compared to its #123 ranking in 2024. As the oldest university in Switzerland, it ranks 4th among Swiss institutions.

THE subject rankings showcase Basel University's strengths in specific disciplines:

• Medical and Health: #84 (improved from #91 in 2024)
• Life Sciences: #93 (previously #86)
• Psychology: #176-200
• Arts and Humanities: #126-150

U.S. News & CWUR Rankings

The U.S. News & World Report places the University of Basel at #168 in its Best Global Universities ranking. Regionally, it ranks as the #61 best university in Europe and #6 in Switzerland, confirming its status as a top-tier academic institution.

Subject-specific rankings

The University of Basel demonstrates exceptional academic strength across multiple disciplines. Consequently, its subject-specific rankings reveal areas of global excellence:

• Neuroscience and Behavior: #42 (U.S. News)
• Infectious Diseases: #44 (U.S. News)
• Biology and Biochemistry: #67 (U.S. News)
• Nursing: #101 (QS, down from #51)
• Pharmacy and Pharmacology: #97 (QS, improved from #70)
• Cell Biology: #83 (U.S. News)
• Molecular Biology and Genetics: #101 (U.S. News)[31]

For prospective students considering specialized fields, these rankings provide valuable insights into the university of basel's academic strengths. Medicine maintains strong performance at #119 in QS rankings, whereas Biological Sciences sits at #84, down from #64 in 2024. Despite some fluctuations in individual subjects, the consistent presence of University of Basel across major ranking systems confirms its reputation for academic excellence and research impact.

Courses and Programs Offered

Academic excellence at the University of Basel spans across a diverse range of programs delivered through its seven departments. As a leading university in Switzerland, it offers comprehensive educational opportunities at all levels of study.

Undergraduate programs

The University of Basel provides numerous bachelor's degree programs primarily focusing on Science, Arts, Psychology, Humanities, Theology, Law, and Medicine. Some of the most prominent undergraduate offerings include:

• BS in Computer Science
• Bachelor's in English
• Bachelor's in Geography
• Bachelor's in Physics
• Bachelor's in Theology
• Bachelor's in Economics
• Bachelor's in Mathematics

Students are admitted to these programs based on rules defined in the Student Regulations and specific study guidelines. For admission, you must submit your application by the established deadline.

Postgraduate programs

Basel University offers an extensive selection of master's programs across various disciplines. These include specialized options such as:

• Master's in Actuarial Science
• Master's in Biomedical Engineering
• Master's in Computer Science
• Master's in Data Science
• Master's in Economics & Public Policy
• Master's in Mathematics

Moreover, the university features unique interdisciplinary programs like European Global Studies, Sustainable Development, and specialized religious studies. Master's programs typically allow commencement in either fall or spring semesters, with certain exceptions that only permit fall entry.

Doctoral and research opportunities

The university of basel ranking reflects its strong research orientation, with 22.7% of all enrollees being doctoral candidates. The institution hosts approximately 2,000 PhD students among its total student population of 9,000 undergraduates.

With 320 professors and 1,300 academic staff dedicated to advancing knowledge, the University of Basel provides exceptional research environments. Doctoral studies admission follows specific procedures outlined in the Student Regulations, requiring timely application submission.

Popular courses for international students

For international applicants, the university of basel acceptance rate and program availability make certain courses particularly attractive. Many international students gravitate toward:

• Business and Economics with specialization options
• Biomedical Engineering (joint degree program)
• Psychology with Health and Interventions focus
• Various master's programs in Humanities and Social Sciences

Especially, the Life Sciences, Medicine, and specialized interdisciplinary programs enjoy considerable international popularity. With 30% of the student population comprising international students from over 100 nations, these programs foster diverse learning environments.

Master's in University of Basel Switzerland

Pursuing a Master's degree at the University of Basel offers students an advanced academic pathway following completion of their bachelor's studies. First and foremost, this prestigious university in Switzerland provides diverse master's programs across multiple disciplines, equipping graduates with specialized knowledge and enhanced career prospects.

For admission to a master's program at Basel University, you need a bachelor's degree with 180 credit points from a recognized higher education institution. The application process involves creating a user account on the university portal and submitting required documents along with a CHF 100 application fee. Even if you haven't received your final degree certificate by the application deadline, you can still apply and submit missing documents later.

The University of Basel offers four types of master's admission:

• Admission without conditions or additional requirements
• Admission with conditions
• Admission with additional requirements
• Admission with both conditions and additional requirements

For graduates from Swiss or non-Swiss universities of applied sciences, admission requires a minimum grade point average of 5.0 (unrounded) according to the Swiss grading system. Similarly, international applicants must verify that their degree qualifies them for entry into their chosen master's program.

The master's programs at University of Basel span various faculties with numerous specialization options. For instance, the Master of Arts program in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences allows students to either choose two subjects or a master study program. In contrast, the Master of Science in Business and Economics offers seven areas of specialization including Data Science and Computational Economics, Finance, and International Business.

Most programs offer flexibility regarding when you begin your studies. Generally speaking, commencement is possible in either fall or spring semesters, though starting in spring may extend your standard period of study for certain programs. Therefore, it's essential to review specific program requirements before applying.

The main languages of instruction at the University of Basel are German and English. As a result, proficiency in these languages is crucial for successful completion of your studies. The specific language requirements are detailed in the faculty-specific study regulations for each program.

The University of Basel ranking reflects its academic strength, making its master's programs highly regarded internationally. Nevertheless, the university's focus on research excellence particularly benefits graduate-level students seeking advanced educational opportunities.

University of Basel Acceptance Rate and Admission Process

Getting admitted to the University of Basel requires navigating a competitive selection process. Given its status as a premier university in Switzerland, understanding the acceptance criteria and application requirements is essential for prospective students.

Acceptance rate and competitiveness

The University of Basel acceptance rate ranges between 19% and 28%, making it quite selective among European institutions. Currently, the university hosts approximately 12,811 enrolled students, including about 3,327 international students from diverse backgrounds. Given these figures, securing admission requires strong academic credentials and thorough preparation. Basel University's selective admission process has remained consistent for several years, reflecting its commitment to maintaining high academic standards[56].

Eligibility criteria for UG and PG

For undergraduate admission, applicants must provide:

• Secondary school certificate (Maturitätszeugnis) or recognized foreign equivalent
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (approximately 70%)
• Proof of passport and educational transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Professional resume

The university of basel evaluates non-Swiss secondary school certificates based on criteria in the admission regulations, which follow swissuniversities Chamber of Universities recommendations. For postgraduate programs, applicants need a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with specific GPA requirements.

Language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL)

Since German and English are the principal languages of instruction at the University of Basel, language proficiency is crucial.

Requirements include:

Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS	6.0
TOEFL iBT	80
TOEFL PBT	550
TOEFL CBT	215

For German-taught programs, proficiency at C1 level is recommended.

Application deadlines and process For Indian Students

Indian students follow the standard international application process:

1. Create an account on the online application portal
2. Submit certified translated official documents
3. Complete the application form
4. Pay the application fee of CHF 100 (approximately INR 9,700)[63]

Application deadlines for various programs:

• Fall Semester 2025: April 30, 2025[65]
• Spring Semester 2026: November 30, 2025[65]

Evidently, some programs like Medicine and Sport, Exercise and Health have earlier deadlines of February 15, 2025[65].

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Financing your education at the University of Basel represents a surprisingly affordable investment compared to many international institutions. This prestigious university in Switzerland maintains consistent fee structures for both domestic and international students.

Semester-wise fee structure

The University of Basel fees follow a straightforward structure with regular students charged CHF 850 per semester, totaling CHF 1,700 annually (approximately INR 1.61 lakh). Doctoral candidates pay a reduced fee of CHF 350 per semester, while students taking a leave of absence are charged only CHF 150. Importantly, a one-time application fee of CHF 100 applies, with an additional CHF 150 charged for late applications.

Scholarships for international students

Specifically for international students, the University of Basel offers various financial support options. The Biozentrum PhD Fellowships Program stands out as a full-funding scholarship for international students pursuing studies in Molecular Life Sciences. Besides these opportunities, the university primarily awards partial scholarships during the final degree phase (BA/MA), ranging from CHF 200 to 600 per person monthly.

Solidarity Fund and other financial aid

Chiefly, the Basel University Solidarity Fund (Solifonds) provides supplementary financial support between CHF 500 and 1000 per person per semester. Additionally, the Legat Grobe offers CHF 200-600 monthly for biology students focusing on zoology/botany. Furthermore, special medical department funds from the Margarete and Walter Lichtenstein Foundation assist Swiss medical students.

Cost comparison with other Swiss universities

Comparatively, the university of basel ranking high in affordability among Swiss institutions:

University	Swiss Students (CHF)	Foreign Students (CHF)
Basel	850	850
Geneva	435	435
Lausanne	500	500
Bern	750	950
St. Gallen	1000-1200	2900-3100

Indeed, while some universities like St. Gallen charge substantially higher fees for international students, the University of Basel maintains equal fees for all, making it exceptionally attractive for international applicants.

Final Thoughts on University of Basel

University of Basel certainly stands out as an exceptional choice for your higher education journey. With its rich 550-year legacy and competitive global position reflected in the QS World University Rankings (#131) and Times Higher Education Rankings (#126), this prestigious institution offers academic excellence at remarkably affordable rates.

The combination of reasonable acceptance rates between 19-28% makes admission challenging yet attainable for qualified applicants. Additionally, the annual fees of CHF 1,700 (approximately INR 1.61 lakh) represent exceptional value compared to other European universities of similar caliber.

Students from across the globe benefit from diverse academic offerings spanning seven faculties, with particularly strong programs in Life Sciences and Medicine. The university serves as home to a vibrant community of over 13,000 students, including more than 3,300 international students from 100+ countries, creating a truly global learning environment.

Financial support through various scholarships, fellowships, and the Solidarity Fund ensures that talented students can pursue their academic dreams regardless of financial circumstances. Therefore, Basel University successfully combines historical prestige with modern educational approaches while maintaining inclusive policies for international applicants.

Overall, when considering your options for studying in Europe, the University of Basel deserves serious consideration. The institution's commitment to academic excellence, affordability, and international diversity makes it an outstanding choice for ambitious students seeking quality education in the heart of Switzerland.

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