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Association of Swiss Student Unions
VSS-UNES-USU
The VSUZH (Association of Students at Universities of Applied Sciences Zurich) is a member of the VSS ( Swiss Student Union). The VSS represents the student bodies of universities of applied sciences, universities of teacher education, and universities—and thus the interests of students—at the federal level. The VSS is also a member of ESU, the European Students' Union . The association's core issues are higher education policy and student participation. Its work focuses on developments in higher education in Switzerland and Europe, equal opportunities, gender equality issues, quality assurance and accreditation at universities, sustainability, student mobility, and solidarity concerns of students worldwide. To this end, the VSS collaborates with all institutions, organizations, and bodies relevant to higher education and maintains direct contact with national policymakers. The VSS is politically neutral. The association is financed by membership fees and contributions from the Federal Social Insurance Office (BSV).
The VSS's substantive work is supported by four thematic commissions:
Commission for International Affairs and Solidarity Work (SOLIC)
Higher Education Policy Commission (HoPoKo)
Equal Opportunities Commission (CodEg)
Substantive decisions and strategic choices are made by the Delegates' Assembly, which meets twice a year. The association is represented externally by the bodies elected at the Delegates' Assembly: the Executive Board and the Board of Directors. The Executive Board is responsible for the political and financial management of the association, while the Board of Directors maintains the relationships between the thematic committees and the sections.
You can find more information on the VSS homepage .
100 Jahre VSS
The Federation of Swiss Student Unions (VSS) was founded in 1920 and has represented the interests of students at the national level ever since. In its early years, the federation focused primarily on international networking among students and on providing social support during and after the World Wars. At the same time, initial common positions on university policy and student participation were developed.
From the 1960s onwards, and especially in the 1970s, the VSS (Association of German Students) gained increasing political significance. The student movements of this period led to stronger demands for democratic participation, equal opportunities, and a more open university system. The association campaigned, among other things, for better study conditions, the expansion of scholarships, and against social inequalities in the education system.
In the following decades, the VSS played a key role in shaping important educational policy debates in Switzerland. These included issues of university funding, student mobility, the recognition of qualifications, and later, the implementation of the Bologna Process. At the same time, the association increasingly advocated for sustainability, equality, and access to education regardless of background or financial situation.
Today, the VSS represents students to politicians, universities, and the public, and collaborates with national and international organizations. Its central goal has remained the same for over a hundred years: improving study conditions and providing political representation for students in Switzerland.
In 2020, the Federation of Swiss Student Associations celebrated its 100th anniversary. This is a particularly good occasion to reflect on what has changed over time and what we can learn from the past.
Scroll through the chronology and let yourself be inspired by the changes.