The federal system of higher education in Switzerland is described. Consideration is given to: the links between the second and third cycle education that facilitate access to higher education; the system of examinations and diplomas; research; university libraries; nontraditional education; and working conditions for faculty. After summarizing the history of higher education in Switzerland, attention is directed to education, research, and service roles of colleges, and the relationship of the university and the labor market. Information is provided on: degrees awarded, the university sector, higher technical schools, teacher education, advanced study, the Federal Institute of Technology, admission criteria for the different sectors, university certificates and licenses, characteristics of students by sector, college administration and finance, scholarships, and international relations at the university level. Appendices include curriculum descriptions and data on: the number of teachers, students, and college graduates; the number of students by field of study and sex; proportion of women in university education; full-time teachers by discipline, 1983; and research and development expenditures by discipline and number of teachers, 1975. (SW)