In addition to "universities of applied sciences" (UAS), the Swiss tertiary education system uses the term "universities". This term encompasses all ten cantonal universities and both federal institutes of technology (FITs), i.e. the ETH in Zurich and the EPF in Lausanne. In 2009/2010, around 127,000 people studied at one of these twelve Swiss universities; around 50% were women and about 26% were foreign nationals (male and female).

The Swiss Confederation has jurisdiction over the two FITs and each Swiss canton has jurisdiction over the university located within its boundaries. For the time being, additional funding of cantonal universities comes from the Swiss Confederation and the other Swiss cantons, the latter within the framework of corresponding inter-cantonal agreements.

Art.63a of the Swiss Federal Constitution requires the Swiss Confederation and the cantons to jointly coordinate the Swiss university system, thereby ensuring a high degree of quality. Education levels, transitions between these levels, continuing education, mutual recognition of institutions and degrees as well as the basic principles of funding are normally harmonised. In addition, universities share tasks and responsibilities for particularly cost-intensive areas so as to avoid duplication of efforts.

Within this context, the Swiss Confederation and the cantons are currently working on a new project called "Swiss Higher Education Landscape". Their aim is to enact legislation regulating the entire tertiary education sector (cantonal universities, universities of applied sciences, federal institutes of technology) in a uniform fashion so as to ensure that Swiss universities continue to provide high quality and remain competitive for years to come.