Pension Fund / Retirement Planning

UZH is subject to the Swiss social security system. Where pensions are concerned, this is based on a three-pillar system consisting of the state pension (pillar 1), occupational pension provision (pillar 2), and personal pension schemes (pillar 3).

OASI/DI/LEC (AHV/IV/EO in German – pillar 1) is the mandatory state pension. It is intended to ensure a subsistence-level income in old age.

Occupational pension provision (pillar 2), also referred to as company pension fund, is also mandatory. It is intended to maintain a person’s current standard of living after they retire (when added to their pillar 1 pension).

For the duration of their employment, UZH professors are insured with the BVK occupational pension fund, with the VSAO pension fund (SNSF professors only) or with the WWPK foundation (professors appointed and taking up their positions prior to 16 April 1989 only). 

Personal pension schemes (pillar 3) are optional. Here, personal savings are used to close any gaps in pension provision that are not covered by pillars 1 and 2.